The body’s natural fertility is influenced by many factors. Some are genetically determined, while others may be environmental or related to lifestyle. One of the ways you can take charge during your treatment is by preparing your body for pregnancy. The basics include eating well, exercising and avoiding smoking and alcohol. When you optimize your health, you can increase your chance of conceiving and of experiencing a healthy pregnancy and uncomplicated delivery.
Weight
Weight can be an important factor in determining fertility. Being underweight or overweight can alter your body's hormonal balance and interfere with ovulation. A high body mass index (BMI) is also associated with insulin resistance, and studies have shown that it can lower the success rate of fertility treatments.
Male fertility is also affected by weight, as being overweight lowers testosterone and sperm production.
Diet
Studies have shown that a low-glycemic, whole foods, Mediterranean-style diet is the most effective and healthy diet for balancing hormones, optimizing your fertility, and achieving your ideal weight point — especially if you have high insulin levels and ovulation problems such as PCOS.
Where diet and weight may be factors impacting your fertility, ReproMed can help you find trusted providers in nutrition and weight management to support your care.
Other Lifestyle Considerations
Here are some other lifestyle guidelines that can be helpful in optimizing your chances of natural conception or of conceiving during your fertility treatment.
Caffeine
Excessive caffeine consumption has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage in some studies. As a result, some recommend limiting coffee to 1-2 cups per day.
Smoking
Smoking, as well as second-hand smoke, has a negative effect on both eggs and sperm. Some studies show that smoking almost doubles the risk of infertility. It’s also associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.
Alcohol
Both females and males should limit their alcohol consumption. Alcohol has been linked to abnormalities in hormones and ovulation, as well as a reduced chance of pregnancy. While it’s not clear specifically what level of consumption is considered safe, the recommendation is to limit drinking to no more than 2 drinks per week for females and 4 per week for males.
Drugs
Drugs such as marijuana and cocaine can reduce male fertility. In addition, chemotherapy drugs, steroids and some prescription medications can have a negative effect on fertility for both male and female partners.
Environment
Anything that heats up the area around the testicles or scrotum—such as hot baths or saunas, cycling, and long-distance driving—appears to have a negative impact on proper sperm production.
Intercourse
To try to keep sperm count high and increase the chance of pregnancy, you should be having intercourse at least 2 to 4 times per week on average. If you use lubricant, you should avoid ones that contain petroleum jelly or Vaseline, as they could be toxic to sperm.
Vitamins
For females, taking a multivitamin containing folic acid may significantly reduce the risk of some birth defects. For males, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium, and L-Carnitine are recommended, as well as a multivitamin containing zinc.
Medications
Some prescribed medications may be linked to infertility. You should discuss all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, with your physician.
