Factors That Negatively Contribute to a Woman’s Reproductive Health

Women are most fertile when they are in their twenties. As the years go on, the chances of getting pregnant decrease substantially. By the time a woman is in her mid-thirties, ovulation may not be occurring regularly. Aside from age, there are a number of other factors that can contribute to a woman’s reproductive health. This can include body healthy, body weight, hormone imbalances, the use of contraceptives and the quality of water that you drink. Let’s take a closer look at issues that relate to the reproductive health of the modern woman.

Factors That Negatively Contribute to a Woman's Reproductive Health

Body Weight

When your body is carrying around a number of extra pounds, this can lead to a change in how your body is producing reproductive hormones. The more weight you gain, the bigger the decrease in ovary function. The effects of obesity can cause permanent issues at a young age. Females who are overweight at the age of 18 have a higher risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome, according to a study published by Fertility and Sterility. This condition leads to fertility issues. Being overweight can affect your chances of getting pregnant, but being too thin can lead to the same hormonal challenges. A low BMI will cause the body to be deficient in leptin. When leptin levels are low, this can cause the body to skip periods.

Stress Levels

When the body is feeling stressed, there are enzymes in the body that are released. These enzymes can prevent the reproductive system from working properly. Being chronically stressed can prevent you from ovulating regularly. Many women have had success with getting pregnant after finding ways to cut the stress in their life. Things like exercise, yoga and hobbies can be a way to unwind and decrease stress.

Age

A woman will go through menopause in her 40s or 50s. During this time there is no longer ovulation. For the ten years or so leading up to menopause, the body starts to go through some hormonal changes to prepare. This time period is called perimenopause. The age that this occurs varies from woman to woman. Many women find that their ability to get pregnant decreases around the age of 35. This is when the body’s egg count decreases. There’s no reason to panic. Many women are still able to get pregnant in their 40s. For a woman who has been actively trying to get pregnant but hasn’t been able to do so, a fertility specialist should be visited sooner than later.

Contraception

Many women choose to take a form of contraception when they are younger. This is a way to prevent pregnancy before you are ready. Unfortunately, some of these medications are not safe. They can even lead to fertility issues later on. The menstrual cycle can be affected by birth control. When the body goes off of the medication, it has difficulty re-regulating itself. Many women experience a hormone imbalance from taking birth control long term. Certain hormones are not in sync, and the body will not support a pregnancy. Contraception can alter the state of cervical mucus, change ovulation and change the uterine lining.

Water

It is very important to stay hydrated when you are trying to get pregnant. This affects your hormones, the state of your uterine lining, etc. The quality of water that you are drinking is also very important. Drinking bottled or filtered water is preferred. A lot of water in the United States is contaminated by things like pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers, industrial waste, pharmaceutical drugs and commercial cleaning products. All of these chemicals can cause a person’s reproductive health to suffer greatly.

It is important to remember that a man’s reproductive health can also be affected by a number of environmental factors. Sperm count can decrease from things like stress, obesity and smoking. In order to remain in top shape during the reproductive years, it is important to take care of oneself. Eating right, getting enough sleep, taking a prenatal vitamin, staying hydrated and getting routine medical care can all contribute to an easier time getting pregnant. This will help prevent a number of birth defects and chromosomal abnormalities.

Kristi Cathey
 

Hi everyone! My name is Kristi Cathey and I’m glad you found your way to my blog. I am a mother of 3 beautiful angels. This blog was created in order to share my personal experiences in baby care and general health care for pregnant women. If you'd like to get in touch with me, please contact me by sending me an email via kristicathey.intelligentmother@gmail.com. Welcome to Intelligentmother.com

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