Four Lifestyle Changes to Promote Fertility

We all know the cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle: a nutritious, balanced diet with plenty of water, regular exercise, and a good night’s sleep every night. Your overall health impacts your fertility, so taking care of yourself with these good habits is at the top of the list if you’re trying to have a baby. 

Boosting your fertility can be easier than you realize with a few lifestyle changes for you and your partner. Whether you’ve been struggling to conceive or are just now trying to start your family, there are little things that you can do every day to up your chances of a positive pregnancy test. 

At The Fertility & Gynecology Center - Monterey Bay IVF, our caring staff of experienced professionals is led by Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, a specialist in fertility and women’s health. In your family planning journey, we’re here to assist and support you as you make your dream of having a family a reality. 

Almost 13% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 turn to fertility treatments, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Using any of the fertility treatments we offer that are appropriate for your needs, Dr. Ramirez works with you and your partner to help you conceive. 

Am I infertile? 

Dr. Ramirez can answer this question for you and your partner. There are risk factors for infertility and a number of conditions that cause infertility in women and men. 

What defines infertility depends on age. For women under 35, infertility might be the problem if a year of unprotected sex with a partner doesn’t produce a pregnancy. For women over 35, just six months of unprotected sex without a pregnancy may mean a fertility problem. 

Several things can cause infertility in women, some of which include lack of ovulation, infrequent ovulation, or reproductive anomalies, like uterine fibroids. In men, low sperm count or poor quality sperm can be the problem. Hormonal issues in both men and women can contribute to infertility.

No matter what the cause, Dr. Ramirez has years of experience helping couples with the most difficult fertility issues. 

Four lifestyle changes that promote fertility

You have control over a variety of lifestyle issues, and making some changes in your day-to-day habits could help you make strides toward having a child. Here are four things to try.

1. Stop smoking

Smoking may contribute to infertility in men by decreasing sperm count and possibly shrinking the testicles. Women who smoke may have alterations in their cervical mucus that affects sperm movement.

Vaping your nicotine instead of smoking a regular cigarette doesn’t protect you, your partner, or your reproductive system from harm. The long-term effects of vaping aren’t yet known.

Staying away from all nicotine and tobacco products is one of the most important things you can do for your reproductive health. 

2. Get enough quality sleep

The quality of your sleep can have an impact on your ability to conceive. Though it’s not completely understood, women with sleep disorders have a higher risk of infertility, as a study on the impact of sleep disorders on fertility discovered. 

Your goal should be about eight hours of sleep. This allows your body to reset and repair, and your mind to relax. A lack of sleep can also contribute to increased stress levels, which in turn affects your chances of conceiving. 

3. Avoid alcohol

It’s best to steer clear of alcohol while you’re trying to get pregnant, as heavy drinking can affect ovulation. Abstinence is probably best, because if you do get pregnant, it can harm your fetus. Talk with Dr. Ramirez if you have concerns about alcohol.

While you’re avoiding alcohol, take the opportunity to up your water intake. Staying hydrated is essential for all of your bodily systems, including your reproductive system. Dehydration may lead to decreased vaginal mucus and poor egg quality in women and lessened sperm quality in men.

4. Maintain a healthy weight

Your weight can be a significant factor in your fertility. To be clear, being overweight or underweight doesn’t mean you definitely won’t be able to conceive, but you’re more likely to conceive successfully if you maintain a healthy weight. Dr. Ramirez can discuss the optimal weight range for you, and he can share other solutions to help you live a healthier lifestyle for the family you want.

We know struggling to conceive is frustrating and heartbreaking. We’re ready to help you and your (future) family with the first steps. Call us today at 831-205-2593, or book an appointment with us online.