10 Behaviors and Risk Factors That Can Make It Difficult to Conceive

Many people unknowingly accumulate stress, which negatively affects mental health and may contribute to difficulties with conception.

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Below are 10 common behaviors and factors that can significantly affect fertility and reduce the chances of conception:

1. Regular and Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Regularly consuming excessive amounts of alcohol—including liquor, beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages—over a prolonged period can reduce the chances of conception by up to 50%. Women planning to conceive should limit alcohol intake to no more than one standard drink per day, equivalent to approximately 120 milliliters of wine.

2. Regular Smoking

Women who smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day have an approximately threefold higher risk of difficulty conceiving compared to non-smokers. Cigarettes contain toxic substances that impair egg quality and reduce the efficiency of embryo implantation in the uterus. Smoking also accelerates menopause by up to two years and increases the risk of bone loss, fractures, and skeletal abnormalities.

3. Increasing Age and Hormonal Changes

As women age—particularly after the age of 30—hormonal and physiological changes gradually reduce fertility. Pregnancy at an advanced maternal age also increases the risk of fetal health complications, such as Down syndrome, liver abnormalities, macrosomia (excessive fetal growth), and cleft palate. Early and appropriate pregnancy planning can help minimize these risks.

4. Stress

Many individuals accumulate stress unknowingly, which can negatively affect both mental well-being and fertility. Elevated stress hormones may disrupt reproductive hormone balance, leading to irregular ovulation, poor egg development, and reduced chances of successful implantation.

5. Unhealthy Eating Habits

Frequent consumption of unhealthy foods—especially those lacking essential nutrients—can deprive the body of nutrients necessary for optimal reproductive health. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables with moderate sugar content can significantly improve fertility and increase the likelihood of conception.

6. Excessive Weight Gain or Extreme Thinness

Significant weight fluctuations, including both obesity and being underweight, can negatively affect the body’s readiness for pregnancy. These conditions are associated with reduced fertility and an increased risk of miscarriage. Research shows that underweight women may take up to four times longer to conceive, while overweight women may take approximately twice as long compared to women with a healthy body weight.

7. Consuming More Than Two Cups of Coffee Per Day

An intake of approximately 300 milligrams of caffeine per day—equivalent to about three cups of brewed coffee—has been associated with more than a 25% increase in infertility risk. Consuming more than three cups per day further increases the risk of miscarriage.

8. Regular Consumption of Carbonated Beverages

Although carbonated drinks may feel refreshing, they provide minimal nutritional value. Frequent consumption is linked to elevated blood sugar levels, increased risk of diabetes, and weight gain—all of which can negatively impact fertility and increase the risk of infertility.

9. Lack of Physical Activity

Regular exercise plays an essential role in maintaining overall health and fertility. Physical activity helps reduce excess body fat, supports hormonal balance, improves cardiovascular health, enhances reproductive function, and boosts energy levels. A sedentary lifestyle may reduce fertility potential and lower the chances of conception.

10. Excessive Exposure to Chemicals

Prolonged exposure to chemical pollutants—especially in industrial or factory environments—can result in the accumulation of harmful substances in the body. These chemicals may disrupt ovarian function and adversely affect reproductive cells, ultimately reducing fertility.

Conclusion

Women who are planning to conceive should be aware that these behaviors and risk factors can significantly affect fertility and reproductive potential. By recognizing and modifying these factors, it is possible to improve overall reproductive health and increase the likelihood of successful conception.

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