How to Improve Your Fertility

Nothing might bring you greater joy than the thought of raising a family with your partner. Unfortunately, nothing might cause you more pain than struggling to conceive a child. To boost your chances of pregnancy, find out how to improve your fertility.

The Ovulation Calculator

Identify the length of your cycle and fertility days by using an ovulation calculator. You may notice patterns in your cycle each month; for example, you may experience your period every 28, 29 or 30 days. This information can then help you to identify the time that you are more likely to conceive.

Use an Ovulation Kit

If you want to be confident you are ovulating before sexual intercourse, you should use an over-the-counter ovulation test. This innovative tool can identify when you are ovulating, so you will know the best times to have sex with your partner. However, it is important to note that ovulation kits are not 100% accurate but can provide a helpful guide.

Prevent Stress

Trying to conceive can be a stressful time. It is, however, essential to effectively manage any stress, tension, and anxiety you are experiencing. For instance, Active Health can provide acupuncture therapy that can help relieve you from unwanted stress, which can also aid fertility. Other ways to combat stress include yoga, meditation or even a relaxing hot bath with a good book.

Review Cervical Mucus

Did you know that cervical secretion could be the key to your fertility? Mucus will change in both quantity and quality throughout your cycle. For example, you will create the most mucus when you are due to ovulate, and you will experience the least following your period.

You will be most fertile once your mucus resembles an egg white, as it can look clear and may feel stretchy. The more mucus you create, the greater your chances of becoming pregnant.

Discover Your Basal Body Temperature

Identify if you are ovulating by checking your basal body temperature (BBT), which is your lowest body temperature that should be measured once you are resting. Your BBT will more than likely fluctuate throughout your cycle; however, it will may rise between 0.4 to 1.0 degree after you are ovulating and will remain elevated until your period. Check your BBT using a basal thermometer each morning before you leave the comfort of your bed, and aim to track it at the same time every day to spot the difference.

Remain Hydrated

Did you know your cervical fluid can become lethargic if your body does not receive enough water? As a result, the sluggish fluid will prevent the sperm from targeting the egg. It is essential to remain hydrated throughout the day to boost your fertility. Your urine is a good indication of your hydration, as it should be a light-yellow color.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Women who are overweight or underweight might struggle to keep their reproductive cycle in balance. Visit your doctor to review your body mass index (BMI) score. A healthy weight has a range of between 19 to 24. Anything above or below that range can decrease your fertility.

The Best Exercises

Moderate exercise is fine for fertility. Yet, strenuous, extreme exercise can take its toll on your menstrual cycle, which can ultimately lead to infertility. So, while walking, jogging, or cycling will be fine, it might be best to skip training for a marathon if you are trying to become pregnant.

Limit Alcohol Intake

While an occasional glass of alcohol will not necessarily lead to infertility, too much can prevent you from conceiving a child with your partner. It is therefore wise to give up alcohol when you are trying to have a baby. You can then toast to your beautiful son or daughter with a glass a champagne once he or she has arrived in the world.

Eliminate Caffeine

Did you know that a high dose of caffeine can impact conception? It is therefore smart to eliminate or reduce your intake of coffee, tea, and soda. However, decaf drinks will have no impact on your fertility. If you cannot live without a hot cup of joe each day, try to have no more than one or two 8-ounce cups per day.

Change Your Diet

Consuming unhealthy foods can lead to infertility, as a poor diet can ultimately cause an irregular reproductive cycle, which means you may only ovulate occasionally or never at all. Try to make healthy food swaps to increase your fertility. For example, switch protein sources by swapping chicken, pork, or beef for vegetable proteins, as 5% of calories from vegetable protein over animal can reduce the likelihood of infertility by 50%.

Stop Smoking

If you are serious about raising a family, both you and your partner must stop smoking to improve both your health and fertility. You might be surprised to learn that smoking can make you more likely to experience an ectopic pregnancy, and it can also reduce sperm numbers and quality. It is also believed to be linked to a greater risk of a miscarriage.

Change Lubricants

You might be shocked to discover that some lubricants can make sperm die before they reach the egg. If lubricant is essential for comfort during sexual intercourse, opt for a sperm-friendly lubricant or swap to canola oil.

Prenatal Vitamins

Increase your fertility by taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid. Not only will this ensure your body receives essential nutrients, but folic acid can also reduce the risk of spina bifida, as well as other defects in babies. For natural forms of folic acid, consume more beans, strawberries, orange juice and spinach.

Have More Sex

Boost your chances of pregnancy by having sex a minimum of two to three times per week with your partner. Those desperate to conceive should aim to have sex once a day, or every other day, and you should do so when you are most fertile. If you fail to become pregnant within one year, it’s advisable to consult your doctor for fertility help.