While the internet may attempt to persuade you differently, there are no mystical fertility foods, fertility drugs, or ancient traditions that have been shown to increase conception rates. The fact is that, although some of your lifestyle choices influence your chances of conceiving, you have little control over your fertility, and the best thing you can do (assuming no underlying medical issue) is to continue trying.
Still, a few characteristics may reduce your risk of reproductive problems, and emerging research suggests that there may be minor things you can do to improve your odds of conceiving.
What factors influence fertility?
While just a few variables have been demonstrated to increase fertility, there are others that may have the opposite effect. If you're having trouble conceiving, take a closer look at the following:- Age: Fertility falls with age in both men and women, but the consequences are more severe in women, who are born with all of the eggs they will ever need. It's the most obvious factor affecting fertility. Women in their twenties have a greater chance of becoming pregnant because they have more eggs and a larger percentage of genetically normal ones. Women in their thirties are around half as fertile. After the age of 35, a woman's chances of conceiving fall considerably. Male fertility falls with age, particularly after age 40, although more gradually. It seems terribly unfair, but talking with your doctor about fertility—even before you consider starting a family—can help you prepare correctly.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions or genetic diseases may have an impact on fertility. Endometriosis, fallopian tube obstruction, hyperthyroidism, and polycystic ovarian syndrome are some examples of conditions that may have a direct influence. Sometimes the medicine used to treat the illness, such as certain diabetes and thyroid medications, might interfere with pregnancy.
- Weight: A healthy BMI ranges between 19 and 25. Fertility declines when your BMI rises over that level, and this decline speeds even more if you are severely obese, defined as having a BMI of 40 or greater. Many women may cease ovulating frequently as they gain weight. Simultaneously, being underweight might have an impact on fertility. Many women with less than 17 percent body fat have difficulty ovulating, but there is no reliable evidence to explain why.
- Lifestyle habits: While there is little research on how to boost fertility by eating certain foods, physicians generally agree that eating nutritiously and exercising modestly will protect you from diminishing your chances of becoming pregnant. However, excessive exercise or an eating issue might have a negative impact on your fertility. Smoking and excessive alcohol usage should be prohibited.
- Emotional components: There is little question that emotions influence your fertility, but there are no hard and fast laws as to how. According to research, preconception stress may contribute to infertility. Infertility may be a major existential crisis for some individuals, and studies have shown that it can be just as traumatic, if not more so, than a cancer diagnosis.
- Environmental considerations: There is rising data indicating ties between infertility and environmental contaminants, such as chemicals present in our houses, personal care items, and cleaning solutions—but the effect of regular exposure to these substances is not entirely known.
How to increase fertility?
When it comes to increasing fertility, timing is crucial, just as it is in many other aspects of life. In general, you will have more fertility in your 20s than in your 30s, and in your 30s than in your 40s. The number of viable eggs decreases year after year, so discuss your intentions to create a family with your obstetrician as soon as feasible.A preconception consultation allows you to discuss and address any present health conditions or genetic diseases that may need testing or prescription changes. Aside from that, it is recommended that you prepare for conception as you would for pregnancy: Begin taking folic acid-containing prenatal vitamins, exercising modestly, and eating nutritiously.
There is emerging evidence that diets rich in unsaturated fats, healthy grains, vegetables, and seafood may improve fertility in both men and women. Taking an iron supplement may also help, but always consult with your doctor before adding vitamins or supplements to your regimen.
Here are some additional nutritional tips:
When it comes to dairy, choose full-fat milk or yoghurt over skim or low-fat options.Avoid sugar and saturated fats, which have been linked to reduced fertility in both men and women.
Consume more vegetable protein (beans, nuts, and seeds) and less red meat, which has been linked to a reduced risk of conception and lower semen concentration in men.
Lower-intensity exercises such as walking, swimming, and yoga may be more beneficial to fertility than strenuous workouts, which might interrupt ovulation in some women. There is also evidence that the gentle exercise, breathing methods, and meditation provided by yoga may reduce anxiety in women suffering from infertility.
Medically approved by Dr Bandana Sodhi, Director - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fortis La Femme, New Delhi.
FAQs on What Affects Your Fertility and How to Boost It?
- How can I boost my fertility?
According to experts, the easiest strategy to become pregnant quickly is to have intercourse once a day, every other day, within the fertile window just before and after ovulation. - When is the best time to have a baby?
Ideal time is between 20's to 30's as it is the reproductive peak. But keeping in mind other factors the doctors will advise the right time to have a baby.