Learn about the professions that can increase infertility risks

Patients at our Tennessee fertility center often want to know about the professions that can increase infertility risks. It’s helpful for women and men trying to start a family to know about potential workplace hazards and how they can affect the ability to conceive. This knowledge can empower individuals to request changes at work to make things safer and healthier.

A look at the professions that can increase infertility risks in women

There are numerous professions that can affect aspects of a woman’s reproductive health, such as her egg quality and reproductive hormones.

Dentistry. Those working in the dentistry field might have exposure to nitrous oxide, x-rays and ionizing radiation. This exposure can negatively affect a woman’s fertility.

Medical profession. Women working in medical settings might come into contact with organic solvents and x-rays that can impair fertility.

Some agricultural jobs. The pesticides present in many agricultural settings can disrupt the balance of a woman’s reproductive hormones.

Nightshift. Various studies have found that working the nightshift can interfere with a woman’s levels of reproductive hormones. Women who work the nightshift have also been found to have lower egg quality, be more likely to need fertility treatments and have more irregular menstrual cycles than women working days.

Professions with a high risk of lead exposure. Painters and contractors could experience a disruption in hormone regulation and regularity of menstrual cycles.

Some manufacturing jobs. Jobs that involve exposure to carbon disulfide or polychlorinated biphenyls can negatively influence a woman’s fertility.

Women with professions that can increase infertility risks can receive additional guidance from our Tennessee fertility center. Our specialists can support women in making a plan for protecting their fertility while at work.

Exploring the professions that can affect male infertility

Certain conditions in the workplace, such as chemicals, physical strain and stress, can negatively affect male fertility. Specifically, these conditions can influence sperm health.

Welding. The exposure to intense heat and toxic gases welders experience could negatively affect male fertility.

Painting. Chemical solvents in water-based paint could decrease sperm quality.

Construction. Potentially harmful physical demands and chemicals in the construction profession can affect sperm health.

Driving. Men that drive for a living might have a harder time starting a family, as the vibration, exposure to heat and sedentary nature of this job could influence sperm morphology (shape).

Certain jobs in the athletic industry. Jobs involving long distance running could reduce testosterone levels and affect sperm production.

There are many things men can do to protect their fertility if they work in a profession that could affect their ability to build a family. A great place to start is discussing potential solutions with a doctor at our Tennessee fertility center.

Our clinic can support women and men in the process of protecting and improving their fertility health. We can also help individuals bypass fertility struggles by working with them to create an effective treatment plan. Often, these treatments result in patients becoming parents. Contact us for more information about the professions that can increase infertility risks.

Nashville Fertility