Fertility wellness
Your emotional needs, mental health, and lifestyle are important and can affect your ability to conceive. Our team may recommend additional resources to help you with these needs.
Your lifestyle can make a difference
Several factors can have a significant impact on your natural fertility. Some are determined by genetics, while others are influenced by your environment and lifestyle. By focusing on factors you can control, such as eating well, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and alcohol, you can increase your chances of successful fertility treatment.
Here are lifestyle factors that can impact fertility
Weight
Your weight can affect your fertility. Individuals who are underweight or overweight can show signs of hormonal imbalances and their weight can hinder ovulation. Studies also show that fertility treatment success rates are lower in individuals with insulin resistance, which can occur in individuals with a high body mass index (BMI). Overweight males also experience lower testosterone levels and decreased sperm production, which can impact their fertility.
Diet
Studies suggest that a low-sugar, Mediterranean-style diet based on whole foods is the most effective for balancing hormones, increasing your chances of conception, and achieving your ideal weight. This is especially important if you have high insulin levels or experience ovulation problems like PCOS. Our team will provide nutrition and weight recommendations during consultations to support you on your fertility journey.
Caffeine
Some studies have indicated that excessive caffeine consumption can increase the risk of pregnancy loss for females. It is recommended to limit your intake to 1-2 cups daily.
Smoking
Both smoking and secondhand smoke can negatively impact eggs and sperm. Smoking also increases the risk of pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancy, and, according to some studies, almost doubles the risk of infertility.
Alcohol
It's important to limit alcohol consumption for both males and females during their fertility journey. Alcohol can cause hormonal and ovulation abnormalities and reduce your chances of getting pregnant. Recommended limits vary, but it is generally advised to limit intake to 2 drinks per week for females and 4 drinks per week for males.
Drugs
Recreational drugs like marijuana and cocaine can negatively impact fertility. Certain prescription medications, including chemotherapy drugs and steroids, can also negatively affect the fertility of both males and females.
Environment
An increase in heat around the testicles and scrotum, such as from hot baths, saunas, cycling, and long-distance driving, can negatively impact proper sperm production.
Intercourse
It's recommended to have intercourse 2-4 times per week on average to maintain a high sperm count and increase the chances of conceiving. If you use lubricant, be mindful that those containing petroleum jelly or vaseline can be toxic to sperm.
Vitamins
Taking a multivitamin can significantly reduce the risk of certain birth defects. Females should take folic acid, while males should take zinc. Patients are also recommended to take Vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium, and L-Carnitine.
Medications
It’s important to discuss all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, with your physician and the Conceptia team, as some may be linked to fertility challenges.
Tell us how we can support you
Engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight, along with reducing stress and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking, drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption – all of these can significantly boost the success of your fertility treatments.
Have questions or need advice? We’re here to support you in every aspect of your fertility journey. Our teams are available to provide guidance, information, and resources along the way. Just ask.
