Deciding to conceive a child with your partner is an exciting moment in your life. You’ve most likely pictured a mini version of yourself running around, sneaking food off of your plate, and falling asleep next to the cat. While conceiving may come easy to some, it, unfortunately, isn’t always guaranteed. Some couples may face several difficulties in making their dream family a reality. According to a 2013 Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology study, up to 15% of couples are impacted by infertility. (1)
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This is a guest post. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
Facing fertility roadblocks (relating to both men and women) can be overwhelming and disheartening. Fortunately, not all hope has to be lost. There are several natural methods of boosting fertility that may aid you in adding another member to your family.
1. Herbal Remedies and Supplements
It’s completely up to you whether or not you decide to try out natural ways to improve fertility such as herbal remedies or supplements. Natural herbal substances have, however, been suggested to have benefits for fertility. Infertility-related areas that may improve include premature ovarian failure, low sperm production, and advanced maternal age. It’s wise, however, to consult with your doctor before trying anything, as some herbs aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and may not agree with your system.
While there are plenty of natural supplements to choose from, some are more are popular than others due to their mineral content and overall reproductive health benefits—which may include improved ovulation and sperm viability.
Herbal supplements/remedies include:
- Maca root (women with PCOS are advised against taking this supplement)
- Turmeric
- Chasteberry
- Cinnamon
- Ginseng
- Royal jelly
- Green tea
- Bee propolis. (2)
2. Monitor Your Diet
What you eat is considered very important when attempting to boost your chances of pregnancy. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods is highly regarded, as they can counteract the free radicals within your system that damage sperm and egg cells. While solid evidence is still lacking, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains may benefit your body.
While it can be hard to diet and steer clear of your favorite ingredients, trans fats are considered detrimental to your fertility due to their impact on insulin sensitivity. Eating less refined carbs may also assist you, as well as adopting a high-fiber diet—which is associated with balancing and stabilizing hormone and blood sugar levels.
Reducing or completely eradicating caffeine, as well as alcoholic beverages, from your diet is recommended. Smoking and other harmful habits are best avoided in order to keep your body healthy enough to facilitate for a healthy baby.
3. Fertility Acupuncture
While modern methods of fertility improvement may serve you well, it may also be wise to consider ancient traditions and techniques. Acupuncture is one potential treatment, deriving from Chinese origins that have been believed to help women with their fertility.
Through the strategic placement of tiny needles into the body, energy points are stimulated which in turn may promote balance to the emotional, mental and physical elements of the body. James Dillard, M.D., posited that acupuncture can allow individuals to shift from infertile to fertile due to the increased functionality that the technique has allowed within their bodies.
4. Exercise and Maintain a Healthy Weight
Ensuring you undergo frequent exercise is considered essential in promoting fertility as it helps your system stay healthy in more ways than one. It’s important, however, not to overdo it. Moderate exercise is recommended, whereas high-intensity workouts may ultimately lead to higher chances of infertility. You should listen to your body and seek guidance from a professional when determining what level of activity is beneficial.
A healthy weight is considered one of the most influential factors when it comes to boosting fertility. Being underweight or obese have both been linked to infertility, due to the impact that stored fat has on bodily functions such as menstruation. It’s, therefore, vital to ensure your weight is sitting at a healthy level, so as not to impair your egg development.
5. De-stress
Stress can negatively impact the body in various ways, including potentially decreasing your chances of conception. While results are somewhat mixed, a study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior revealed that there is a strong correlation between stress and suppressed fertility. It’s therefore beneficial for you to practice relaxation techniques—put your feet up and enjoy a relaxing, warm bath once in a while. (3)
Final thoughts
In order to boost your chances of fertility, it’s important for you to maintain a healthy diet, exercise routine, and weight. Taking herbal supplements and trying acupuncture may also help, as well as minimizing stress where possible.
References
- “Lifestyle factors and reproductive health: taking control of your fertility,” Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3717046/
- “Bee propolis versus placebo in the treatment of infertility associated with minimal or mild endometriosis: A pilot randomized controlled trial. A modern trend,” Source: https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(03)01886-7/fulltext
- “Age and social position moderate the effect of stress on fertility,” Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1090513806000274
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