Why do many couples fail to conceive after long periods of unprotected sex? If a medical issue is a reason, then addressing it with appropriate treatments should do the trick. However, in many cases, no medical issues are detected, and there seems to be no reason for the failure to conceive.
If this concerns you, your lifestyle is probably getting in the way of a pregnancy. This means a few changes in your everyday life may increase your chances of conceiving! Take a look at the following changes you can make to improve your chances of conceiving.
1. Don’t rely too heavily on ‘the right time’
When you’re trying to conceive, you may fall into the habit of obsessing about ‘the right time to do it’. Putting too much emphasize into one’s fertile time not only takes the fun out of sex, but it also stresses you out. How about just having sex whenever you want, and as often as possible?
Women, in general, can get pregnant even in the preovulatory phase, so just spread the time for your bedroom actions a little wider. Besides, if couples are only trying to conceive following the luteinising hormone surge (LH surge), they may find it difficult to get pregnant. Having sexual intercourse several days before and after the LH surge could significantly improve their chances.
2. Eat better food
Yogurt, eggs, avocados, fresh salmon and beef, lean poultry, fresh fruits, and vegetables, as well as seeds and nuts – These are the kinds of food your body needs to be baby-ready! So, throw out the junk and fill up your fridge with the good stuff.
It is believed that fresh organic food will help you absorb key antioxidants and nutrients that are beneficial when trying to conceive. Organic foods also let you reduce the intake of pesticides, which have a negative impact on fertility.
3. Abstain, if you can, from alcohol consumption
While a glass of wine may help get you in the mood, do keep in mind that alcohol can have a negative effect on the reproductive system and damage one’s fertility. Even small amounts can affect the menstrual cycle and reduce the chance of conceiving. If you choose to drink, have no more than 1-2 units once or twice a week (two units equals a 175ml glass of wine).
Drinking also lowers testosterone levels and sperm quality and quantity in men. Men trying for children should stay within a reasonable limit (3-4 units a day – a pint and a half of beer).
4. Smoking? Stump ‘em out!
Smokers generally have more fertility problems than non-smokers. The heavier of a smoker you are, the bigger the risk of having fertility issues. When you smoke, more than 7,000 chemicals spread through your body and regardless if you’re trying to conceive or not! Smoking damage eggs and even hinders ovulation. Hoping to hear the pitter-patter of little feet in your home? Stop smoking now!
5. Maintain an ideal body weight
Being over or underweight can compromise fertility. A body mass index of 30 or over or less than 19 can mean taking longer to conceive. Reducing a high BMI by 10% will have a huge effect on your chances of becoming pregnant, as well as improving the effectiveness of fertility treatments if you were to need them.
A healthy, balanced diet together with regular exercise should help you get to your ideal weight and in turn, increase your chances of conceiving!
6. You’ve got to keep well-hydrated
Water is the elixir of our life. It is the basis of our blood, which in turn feeds every part of our bodies. A dehydrated body will be of no help if you’re trying to conceive. As well as helping our reproductive system to work, water helps to increase cervical mucus, which helps sperm swim freely through the cervix to the egg.
7. Manage your stress
In times of stress, fertility can temporarily shut down, according to studies on fertility and why some women fail to get pregnant. Stress is capable of ceasing ovulation and disrupting hormone levels. Try deep breathing, yoga, meditation, massage, or regular walks. Fact: Many people struggle with fertility suddenly conceived while on vacation. This speaks something, doesn’t it?
