When dealing with infertility, there are things about your body that you can't control. By taking charge of your lifestyle, both you and your partner may increase your chances of conception. Research has proven that both men and women can maximize their fertility by maintaining a healthy lifestyle - when your body is at its peak, so is your fertility. Here are some guidelines that can help both you and your partner increase fertility:
Maintain a normal body weight
Follow Nutrition Basics to help you to eat a well-balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight. Not only can being overweight affect fertility, being underweight can too.
Take vitamins
Take a multivitamin with:
Calcium, 400mg
Vitamin D, 800IU
Folic Acid, 400mcg
Review natural supplement usage
Many people assume that because herbs are natural they are beneficial. That's not always the case when it comes to fertility - many natural supplements may have adverse effects on both men and women's reproductive systems. Review any herbs or Chinese teas that you may be taking with your fertility specialist.
Exercise moderately
Exercise that is too strenuous can lower sperm count in men and may cause women to stop ovulating. Moderate exercise, however, can be beneficial to maintaining normal body weight and reducing stress.
Be aware of prescription drugs
Both men and women should consult their MD regarding effects of their prescription medications on fertility.
Don't smoke
In women, smoking has been proven to cut chances of conception and carrying a pregnancy to term. In men, it can reduce fertility by 28%.
Don't use recreational drugs
All street drugs are detrimental to fertility. Marijuana can remain in the testes for more than two weeks and cocaine effects can be seen for two years, which may affect offspring.
Limit or eliminate alcohol
Excessive use of alcohol causes nutritional deficiencies that can reduce sperm count. Men and women should both limit alcohol consumption to no more than 2 oz. twice per week or eliminate it from their diet completely.
Improve Fertility Naturally: Helpful websites for a Healthy Lifestyle
