You can increase your ability to conceive by having sex during the fertile time in your cycle, ovulation, by not using protection, and by keeping in top shape during conception, including exercise and healthy nutrition. This goes for both you and your partner.

Some of the risks associated with the potential for infertility in women include:

• Very low or excessive body fat
• Prescription medications
• Chronic diseases such as diabetes, thyroid conditions, lupus, asthma
• Hormonal imbalance
• Unpredictable menstrual cycle
• Multiple miscarriages

Risk factors for men and women include:

• Smoking
• More than moderate amount of alcohol consumption
• Marijuana use
• Workplace or environmental toxins and hazards
• Exposure to high dosages of radiation

Male fertility is affected by the temperature surrounding the scrotum, which can damage sperm if it is too hot. This can be controlled by limiting hot tub use, restrictive underwear and tight jeans.

Both men and women can have their fertility affected by sexually transmitted diseases (STD). STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can damage your reproductive system. STDs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which leads to complications such as scarring, miscarriage, blocked tubes and ectopic pregnancies—all factors in infertility.

Other conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome and tubal diseases are risk factors for infertility. Some of these problems can be controlled, and overcome.

A common risk associated with infertility is aging. Your fertility will normally peak in your late twenties. After you reach 30, your fertility begins to gradually decrease. After 35, most women are generally at a higher risk for infertility.