In the previous weeks we have looked at the revolution of the family structure, we have managed to look into single parenting and even the background issues surrounding children raised in such environments and that is awesome.

In today’s topic however, I thought I would look at parenting and infertility. While this may seem like the most irrelevant article to  a millennial or gen z, I assure you all this is about you. You’ll be surprised to  find out that most infertility problems are actually realized or caused by lifestyles arising from your teenagehood  and young adult life.

Do I now have your attention? If so well let’s delve into it.

See, having a baby is a happy occasion that many couples look forward to. So when you get to that point in life, this will be something you too are interested in. However, the concern here is that more than five million people, both men and women, have problems with infertility. In fact, about 35% of fertility cases can be traced to a problem in the man, and an additional 20% to a problem in both partners. Interesting right? In our African society most people think it’s the woman’s problem if there is no child in the marriage but research will tell us otherwise.

The question then becomes, what causes this infertility?

Causes of infertility 

If you’re trying to get pregnant now, or planning to in the future, it’s wise to identify any potential risk factors you or your partner may have, and to tell your doctor right away. The sooner you detect, address, and treat problems that may affect fertility, the better your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy. To be fair, I decided to look at it from both genders perspectives.

In Women

  1. Being Over or Underweight

Body fat levels that are 10% to 15%above normal can overload the body with estrogen, throwing off the reproductive cycle. Body fat levels 10 to 15 percent below normal can completely shut down the reproductive process.

  1. Having a hormonal imbalance

Irregularities in the hormone system (characterized by irregular menstrual cycles or short, long, or heavy periods) can affect ovulation.

  1. Having an autoimmune disorder

Diseases such as lupus, diabetes, thyroid disease, and rheumatoid arthritis can interfere with fertility.

  1. Taking medication

Antidepressants, antibiotics, painkillers, and other drugs used to treat chronic disorders may cause temporary infertility.

  1. Using tobacco or alcohol

Smoking may increase the risk of infertility in women; and even moderate alcohol consumption (as few as five drinks a week) can impair conception.

  1. Being exposed to occupational or environmental hazards

Prolonged exposure to high mental stress, high temperatures, chemicals, radiation, or heavy electromagnetic or microwave emissions may reduce a woman’s fertility.

  1. Fallopian tube disease

I’ll put up a link about this disease for your own personal research.

  1. An STD, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, or chlamydia
  1. Endometriosis 

This is a condition in which tissue from the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and/or bowel. Research indicates that it accounts for between 5% and 30% of female infertility. In some cases, women with endometriosis have no painful symptoms. In these instances, the condition can only be confirmed with an outpatient surgical procedure called a laparoscopy. Several factors may contribute to infertility, including:

  • Scar tissue: Rigid webs of scar tissue may form between the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, preventing the transfer of the egg to the fallopian tubes.
  • Cysts: Endometrial cysts may grow inside the ovaries and prevent the release of the egg or its collection by the fallopian tube.
  • Poor egg implantation: Endometriosis may prevent the fertilized egg from adhering to the uterine wall.

Early detection of the condition is key to its successful control and to preserving fertility, I recommend a visit to your doctor.

In Men

  1. Being a smoker

Smoking impairs the ability of sperm to move (its motility).

  1. Using alcohol

Having more than one or two drinks a day can affect the quality and quantity of sperm, lower testosterone levels, and contribute to erectile dysfunction.

  1. Taking illegal drugs

Cocaine or heavy marijuana (weed, ndom, bhang) use may temporarily reduce the number and quality of sperm by as much as 50 percent.

  1. Taking prescription drugs

Some medications, such as those for ulcers or psoriasis, can slow or prevent the production of sperm.

  1. Being exposed to toxic substances or hazards on the job

Chronic exposure to elements such as lead, cadmium, mercury, hydrocarbons, pesticides, radioactivity, and X-rays may have an impact on sperm count and quality.

  1. Exposing genitals to heat

The frequent use of saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, whirlpools, and hot baths can temporarily impair sperm production and reduce sperm count.

  1. Having certain conditions or illnesses

Men with a history of prostatitis or genital infection, mumps after puberty, surgery on their hernia, undescended testicles, or scrotal varicose veins (varicocele) may also experience a decrease in fertility.

Note one thing though, that most people who have multiple sexual partners are the ones at the highest risk of having infertility issues. I guess what I am trying to say is that your lifestyle matters and you can do something about it now.

Next time I’ll discuss the effects of infertility to a millennial and I am looking forward to it. Let me know in the comments down below if you found this article relevant to you. Cheers!

Sharleen ❤❤❤

Sources: MayoClinic.com; RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association; The Couple’s Guide to Fertility by Gary S. Berger, MD, Marc Goldstein, MD, and Mark Fuerst (Broadway Books, 2001); National Women’s Health Information Center