Concerning environmental exposures, assessing the exposures of each individual may be crucial to reproductive health of the couple. Eliminating every exposure is unrealistic; however, identifying, eliminating, or minimizing even one factor may have significant positive effects on fertility for both men and women.
Taking care of a current fertility problem may provide better fertility in the future. Taking preventative steps such as visiting your doctor and using contraception may help fertility. Making appointments with a doctor for both preventative measures and when problems arise may assist in increasing fertility for both men and women. In addition, using appropriate contraception may have a positive impact on a couple’s fertility. Other factors such as clothing choice, wet heat, and lubricants may also impact a couple’s fertility. Overall, while there is suggestive data, a clear negative influence of the type of underwear or clothing on semen quality has not been proven, and the overall effects on a couple’s fertility are still unknown. While there is suggestive data, there is very little actual evidence linking wet heat and fertility to suggest cessation of the use of wet heat. Research suggests that some lubricants can be beneficial for couples trying to conceive, and some lubricants may be detrimental to fertilization. Choosing an appropriate lubricant may provide the couple with improved chances of achieving a pregnancy.
The lifestyle factors discussed in the present review have the potential to impact fertility. It is important to understand the ways in which lifestyle behaviors may benefit or harm fertility in order to minimize complications and to maximize fertility outcomes. By understanding the impact of lifestyle on reproductive health, and by actively modifying lifestyle behaviors, men and women are capable of controlling their own fertility potential.
OR: Odds ratio; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; IUI: Intra uterine insemination; MDA: Malondialdehyde; RR: Relative risk; BMI: Body mass index; ED: Erectile dysfunction; SHBG: Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; GnRH: Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; LH: Luteinizing Hormone; HA: Hyaluronan; TAC: Total antioxidant capacity; FSH: Follicle stimulating hormone; RFEMW: RadioFrequency ElectroMagnetic Waves; BPA: Bisphenol A; DDT: DichloroDiphenylTrichloroethane; DDE: DichloroDiphenyldichloroEthylene; 5-ASA: 5-Aminosalicylic acid.
RKS conceived the study, participated in the study design compilation of the contents and critical review of the paper. KRB and JMF were responsible for literature (Medline) search, compilation of the information, drafting and finalizing the paper. AA provided substantial contribution ranging from study idea, design, and critical review of the final paper. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
KRB and JMF were summer interns at the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio. RS is the Coordinator of the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Ohio. AA is the Director of the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Ohio.
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