Infertile Couples LifestyleInfertile couples are being convinced to examine their lifestyle. A study from University of Adelaide has suggested that couples who are incapable of reproducing should seek appropriate guidance about their lifestyle. They should do so before setting out on IVF treatment or various other support reproductive methods.

A fertility nurse specialist and study expert from the University’s Robinson Institute, Gillian Homan, has stated that majority of people relate obesity, stress, smoking and drugs to infertility problems. However they overlook their everyday life as a potential hurdle to reproduce.

Homan further added that infertile couples should be aware of their individual lifestyle. This in the long run may assist them in accomplishing their objective of a healthy infant. These aspects should be dealt in association with the latest ART techniques.

For the purpose of the study, the reproductive health expert was believed to have surveyed 20 new patients to measure their viewpoint of how lifestyle affects fertility. These patients were from Adelaide fertility clinic Repromed.

Evidently, the impact of weight on fertility was extremely strong. Nevertheless, in this study just about 50 percent of overweight women thought their own weight could be a threat for infertility.

“Both obesity and low body weight can cause hormone imbalances and affect ovulation,” says Ms Homan. “The time it takes to become pregnant is markedly increased if both partners are obese and the chance of delivering a healthy baby is also less.”

She explained that obese women are in addition, prone to pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and miscarriage. Other major findings of the study stated that several expectant mothers do not practice the recent recommended guidelines for folic acid supplements.

“A daily supplement of folic acid pre-conceptually and in the first three months of pregnancy has been shown to decrease the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70%. Many women around the world are reportedly unaware of this fact,” Ms Homan says. “Any couples contemplating pregnancy would benefit from preconception advice to ensure their lifestyle choices are giving them the best chance of conceiving.”

Allegedly, this study emphasizes the importance of good pre-conception guidance and support. A follow up study to observe individualized counseling and support which may lead to healthy lifestyle alterations has revealed some hopeful preliminary consequences.

This study has been published in the Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing.