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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, others 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 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 (Body Mass Index) 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 per cent 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 harm 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. Besides this, 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.
A few natural techniques, such as particular food habits and lifestyle changes, may help boost fertility.
However, if you continue to struggle with fertility, see a healthcare expert. There might be an underlying cause or contributing issue that requires medical attention.
Here are some natural ways that may help improve fertility:
Maintain a healthy weight
Most women would want to have the "perfect weight," but what is ideal for one person may not be the same as what is optimal for fertility.People who are either overweight or underweight may have difficulty conceiving.
Weight may alter hormone control, which in turn affects ovulation. Maintaining a healthy body weight will help manage proper ovulation and boost your chances of conceiving.
Keep the sperm healthy
Most women are concerned with the health of their eggs, the time of ovulation, and egg quality; however, sperm health is equally crucial.Quantity, mobility, and structure are all key aspects of sperm health, and men may do (or avoid) a variety of things to help keep their sperm healthy.
To keep sperm healthy, men are recommended to maintain a healthy body weight, consume a nutritious diet, avoid sexually transmitted illnesses, manage stress, and exercise regularly.
To enhance sperm health, you may avoid smoking, restrict your alcohol usage, and avoid pollutants like pesticides and chemicals.
Keeping the scrotum cold is debatable, and studies on the impact of heat on sperm generation are inconclusive; nonetheless, ensuring that the testicles do not get excessively hot (for example, by wearing tight pants) may be practical.
Fitting pants, sitting less and staying away from heat sources like saunas and hot tubs. It may also be advisable to keep computers and mobile phones away from the scrotum.
Prevent sexually transmitted infections
Avoiding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is advised for both general health and fertility. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia, in particular, impair fertility in both men and women.Some measures may be performed to lower the likelihood of developing an STD. First and foremost, it is recommended to constantly wear condoms and restrict the number of sexual partners.
Individuals in monogamous relationships should ensure that their partner has been tested and is free of STDs.
Have sex
If you're in a heterosexual relationship and attempting to conceive, it's preferable to have vaginal intercourse often, particularly during a woman's reproductive period.On average, the most fertile days of a woman's menstrual cycle are the 5 days before ovulation (the release of an egg), the day of ovulation, and the 2-3 days after ovulation. This occurs 10-16 days following a period, assuming that cycles last 28 days.
Having intercourse every day or two boosts your chances of hitting the fertile window.
Choosing lubricants
Some couples may need lubrication during intercourse, but not all lubes are made equal.When selecting over-the-counter lubricants, look for ones that have been made with fertility in mind.
Water-based lubricants may reduce sperm motility by up to 100 per cent. However, some have been designed specifically for those who desire to be parents.
Consume alcohol responsibly
Both men and women must exercise prudence while selecting drinks to boost their chances of better fertility.In males, excessive alcohol use may reduce testosterone production, induce impotence, and lead to a reduction in sperm production by the body.
Excessive alcohol use in women might cause ovulation difficulties, limiting their ability to conceive.
Reduce coffee consumption
, like alcohol, may contribute to infertility when consumed in quantities of 500 milligrams or more per day, which is equivalent to around 5 cups of coffee.The recommended daily caffeine intake is between 200 and 250 milligrams.
Do not smoke
We are all aware that smoking is harmful to our overall health, but it may also impair a woman's ability to conceive. A pregnant woman should cease smoking.Smoking in males may reduce sperm production, and motility, and cause DNA damage; in women, it can prematurely age the ovaries.
Stop excessive exercising
While exercise is beneficial to general health, it may be detrimental to fertility.Excessive (more than 5 hours per week) intense exercise might cause reproductive difficulties by suppressing ovulation and the hormone progesterone.
Everyone has different fitness goals and levels of physical activity, so consulting with a doctor is essential to determining how much physical exercise is beneficial for each person.
Beware of toxins
Certain substances may lead to male and female infertility. Men and women who have been exposed to pesticides, lead, and organic solvents may have reproductive issues.Certain occupations, including printers, dry cleaners, industrial or agricultural workers, hair stylists, and dental assistants, may raise the risk of infertility owing to exposure to job-related chemicals. Anyone with concerns regarding their fertility or personal risk factors should see their doctor.
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.
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?
The ideal time is between the 20s and 30s as it is the reproductive peak. But considering other factors the doctors will advise the right time to have a baby.
