Gynaecologist explains how modern lifestyle habits are reducing fertility in couples

Chronic stress, poor nutrition, obesity and sleep deprivation are silently undermining the fertility of modern couples — and a senior IVF specialist says the problem is getting worse as more young adults develop lifestyle-related medical conditions.

Dr Tarang Yadav, Senior Consultant in the Department of IVF, Obstetrics and Gynaecology at ShardaCare-Healthcity, shared the hidden threats to fertility with HT Lifestyle, along with practical steps couples can take to address them.

How daily habits damage reproductive health

The inability to conceive is, in many cases, rooted in lifestyle rather than underlying medical conditions, Dr Yadav explained. "Over the long term, chronic stress, long working hours, irregular sleep, poor nutrition, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and not exercising enough can impact reproductive health," she said.

Stress, in particular, carries a high reproductive cost. "Stress can also disrupt the body's balance of hormones, which is important to fertility. In females, it can lead to irregular periods and difficulty in ovulation. Long-term stress may harm male sperm count, quality and motility. Stress doesn't always cause infertility, but it can make it harder to conceive," Dr Yadav noted.

Medical conditions compounding the problem

Beyond lifestyle habits, a range of related medical conditions are also affecting fertility — and Dr Yadav says they are increasingly common among young adults. These include obesity, diabetes, thyroid disorders and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).

"Being overweight can affect hormonal balance and decrease reproductive ability," she said. "In women, obesity or PMOS may have an impact on regular ovulation, and in men, it can lead to low levels of testosterone and poor sperm quality. Likewise, unmanaged diabetes can disrupt the normal reproductive process. In the same way, thyroid problems can disrupt normal reproductive function, making it harder to conceive."

What can couples do to protect their fertility?

Dr Yadav outlined several evidence-based steps couples can take to counter these risks. Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate rest, managing stress effectively, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol all contribute meaningfully to reproductive health.

Routine medical check-ups are equally important, as they allow for early detection and treatment of conditions such as PMOS, thyroid disorders, diabetes and nutritional deficiencies — all of which can be addressed before they become harder to manage.

When to seek specialist help

Knowing when to consult a fertility specialist is a critical step that many couples delay. "Females under the age of 35 should see a fertility specialist after a year of attempting to conceive, and females over the age of 35 should see a fertility specialist after 6 months," Dr Yadav advised.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.