Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Ovarian Function and Reproductive Health in Women

Influence of social determinants on fertility: a critical review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Intrinsic factors, such as age, weight and lifestyle habits, together with extrinsic factors, such as socioeconomic level, must be considered when it comes to reproductive healthcare. Over the last few years, studies that attempt to respond to the participation and interaction of these factors in subfertility have been published; however, some questions remain unanswered.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although there are little modifiable factors for women, it is possible to influence other factors, such as behavioural or cultural factors in order to minimize fertility problems; however, they are often highly influenced by each other.

SUMMARY

Advanced age, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol, tobacco and other compounds, have a clearly negative effect and may extend time-to-pregnancy, although the responsible mechanisms and the magnitude of the detriment that they produce in the reproductive health are yet to be studied. Economic context and new environmental factors are a current challenge for reproductive health too.

Effect of lifestyle on quality of life of couples receiving infertility treatment

This study investigated the effect of lifestyle on the quality of life among couples undergoing infertility treatment. The research universe consisted of 200 couples undergoing infertility treatment in Akdeniz University's Center of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Techniques. The data collection tools the authors used were a personal information form requesting sociodemographic characteristics and history of infertility, the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale, and the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale. This study revealed that the quality of life of the women in the study was lower than that of the men. The authors also found that the couples' quality of life was reduced by variables such as advanced age, low education level, unemployment status, lower income, long duration of infertility, high body mass index, history of andrological surgery, and previous experience of assisted reproduction techniques three or more times. Last, it was determined that the couples' quality of life improved as their healthy lifestyle behaviors increased. Demonstrating positive health behavior is likely to improve the quality of life of couples undergoing infertility treatment.