Lifestyle changes could improve fertility

Many a times we have heard it that a small change in lifestyle could improve your chances of conceiving. But it is applicable to both the partners because for getting pregnant you don’t only need a healthy body weight but you need a healthy sperm too. By adopting these simple lifestyle changes, you can ensure you are giving yourself and your partner the best chance of conceiving. 

As a woman, it is important to make healthy lifestyle choices during pregnancy. But you may be less familiar with lifestyle choices that can improve fertility same as for men; to make your wife pregnant requires healthy sperm, but your sperm may only be as healthy as you are. So, here am sharing few tips that can help you maximize the chances of successful pregnancy by adopting these healthy habits: 

• First of all it is important to maintain a healthy body weight: Both men and women should maintain a healthy body weight when trying to conceive. For women, too much or too little body fat can upset your cycle and interfere with ovulation, so maintaining a healthy BMI of 20-25 is really important. Men with a BMI of over 30 are also likely to have lower fertility than normal. To maintain weight as well as improve your overall well being, you should exercise regularly. In fact, research shows that women who exercise for 30 minutes every day may have a reduced risk of infertility. It’s best to keep it light, so consider long walks or jogs, whatever suits you best.

• Give up smoking: Smoking can reduce the quality of eggs in women and has also been connected to early menopause. In men, there is a link between smoking and poorer quality semen and damaged sperm.

• Avoid alcohol consumption: When trying to conceive, we recommend that you don’t drink alcohol. In men, excessive alcohol consumption can affect the quality of sperm, so it is important to stick to no more than 3-4 units in a day, or 14 over a week. Women should also be aware that alcohol can harm developing babies, so if you’re trying to conceive· , you should refrain yourself from consuming alcohol.  If you have concerns, check with your GP for specific advice.

• Review any drugs, medications or prescriptions you take: It is important that you go through and check any prescribed or over the counter medication that you take regularly as some medicines can affect fertility. If you are concerned, make an appointment with your GP to discuss your options. Recreational drugs including cannabis, cocaine and anabolic steroids can also have an impact on your fertility, or a developing baby. 

• Maintain a balanced diet: Maintaining a balanced diet consisting of plenty of vegetables, whole grains and fruit is great for your overall fertility health. Some people also try to reduce their caffeine intake (in tea, coffee, cola or energy drinks for example) and eating fish several times a week can be beneficial as it’s a good source of omega-3 fatty acids (although fish with high levels of mercury such as swordfish, tuna and marlin should be avoided). If you maintain a balanced diet, there is no need to take pregnancy multi-vitamins. However, we do recommend taking 400 micrograms of folic acid per day, and it’s worth checking with your GP whether you have sufficient levels of Vitamin D. 

• Check your day-to-day environment: Working in an industry where you’re regularly exposed to pesticides, chemicals or x-rays can have an impact on your fertility. If you have any concerns about your day-to-day environment, you should discuss this with your GP. 

• Try to relax: Although easier said than done, do what you can to manage stress levels and remain positive. Activities that put your mind at ease such as exercise, yoga, meditation or acupuncture can be hugely beneficial for your fertility health. Although trying for a baby can be a stressful and emotional time, these small adjustments to your lifestyle can prove hugely beneficial to your reproductive as well as general health. We at Mother’s Lap IVF Centre do offers stress management techniques that can help you making at ease and start your fertility journey. 

A little change in lifestyle like above would not only help prevent infertility but also other health problems too. Young girls are advised to avoid starchy food, complex carbohydrates and fat. Young men also should adopt a healthy lifestyle by quitting smoking and alcohol for maintain healthy sperm count.

If you have any questions in your mind regarding your fertility then please do let us know. Mother’s Lap IVF Centre is a decade old centre with experienced and qualified doctors available at help in one go. You can call us on +91 9205268976 and you can also visit our Facebook page and website: https://www.motherslapivf.com/ for more information. We are here to help you becoming parents.