Doctor Segment:Is there anything else my husband and I can do to improve our chances of conceiving?.

DOCTOR;Good general health and sound lifestyle habits can have a positive effect on a person's fertility.If the woman diets excessively,is extremely obese,or exercises too strenuously,the functions of the body are changed enough to prevent normal secretion of hormones and a normal menstrual cycle.

I always advice my patients to avoid the following things while they are trying to get pregnant.

Cigarette smoking.Chemicals in cigarette smoke combine with red blood cells,preventing them from carrying a normal load of oxygen.This is one reason that smokers are less likely to gain weight.If body tissues are so starved for oxygen that they cannot grow properly,it is reasonable to assume that the reproductive system may not function properly either.Studies have conclusively shown a significantly decreased fertility in smokers.

Alcohol.A recent study clearly showed decreased fertility in women who drank moderately (one drink a day or less),it is well known that alcohol is detrimental to the baby's once a woman is pregnant.

Other drugs.Less is known about the effects of other drugs on fertility. Research suggests that marijuana can affects the production of a normal egg,inhibit ovulation,and lower sperm count.Heroin,cocaine,and barbiturates used excessively are known to cause malnutrition,poor health,irregular ovulation,and therefore some degree of infertility.Some tranquilizers can cause the cessation of periods and thus interfere with fertility.

Men and drugs.A man's sperm production and sex drive may be affected by all these substances too.Cigarettes can have a significant effect on sperm production.I advise all the husband i infertile couples to stop smoking.Alcohol can lead to impotence,marijuana can affect production of sperm,heroin,cocaine,and barbiturates can affect both libido (sex drive) and general health;and tranquilizers or antidepressants reduce sperm production in animals and may do the same in men.

Sperm production that begins "today"in a man's testicles does not appear in his ejaculate for about seventy-five days.Whatever ha does today,therefore,will not affect his sperm count or his sperm fertility for seventy-five days.To improve his sperm he must start right now for sperm that will be ejaculated two-and-a-half months from now.

General suggestion.The maxim concerning infertility and use of any drug is,"Don't use the drug."If you are going to the inconvenience and expense of diagnosing your infertility and having it treated,maximize your chances for pregnancy by stopping all drugs,including cigarettes and alcohol.

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Next Question,What reasons for infertility might the physician discover during the examination on the first visit?.Find the doctor response tomorrow.