Blog
Sep 11, 2026
Fertility is influenced by several factors, including age, weight, diet, physical activity and lifestyle habits. Although some factors cannot be changed, healthy lifestyle choices can help improve the chances of conceiving, both naturally and through IVF treatment.
Good overall health is important for reproductive function in both women and men.
Age is one of the most important factors affecting fertility. Female fertility naturally declines with age as both the number and quality of eggs gradually decrease.
For women, fertility typically starts to decline after the age of 30, with a more noticeable decrease after the age of 35. At the same time, the risk of miscarriage and chromosomal abnormalities increases.
Male fertility is also affected by age. Although sperm production continues throughout life, sperm quality may decline over time, which can affect the chances of achieving a pregnancy.
Body weight also plays an important role in hormonal balance and fertility. Both overweight and underweight can affect reproductive function.
Being overweight can affect hormone production and lead to ovulation disorders.
Consequences of overweight may include:
Irregular menstrual cycles
Ovulation disorders
Difficulty conceiving
Increased risk of pregnancy complications
During IVF treatment, overweight may also affect the body’s response to fertility medications and, in some cases, reduce the likelihood of a successful treatment outcome.
Being underweight can also affect fertility by disrupting the body’s hormonal balance.
Common consequences may include:
Irregular menstrual cycles
Absent ovulation
Difficulty conceiving
For many individuals, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can improve the chances of pregnancy.
A varied and nutritious diet contributes to overall health and may have a positive impact on fertility.
A balanced diet should include:
Fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Healthy fats
Protein-rich foods
Fish and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids
Healthy eating habits help provide the vitamins and minerals needed for hormone production, egg quality and sperm quality.
Regular exercise has many positive health benefits and can contribute to improved fertility by supporting a healthy weight and overall wellbeing.
Moderate physical activity is recommended for most people. At the same time, excessive exercise combined with insufficient energy intake can affect hormonal balance and lead to absent ovulation in some women.
The goal is to find a sustainable balance between physical activity, recovery and nutrition.
Smoking negatively affects fertility in both women and men.
In women, smoking may:
Accelerate the decline of ovarian reserve
Reduce egg quality
Increase the risk of miscarriage
Decrease the chances of successful fertility treatment
In men, smoking may negatively affect sperm count, motility and quality.
Quitting smoking is one of the most important lifestyle changes for those planning a pregnancy.
Excessive alcohol consumption may negatively affect fertility in both women and men.
If you are trying to conceive or planning IVF treatment, it is recommended to limit alcohol intake. Doing so may help create better conditions for both fertility treatment and pregnancy.
Trying to conceive can be emotionally challenging, especially if pregnancy is delayed or fertility treatment becomes necessary.
Stress is not considered a direct cause of infertility, but long-term stress can affect wellbeing and make the fertility journey more difficult.
Many people find the following helpful:
Regular exercise
Relaxation techniques
Mindfulness or meditation
Counselling or emotional support
Adequate sleep and recovery
Taking care of your mental wellbeing is an important part of preparing for pregnancy.
A healthy lifestyle cannot always resolve underlying fertility issues, but it can help optimize the conditions for IVF treatment.
Before fertility treatment, your doctor may discuss factors such as:
Age
Weight and BMI
Dietary habits
Physical activity
Smoking and alcohol consumption
Previous illnesses and medical conditions
Small changes in everyday habits can sometimes make a significant difference to overall health and help create better conditions for a future pregnancy.
If you have been trying to conceive without success, or if you have questions about how age, weight or lifestyle factors may affect your fertility, it may be beneficial to contact Ovumia for further guidance.
An individual assessment can help identify factors that may affect fertility and provide recommendations based on your specific situation.
If you would like to learn more about how age, weight and lifestyle factors can affect your fertility, a fertility assessment can provide valuable answers. By evaluating relevant factors, our specialists can help you create the best possible conditions for pregnancy and IVF treatment.
