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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

Most types of male infertility aren't preventable. However, avoid drug and tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, which may contribute to male infertility. Also, high temperatures can affect sperm production and motility. Although this effect is usually temporary, avoid hot tubs and steam baths.

For couples, having intercourse two to three times a week may improve fertility. Too-frequent ejaculation can lessen sperm quality. Sperm survive in the female reproductive tract for up to 72 hours, and an egg can be fertilized for up to 24 hours after ovulation.

A woman can increase her chances of becoming pregnant in a number of ways:

  • Exercise moderately. Regular exercise is important, but if you're exercising so intensely that your periods are infrequent or absent, your fertility may be impaired.
  • Avoid weight extremes. Being overweight or underweight can affect your hormone production and cause infertility.
  • Avoid alcohol, tobacco and street drugs. These substances may impair your ability to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy. Don't drink alcohol or smoke tobacco. Avoid illegal drugs such as marijuana and cocaine.
  • Limit caffeine. Women trying to get pregnant may want to limit caffeine intake. Ask your doctor for guidance on safe use of caffeine.
  • Limit medications. The use of both prescription and nonprescription drugs can decrease your chance of getting pregnant or keeping a pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about any medications you take regularly.
Coping and support
References
  1. Infertility. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/infertility.cfm. Accessed May 16, 2011.
  2. Kuohung W, et al. Overview of infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2011.
  3. Infertility. The Merck Manuals: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/sec22/ch254/ch254a.html. Accessed May 16, 2011.
  4. Swerdloff RS, et al. Causes of male infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2011.
  5. Kuohung W, et al. Causes of female infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2011.
  6. Lobo RA. Infertility: Etiology, diagnostic evaluation, management, prognosis. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1524/0.html. Accessed May 13, 2011.
  7. Kuohung W, et al. Overview of treatment of female infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2011.
  8. Evans MI, et al. Screening and testing in multiples. Clinics in Laboratory Medicine. 2010;30:643.
  9. Pauli SA, et al. Current status of the approach to assisted reproduction. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2009;56:467.
  10. Zoorob RJ, et al. Women's health: Selected topics. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice. 2010;37:367.
  11. Peck JD, et al. A review of the epidemiologic evidence concerning the reproductive health effects of caffeine consumption: A 2000-2009 update. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2010;48:2549.
  12. Boivin J, et al. Emotional distress in infertile women and failure of assisted reproductive technologies: Meta-analysis of prospective psychosocial studies. British Medical Journal. 2011;342d:223.
  13. Uterine fibroids: Frequently asked questions. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/FAQ/uterine-fibroids.cfm. Accessed May 16, 2011.
  14. Hornstein MD, et al. Optimizing natural fertility in couples planning pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2011.
  15. Fauser BC. Overview of ovulation induction. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2011.
  16. Wilkins KM, et al. Depressive symptoms related to infertility and infertility treatments. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2010:33;309.
  17. Coddington CC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 3, 2011.
DS00310 Sept. 9, 2011

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