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For women. General factors that can affect the ability to ovulate, conceive, or deliver a child successfully include the following:
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Age. Women in their late 30s and older are generally less fertile than women in their early 20s
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Endometriosis
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Chronic diseases (diabetes, lupus, arthritis, hypertension, or asthma)
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Hormonal imbalance
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Environmental factors. Cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, or exposure to workplace hazards or toxins
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Excessive or very low body fat
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Abnormal Pap smears that have been treated with cryosurgery or cone biopsy
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DES taken by mother during pregnancy
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Sexually transmitted diseases
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Fallopian tube disease
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Multiple miscarriages
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For men. Infertility is not just a woman's problem. Following is a list of risk factors related to male infertility:
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History of prostatitis, genital infection, or sexually transmitted diseases
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Exposure to hazards on the job or toxic substances, such as radiation, radioactivity, welding, and many chemicals, including lead, ethylene dibromine, and vinyl chloride.
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Cigarette or marijuana smoke
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Heavy alcohol consumption
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Exposure of the genitals to high temperatures
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Hernia repair
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Undescended testicles
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Prescription drugs for ulcers or psoriasis
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DES taken by mother during pregnancy
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Mumps after puberty
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