Issues with fertility are very common in both men and women. In fact, 1 in 8 American couples will face the challenges of infertility. Many factors can cause female infertility, including genetic abnormalities or medical conditions such as endometriosis. These issues can be treatable, but you have no control over whether they affect you.
However, you do have control over your lifestyle choices. Making the right choices can have a big impact on your chances of getting pregnant. Studies also show that the healthier the mom, the healthier her pregnancy — and her baby — are likely to be.
Here are some ways to naturally boost your fertility.
Diet, Exercise and Fertility
Before trying to get pregnant, a woman should aim to be as healthy as possible. Make sure your weight is in the normal range for BMI (body mass index), between 19 and 25. Being overweight or underweight can make it harder for you to become pregnant, mainly because it can negatively affect ovulation.
Exercise regularly. If you are already active, keep that up. If you are planning to get into a routine, start out slowly, then gradually increase the frequency and intensity of your workouts. Exercising will help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight, increase your chances for a healthy pregnancy and decrease the risk for complications. It also makes you feel better!
Eat a healthy diet that’s rich in antioxidants, including lots of fresh fruit and veggies. Avoid fast food and foods that are high in trans fats and sugars. Good news for coffee lovers: There is some evidence that having a cup of espresso every day can also boost your fertility due to its high content of antioxidants.
Other Lifestyle Factors That Can Affect Fertility
Don’t smoke. Smoking causes your ovaries to age faster, making it more difficult to become pregnant. Also, alcohol can decrease your fertility, so limit your intake. When you think you may be pregnant, cut it out entirely.
Take a multivitamin that includes folic acid. It has been shown to lower the risk of certain birth defects.
Make sure you take time for self-care and stress relief. Several recent studies have found links between a woman’s stress levels and decreased chances of pregnancy.
Sexual Activity and Fertility
To maximize your chances of getting pregnant, have intercourse every other day or at least twice a week. If you have intercourse less than twice a week, the chances for conception drop. Having intercourse every day is OK, if you and your partner feel up to it, but it won’t increase your chances compared to every other day.
Most pregnancies result from intercourse up to six days prior to ovulation, rather than at ovulation or after ovulation. Eggs only live for 12 to 24 hours. Sperm can live for up to six days in the female reproductive tract.
Be careful with lubricants. KY Jelly and saliva will kill sperm and decrease your chances for conception if you use them around the time of ovulation. The best lubricant, if you need one, is canola cooking oil. While it may not be your first choice, this natural oil does not affect your chances for becoming pregnant at all.
Some myths we want to clear up: The position that you and your partner use for having intercourse will not affect your chances of becoming pregnant. There is also no need for you to lie down afterwards. It does not increase the chances of his sperm reaching your egg.
If you’re interested in learning more about boosting your fertility naturally or with the latest treatments, call us for a consultation at 502-897-2144.
