For many women, infertility can be a devastating and frustrating issue, preventing them from starting or expanding their families.
While there are some cases where infertility requires medical intervention, there are also ways that women can help boost their fertility naturally.
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or underweight can negatively impact fertility. Women who are overweight may experience irregular menstrual cycles, and both underweight and overweight women may have trouble ovulating.
Maintaining a healthy weight can help regulate hormones and increase the chances of conception.
2. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise releases endorphins, reduces stress, and can help maintain a healthy weight. While strenuous exercise can sometimes negatively impact fertility, moderate and light exercise can actually improve fertility.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
3. Eat a Balanced and Nutritious Diet
Eating a healthy and balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain a healthy weight and improve fertility.
Women should also be sure to get enough folic acid, vitamin D, and iron, all of which have been linked to improved fertility.
4. Limit Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol intake has been linked to decreased fertility, so women should limit their alcohol consumption if they are trying to conceive. It’s recommended that women who are trying to conceive have no more than one drink per day.
5. Quit Smoking
Smoking can negatively impact fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage and complications during pregnancy. Women who smoke should quit before trying to conceive. Quitting smoking can also help prevent many other health issues.
6. Manage Stress
Stress can negatively impact fertility, so it’s important for women to find ways to manage stress and reduce anxiety. Yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can all be helpful.
It’s also a good idea to identify any sources of stress in life and work to minimize or eliminate them if possible.
7. Monitor Menstrual Cycles
Women who are trying to conceive should pay close attention to their menstrual cycles and timing of ovulation. This can help them better plan when to have intercourse to increase the chances of conception.
There are a variety of ovulation tracking methods available, such as basal body temperature tracking and ovulation predictor kits.
8. Get Adequate Sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial for overall health and can also impact fertility. Women who are trying to conceive should aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Insufficient sleep has been linked to decreased fertility and hormonal imbalances.
9. Consider Supplements
There are a variety of supplements that can help improve fertility in women, such as folic acid, vitamin D, and fertility blends that contain herbs and nutrients known to support reproductive health.
Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements to ensure they are safe and appropriate.
10. Consult with a Healthcare Provider
If a woman has been actively trying to conceive for several months without success, it may be time to consult with a healthcare provider.
They can evaluate for any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to infertility and provide guidance on next steps.