Not everyone is fortunate enough to conceive naturally. In fact, 1 in 10 American couples face the challenge of overcoming infertility or reproductive problems. And while many of these issues are treatable with innovative fertility therapies and advanced procedures, there are things you and your partner can do to boost your fertility. It begins with assessing your lifestyle and nutritional habits, and making some adjustments.
Take action to boost your fertility
For many couples, lifestyle changes to boost fertility work because they support the whole body. Try these tips to get pregnant sooner than later:
- Cut down on soda, coffee and alcohol – All have been linked to female infertility.
- Stop smoking – Smoking can impair fertility in women by affecting how receptive the uterus is to the egg. In men, smoking can reduce sperm production and damage DNA. Experts also strongly suggest quitting smoking before you’re pregnant.
- Open your “fertile window” – This window of time is the five days leading up to ovulation and the actual day of ovulation. Pregnancy is possible if intercourse is had on any of these days.
Eat fertility-boosting foods
When you’re trying to get pregnant, eating the rights foods matter. In fact, numerous studies have shown certain foods can improve fertility, prevent recurrent miscarriage and support a healthy pregnancy.
- Plant-based proteins – Skip the steak and go for beans, lentils, tofu, edamame and nuts. A Harvard study found that women who ate more animal protein had a 39% greater likelihood of infertility.
- Leafy greens – Spinach, romaine, arugula, broccoli and other dark leafy greens are high in folate, a B vitamin that a few studies have shown may improve ovulation.
- Pumpkin seeds – These powerful seeds are high in non-heme iron (the kind found in certain plant foods and iron-fortified foods). A study of women who took a non-heme iron supplement found they were 40 percent less likely to have trouble conceiving than those who didn’t take iron.
- Brown rice – High glycemic-index foods (breakfast cereals, white rice and potatoes) are associated with a larger risk of infertility, while low glycemic-index foods (like brown rice, pasta and dark bread) lower your risk, according to a 2009 Harvard study.
New York’s choice for exceptional fertility treatment
If you have tried making lifestyle and nutrition changes, but your dream of starting a family has yet to come true, the compassionate specialists at Kofinas Fertility Group are here for you. The first step is pinpointing the exact cause of your infertility. Our advanced fertility assessment capabilities are the key to forming your customized treatment plan, which may involve in vitro fertilization, cryopreservation or other innovative therapies.
To meet our caring staff and learn about your treatment options, call 718-340-3611 to schedule an appointment or click here to find a location near you.