Fertility-friendly lifestyle choices: what to avoid and why it matters
Your lifestyle choices have a significant impact on fertility—whether you’re trying to conceive now or planning for the future. From tobacco and drug use to diet and hormone supplements, certain habits can harm reproductive health in both men and women. Understanding the risks can help you make informed, fertility-friendly decisions.
The Fertility Risks of Smoking
Smoking tobacco is strongly linked to reduced fertility in both men and women. For women, smoking not only decreases the chances of conception but is also associated with increased risks of stillbirth, low birthweight, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Women who smoke—especially those who smoke 20 or more cigarettes a day—are significantly less likely to conceive through in vitro fertilization (IVF) compared to non-smokers.
Smoking appears to accelerate the loss of eggs, with hormonal signs pointing to prematurely aged ovarian follicles and a diminished egg reserve.
In men, smoking contributes to vascular damage that can impair blood flow—an essential factor for erectile function and sexual performance. Long-term smoking is also associated with a decline in sperm health and overall fertility.
Marijuana and Male Fertility
Recreational marijuana use can interfere with sexual function and sperm quality. Studies suggest that marijuana:
Increases levels of female hormones in men
Leads to abnormally shaped sperm
Disrupts the production of luteinizing hormone (LH), reducing testosterone levels
These hormonal changes can significantly lower fertility and impact sexual health.
The Hidden Effects of Cocaine and Steroid Use
Cocaine use has been shown in animal studies to damage sperm-producing cells, potentially reducing sperm count and motility.
Anabolic steroids—commonly used to build muscle—can act as a male contraceptive by disrupting hormone signals necessary for sperm production. Despite the belief that they enhance sexual performance, steroids often have the opposite effect.
Be Cautious with Testosterone Therapy
Unsupervised use of testosterone supplements (patches, pills, or injections) can shut down the body's natural production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)—both essential for sperm development.
Men considering or currently using testosterone should only do so under the care of a physician familiar with male reproductive health.
How Long Until Fertility Recovers?
If you stop using harmful substances, fertility can often improve—but it takes time. The average sperm production cycle is about 74 days, so it may take at least that long to see healthy sperm levels return.
Take the Next Step Toward Fertility Health
Whether you’re planning for a family or simply want to protect your reproductive future, avoiding tobacco, marijuana, recreational drugs, and unsupervised hormone use is a powerful step.
Take control of your reproductive health with expert guidance from Bastion Health—offering personalized virtual care to support your fertility journey, all covered through your employer-sponsored benefits.
