What Fertility Experts Want You to Know
It is not uncommon for a couple to struggle with infertility. There are a variety of factors that impact both female and male infertility, and lifestyle changes can often help overcome issues. Here are 10 tips to consider in helping couples conceive a baby:
1. Lose Weight
A high body mass index (BMI) can cause changes with ovulation and the menstrual cycle, adversely affecting a woman’s ability to become pregnant. If pregnancy occurs, there are multiple complications that can result in both mother and baby. Some potential complications include gestational diabetes, maternal high blood pressure, and a large baby, which can result in prolonged labor and the potential for cesarean section delivery. Research shows that excessive weight has a direct effect on ovulation, egg quality, and more. This is also true for the father as his health also effects sperm production. Weight loss to achieve a healthy range for your sex, height, and age is a great way to resolve many infertility issues.
2. Eat Healthily
It is universally known that diets high in fats and sugars are the root cause of multiple health issues, including infertility issues. Fill your diet with healthy greens, vegetables, fruits, and a reasonable amount of grains and lean meat/protein.
3. Be Active, Exercise
When it comes to fertility, being fit helps provide the body’s best rejuvenation ability to the womb and egg cells and helps with blood-flow and nutrient uptake within both. Unfortunately, there is no set specific amount of exercise for every person, but your doctor can help determine what is best for you. An hour of moderate activity each day is usually the minimum, general recommendation.
4. Get Quality Rest
Quality rest is a sort of universal healing component to many of the body’s needs. Studies have shown a lack of quality sleep is a very real factor in fertility, but the reasons are only now being deeply explored by science. Current findings and theory suggest that there are four ways that a lack of quality sleep affects female fertility. Studies suggest significant phases of poor sleep can lead to uterine receptivity changes, hormone and melatonin level changes, with significant inflammatory response. All can have a negative impact on fertility.
5. De-stress/Meditate
Stress has a significant effect on the human body as well as its specific reproductive processes. When a person is under stress, there is a wide range of complicated biochemical effects that take place including an increase in cortisol or stress hormone production. As a result, those seeking to get pregnant are especially encouraged to find a healthy way to relax and therefore “de-stress”. Meditation works for some, while others prefer yoga, social interaction with others, herbal teas, massage, etc.
6. Consider Fertility Supplements
Fertility supplements can provide an extra boost to the production and overall health of egg and sperm cells. Specific supplements are typically made of a finely tuned formulation of vitamins and minerals that are known to aid in reproductive health. CO Q-10, Vitamin D, and Selenium, for example, are all known specifically to aid in healthy reproductive function.
7. Stay Ahead of Oral Hygiene
The state of your oral health is a strong reflection of the health of many other components of your body. Studies have shown a specific correlation between oral health and the proper function of the reproductive system of both men and women. Pertaining to female fertility and successful pregnancy, doctors estimate that good overall oral health can decrease the risk of miscarriage by up to 70%. This means regular flossing, brushing, and dental check-ups are a must for all female infertility patients.
8. Stop Partying
If you enjoy the partying lifestyle, you will likely have to make changes if pregnancy is your goal. A heavy party lifestyle is not generally conducive to fetal health or a healthy and fulfilling parenting role, and negatively impacts prime fertility. Discontinue use of recreational drugs, smoking, and alcohol as all have been proven to decrease successful pregnancy outcomes.
9. Read/Research
Reading research is always a fantastic way to seek relevant information on fertility and suggestions for how you can maximize your chances of a successful pregnancy. Consider the source of the information you read or hear about and always verify it with your gynecologist or reproductive endocrinologist/infertility specialist. It is important to separate fact from myth.
10. Work Closely with Doctor
Being proactive with your physical and mental health can potentially increase your fertility success rate and the chances for a healthy pregnancy. If you come across a new idea or approach to fertility treatment, be sure to discuss with your physician. Your doctors are your connection to the latest medical knowledge. It is always best to trust and work closely with them.
Infertility challenges can be disappointing and emotionally difficult to deal with, but there are many things you can do to naturally improve fertility. If lifestyle changes do not resolve your infertility issues and you are unsuccessful in achieving a pregnancy after trying for 6 months, consult an experienced infertility specialist. Time is of the essence as egg and sperm quality diminish as women and men age. Inexpensive therapies using oral medications and/or intrauterine insemination (IUI) are often effective in treating infertility and allow individuals and couples who have experienced infertility challenges to successful grow their families.
There is hope. There is help. Please call the reproductive specialists at Reproductive Care Center 801-878-8888 to schedule an initial consultation. We love to help bring hope home.
