title: Prevalence of behaviour-related fertility disorders in a clinical sample: results of a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is no doubt that lifestyle factors can be detrimental to fertility. The aim of the present pilot study was to identify initial prevalence rates for behaviour-related fertility disorders in a clinical sample of couples wanting a child.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between February 2010 and August 2010, all patients coming for the first time to Heidelberg University's Women's Hospital for consultation on involuntary childlessness were asked to fill out a questionnaire designed by the authors of this article. The questionnaire was based on a review of the relevant literature, with special reference to the latest research findings on behaviour detrimental to fertility. Of the 156 couples addressed, 110 women and 100 men took part in the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For behaviour-related infertility, 9 % of the women and 3 % of the men in our sample were classified on the basis of BMI <18.5, sexual disorders, or abuse of anabolic steroids. If we include smokers, these figures increase: 11 % female smokers and 18 % male smokers. A further 19 % of the women practised sport to an excessive degree; and 26 % of the women and 53 % of the men had a BMI ≥25.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevalence of behaviour-related fertility disorders should not be underestimated. For the prevention of behaviour-related fertility disorders, it is important to inform the population about lifestyle-mediated fertility risks.
authors: Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Institute of Medical Psychology, University of Heidelberg, Bergheimer Strasse 20, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany.
authors: Kathrin
authors: K
authors: Schilling
authors: Bettina
authors: B
authors: Toth
authors: Sabine
authors: S
authors: Rösner
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Strowitzki
authors: Tewes
authors: T
authors: Wischmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D001835:Body Weight; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D043762:Reproductive Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult