Causes of infertility: Gynaecologist blames it on pollution, poor sleep, diet mistakes, lack of exercise, other bad habits

Causes of infertility: Unhealthy diets, consumption of ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and trans fats are closely associated with the rising prevalence of obesity among women (Image: Pexels)

Increasing infertility rates in India highlight a worrying connection between lifestyle and fertility. The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reveals that 18.7 out of every 1,000 women in India married for five years or more are infertile. Secondary infertility — failure to conceive after a previous pregnancy — is also becoming more prevalent. Factors such as late marriage, obesity, thyroid disease, and exposure to tobacco smoke or alcohol are significant contributors to this trend.

Irregular sleep patterns, chronic stress, lack of physical activity, and poor nutrition can lead to hormonal imbalances, thereby affecting fertility.

Lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity and PCOS are increasingly seen among women in their 30s and 40s, Dr Kajal Singh, Associate Professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at NIIMS Medical College and Hospital, tells Moneycontrol. Nearly 50 percent of Indian women aged 35-49 are overweight or obese, which affects their metabolic and hormonal functioning and disrupts their menstrual cycles and ability to conceive. However, simple lifestyle adjustments can enhance natural fertility and reproductive health.

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Sleep Patterns

Disrupted or irregular sleep can alter cortisol and other reproductive hormones that regulate ovulation. Due to urban work schedules, shift work, and nighttime screen use, many people sleep less than needed. Irregular sleep is a major stress factor that disrupts metabolic pathways, both of which are well-established risk factors in Indian studies, linked to obesity and thyroid disorders, affecting fertility directly.

Nutrition Choices

Unhealthy diets, consumption of ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and trans fats are closely associated with the rising prevalence of obesity among women. Experts note that both nutrition and health are particularly challenging for women of childbearing age.

Stress Levels

In India, childbearing is often delayed due to educational, occupational, and financial goals. While this has been empowering, it has led to increased psychological stress, causing disparities in hormonal issues and reproductive health. NFHS data and similar studies show a high incidence of infertility in urban areas characterized by stress, late marriages, and demanding professional lives.

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Exercise Balance

A commonly reported lifestyle factor related to infertility in India is physical inactivity. Various studies indicate negative effects on reproductive health from sedentary behavior. Excessive or highly intense exercise can also disrupt the menstrual cycle if combined with inadequate nutrition and insufficient recovery. However, in the Indian context, physical inactivity coupled with weight gain is almost certainly a more significant issue concerning infertility risk.

Substance Exposure

Habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol are directly linked to the rise in secondary infertility cases in India. High caffeine consumption, exposure to pesticides, and heavy metals in the environment are also being studied.

Screen Time & Sedentary Hours

Prolonged sitting and excessive screen time are significantly associated with increasing obesity among women aged 35-49 years in India. Long periods of sedentary behavior, especially with late-night screen use, contribute to sleep disturbances and insulin resistance, leading to metabolic dysregulation and potentially aggravating PCOS, which negatively impacts fertility.

Environmental Toxins

Pollution, an environmental toxin, can act as an endocrine disruptor by mimicking or blocking natural hormones, affecting fertility. It can result in poor sperm quality in men and irregular cycles in women. Fertility is influenced not only by biology but also by daily lifestyle choices.

You can make small, intentional changes to improve reproductive health and enhance the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to benefit fertility and overall reproductive health. Incorporate whole grains, lean protein, fresh fruits, and vegetables into your diet while minimizing processed franchise chicken, soft drinks, and trans fats. Moderate physical activity (30-60 minutes most days), such as walking, yoga, or biking, can also improve circulation, hormone regulation, and overall health.

FAQs on Causes of Infertility

1. What are the common lifestyle factors leading to infertility?

Common lifestyle factors include late marriages, obesity, thyroid disease, smoking, alcohol consumption, irregular sleep, chronic stress, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity.

2. How does obesity affect fertility in women?

Obesity can disrupt metabolic and hormonal functions, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and reduced ability to conceive. Nearly 50% of Indian women aged 35-49 are overweight or obese.

3. Can stress impact fertility?

Yes, chronic stress can cause hormonal imbalances, affecting reproductive health. High stress levels are linked to increased infertility rates, particularly in urban areas with demanding lifestyles.

4. How does poor sleep affect fertility?

Irregular sleep patterns can alter reproductive hormones and stress levels, leading to obesity and thyroid disorders, which directly affect fertility.

5. What role does nutrition play in fertility?

A diet high in ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and trans fats can contribute to obesity and poor reproductive health. A balanced diet with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce is beneficial for fertility.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.