Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization
Published on: October 24, 2025
Modifiable risk factors for impaired fertility in women: what nurse practitioners need to know
Susan Kelly-Weeder1, Alane O'Connor
1Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA. kellywee@bc.edu
Purpose:
To provide an overview of impaired fertility in childbearing-aged women, to review the current research on modifiable lifestyle risk factors implicated in its development, and to suggest strategies for nurse practitioners (NPs) to assist women in behavioral changes that will allow them to protect their fertility.
Data Sources:
Original research articles and comprehensive review articles identified through Medline, CINAHL, and OVID databases.
Conclusions:
Research has shown that advancing age, a history of a sexually transmitted infection and/or pelvic inflammatory disease, extremes of body weight, and tobacco and caffeine use are potentially modifiable risk factors in the development of impaired fertility.
Implications For Practice:
NPs must be aware of the link between these behaviors and the development of impaired fertility in order to assist women in preserving their fertility. Individual counseling, education, and community-wide education strategies are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History
Infertility in Females
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...
Spermatogenesis
Current Trends in Nursing I
Infertility in Males
Current Trends in Nursing II
