How can I make myself more fertile?
Pregnancy is achieved when women experience normal hormonal cycles approximately 28 to 31 days long, during which time ovulation and fertilization occurs. Most women are highly fertile for about five days per each cycle but this period of fertility differs significantly among reproductive-age women. Infertility is commonly caused by disruptions in the hormonal cycle that prevent ovulation from taking place. In some cases, minor problems with hormone production may be reduced by making slight modifications to your lifestyle. Assisted reproductive technologies like ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) can also help you get pregnant if infertility persists.
Healthy Eating Habits Can Boost Fertility
Zinc, iron, vitamin C, vitamin D and protein may help improve your chances of getting pregnant because these nutrients have been found to possibly lengthen menstrual cycles and reduce the risk of an early miscarriage. Fish, meat, eggs, beans and diary products contain rich amounts of these vitamins and minerals. These nutrients also act as antioxidants to destroy free radicals that could damage egg cells and sperm.
Avoid Alcohol
Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption interferes with estrogen production and release. When estrogen levels fluctuate too much, the probability of egg implantation decreases. Excessive caffeine may also contribute to infertility. Research suggests caffeine negatively impacts hormones needed to get pregnant.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity leads to overproduction of hormones and insulin that disrupt ovulation and reduce a woman's chances of conception. Excess weight interferes with the release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) essential for supporting normal ovulation in women and sperm production in men. Being overweight may also promote development of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a condition directly impacting a woman's ability to get pregnant.### Don't Smoke
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals harmful to your health and to a woman's eggs. Smoking cigarettes not only interferes with ovulation and fertilization but also causes the ovaries to age prematurely.
Infertility Testing at New York Reproductive Wellness
Infertility is defined as trying to get pregnant naturally for one year. If you are experiencing infertility, NY Reproductive Wellness offers comprehensive testing methods to determine what is causing your infertility. Blood and hormone evaluations, sperm assessments and ultrasounds to determine if uterine abnormalities exists can help you decide what kind of assisted reproductive technology best suits you and your partner's needs. Call today to schedule an appointment if you are having difficulty getting pregnant.
