Fertility-friendly resolutions will start you on the right path

Before getting pregnant there are some major changes that need to take place in order to get your body into shape for a baby. Your mental health is also important, as stress can often have negative effects on treatment. Fertility can be a tricky thing, but it is easier if you are able to follow a few of these fertility-friendly resolutions to set you up for success.

Make fertility-friendly resolutions now to get in shape, both physically and mentally, for new life

1. Resolve to Lose Weight – Being overweight or obese may reduce your fertility due to irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles and increased insulin resistance. It may also cause an increased risk of miscarriage and could decrease your success with fertility treatments. Weight loss of just 5% to 10% may dramatically improve ovulation and pregnancy rates.
2. Resolve to Stop Smoking – Research indicates that cigarette smoking is harmful to your ovaries. Men who smoke have lower sperm counts, lower sperm motility, and increased sperm abnormalities. But there is silver lining for smokers willing to quit. Men and women who stop smoking for at least six months before trying to get pregnant will increase their chances of conceiving.
3. Resolve to Eat Better – A good rule of thumb is to avoid foods that come in a can or cardboard package since processed foods are full of unnecessary and often unhealthy substances. Try to always choose fresh fruits, veggies, and meats as well as foods that are high in zinc, vitamins E & C and folic acid. Consume red meat, caffeine, and alcohol in moderation as it can lead to inflammation – a problem with endometriosis and PCOS.
4. Resolve to Get More Sleep – Sleep is just as crucial as diet and exercise for hormone regulation and burning calories. The right amount of sleep can also help reduce mental stress while attempting to get pregnant. Stress can negatively impact your chances for conceiving and can cause problems if you’re currently carrying a child.
5. Resolve to Learn More About Your Fertility – Vow to increase your knowledge about the underlying conditions that may be causing your infertility, whether it is PCOS, endometriosis, blocked tubes or something else. Our website contains information on both female and male infertility, types of treatments, surgery, plus additional links to outside resources.
6. Resolve to Be Proactive – It’s important to take control of your future and be proactive in seeking the help you need. If you’re still working with your OB-GYN on your fertility issues but feel you are stuck in a rut, ask him or her to refer you or refer yourself to a fertility specialist. With your newfound knowledge of all things infertility, ask questions and get the answers you are looking for.
7. Resolve to Check Your Ovarian Reserve – Believe it or not, a simple test can give you an idea of the quantity and quality of eggs left in your ovaries. Ovarian reserve is measured with a simple blood test.
8. Resolve to Make the Most of Your Fertility – If you’re not quite ready to try for a baby now, consider freezing your eggs for the best chance of having a future family. Fertility declines with age and by age 42, most fertility doctors will recommend using donor eggs with IVF to conceive.

We hope these fertility-friendly resolutions will give you the best shot at a future family. If you would like to learn more about improving your fertility or to schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist, contact us and a patient care specialist will be in touch soon.