These lifestyle choices may cause infertility in women

Many lifestyle choices impact on the general health and reproductive capability of women

A rise in smoking, caffeine consumption, alcohol consumption and stress is increasing the risk of infertility among young women, a study released on Thursday has shown.

There is a very strong link between these lifestyle choices and infertility in women, according to a study conducted by fertility expert Kshitiz Murdia of the Indira Infertility Clinic and Test Tube Baby Centre. This research also shows that the three most severe diseases that lead to infertility were Adenomyosis, Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOM).

Adenomyosis is a disease characterized by migration of the inner lining of the uterus into the muscle, which in turn increases the chances of miscarriage.

In endometriosis, the tissue that is supposed to line the uterus actually grows outside it. PCOS is also a similar condition that leads to enlargement of the ovary.

"There is strong evidence that factors like age, weight and smoking have adverse impacts on the general health and reproductive capability of a woman," said the study.

The study concluded that there is an urgent need to pay heed to the problem as in many cases people do not get to know about it.

The symptoms of infertility generally present themselves during a woman's menstrual cycle and takes the form of infrequent, prolonged or excessive bleeding accompanied with pain.

Other symptoms also include abdominal cramps and blood clots. In case of PCOS, excessive hair growth, acne and obesity can also be observed.

The early diagnosis and treatment of the disease can reduce the risk of long-term complications, Kshitiz told IANS in a statement.