Let’s Talk About Fertility and How to Boost It

As you get older and think about starting a family, it’s perfectly normal to start wondering about fertility. Did you know that about 80% of couples successfully get pregnant within a year of trying? But for some, it can take a bit longer, and that’s totally okay! There are many factors at play when it comes to infertility on both the male and female sides, and sometimes there are even unexplained reasons. Besides these factors, your lifestyle and diet can significantly affect your ability to conceive. In this post, we’ll share some tips on enhancing your fertility by making healthy lifestyle changes.

Thinking About When to Start Your Family

Many people delay starting a family for various reasons. It could be that you’re focusing on your career or you want to be financially secure. These are all valid points, but it’s also worth keeping in mind that waiting can impact your chances of conception. Women are born with a set number of eggs, and that reserve decreases as we age, usually after 35. For men, while they can produce sperm throughout their lives, the quality tends to decline with age. For example, after 55, sperm motility (how well sperm swim) can decrease quite a bit. IVF can be an option for those who need a little help, with places offering an all inclusive ivf price or an ivf payment plan.

How Smoking Can Affect Your Fertility

We all know that smoking is bad for your health, but it can also affect your fertility! The harmful chemicals in cigarettes—like nicotine, cyanide, and carbon monoxide—can impact both men’s and women’s reproductive health. For women, smoking can lead to a quicker depletion of egg reserves, which might cause early menopause and make it harder to get pregnant. And for men who smoke they might have lower sperm quality and mobility.

Keeping a Healthy Weight 

If your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or above, it could put you at risk for health issues like type 2 diabetes. For men, this can lead to challenges like erectile dysfunction, which can impact fertility. Women may experience irregular periods or even miss ovulating altogether. If you’re looking to manage your weight and improve your chances of getting pregnant, don’t hesitate to chat with your doctor. They can help you create a plan that works for you and check for any underlying health conditions that might be affecting your fertility.

Taking Care of Your Sexual Health

It’s essential to look after your sexual health, too! Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause problems for your reproductive system and impact your ability to conceive. Be sure to make informed choices and get checked if you have any worries.

The Importance of Managing Stress

Another important, often overlooked aspect of boosting your fertility is managing stress. Life can be overwhelming at times, and high levels of stress can negatively affect your reproductive health. Stress can throw off your hormone levels, which could lead to irregular cycles for women and decreased sperm quality for men. Consider incorporating stress-reducing activities into your daily routine, such as yoga, meditation, or even simply taking some time for hobbies you enjoy. These practices can help you feel more balanced and might even enhance your chances of conception.

We hope this post provides some helpful insights into how fertility works and highlights practical steps you can take to enhance it. Remember, everyone’s journey is different. If you have concerns, talking to a fertility specialist is a good idea. They can help you understand your unique situation by reviewing your medical history and offering fertility testing.