There are several surprising factors that can affect fertility, including:

• Stress: High levels of stress can disrupt the hormonal balance in both men and women, affecting fertility. For example, a study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that women with high levels of alpha-amylase, a biological indicator of stress, took 29% longer to get pregnant compared to women with lower levels of this stress marker.
• Diet: Poor diet and nutritional deficiencies can impact fertility. For instance, research has shown that consuming trans fats can increase the risk of ovulatory infertility, while a diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, may improve fertility in both men and women.
• Environmental Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can have adverse effects on fertility. For example, a study in the journal Human Reproduction reported that women with higher levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical found in non-stick cookware, had lower implantation and pregnancy rates during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
• Weight: Both underweight and overweight individuals may experience fertility challenges. Obesity can lead to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance, while being underweight can disrupt menstrual cycles and ovulation. Research has also suggests that weight loss can improve fertility in obese individuals.

These surprising factors highlight the importance of considering various lifestyle and environmental factors when addressing fertility issues.