Fertility Problems

Some fertility problems are related to lifestyle or other health conditions. To help protect your fertility:

• Avoid using tobacco (cigarettes) and marijuana. They reduce fertility, especially by reducing sperm counts.
• Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Avoid excessive alcohol use. It may damage eggs or sperm.
• Limit sex partners and use condoms to reduce the risk of getting a Reference sexually transmitted infection (STI) Opens New Window. Untreated STIs can damage the reproductive system and cause infertility. If you think you may have an STI, get treatment promptly to reduce the risk of damage to your reproductive system. Make sure you know Reference how to use a male condom and/or Reference how to use a female condom.
• Stay at a body weight that is close to the ideal for your height. It will reduce the possibility of hormone imbalances. This is very important for men as well as for women.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer and hope to have children in the future, talk to your doctor about Reference preventing cancer treatment–related infertility.

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