- Posted On: January 27, 2012
- Categories: Preconception
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How can I increase fertility?
One of the first questions a couple asks when hoping to become pregnant is, “What are some ways we can increase our fertility?” The good news is that there are many ways both men and women can increase their fertility without the use of medication or medical intervention. Some of these simple steps include:
Quit Smoking
Smoking, as we all know, can cause many health problems, and low fertility is one of them. Smoking affects how receptive the uterus is to egg implantation, and it raises the risks of miscarriage significantly. Additionally, smoking can reduce healthy sperm production in men, as well as damage the sperm’s DNA.
Watch What You Drink – And Not Just the Alcohol
Most of us know that alcohol and pregnancy do not mix, but caffeine can also minimize the chances of becoming pregnant. To increase fertility and the chances of a viable pregnancy, it’s recommended to restrict or cut out completely beverages with caffeine or alcohol.
Moderate Diet and Exercise
As with most areas of our lives, diet and exercise play an important role in fertility, and obesity is a significant factor in both male and female infertility. However, it is important to note that moderation is key. Eating or exercising too much or too little puts your body under stress, which can affect its fertility. By eating a balanced diet and getting the recommended amount of exercise, men and women can increase their chances of getting pregnant.
Ovulation and Regular Intercourse
It seems obvious, but having frequent and regular sexual intercourse will increase the chances of becoming pregnant. In fact, even having regular intercourse while not ovulating raises the chances of pregnancy! Abstaining from intercourse for more than 5 days can also affect sperm count, and ovulation cycles may be unpredictable, so increasing sexual activity is a safe and easy way to increase the chances of pregnancy.
Learn More About Increasing Fertility
You can find out more about how men and women are successfully increasing their chances of pregnancy at a free informational seminar, where doctors from Oregon Reproductive Medicine answer all your questions and discuss the promising treatments now available.
Learn more about fertility testing