Do-It-Yourself Fertility

Here are 10 tips for improving your fertility. Some apply to women, others to men; most couples can benefit from both:

	Take prenatal vitamins Ask your gynecologist or family doctor to write you a prescription for prenatal vitamins. Start taking them as soon as possible to help prepare your body for conception and balance out nutrition deficiencies. You’ll be healthier and stronger as a result. Keep in mind that some women experience a side effect of nausea, so experiment by taking your vitamin at different times during the day (for example, at bedtime instead of in the morning) or try a different brand if one upsets your system.
	Take Vitamins C & E Studies have proven that daily supplements of vitamin C (1,000 mg) and vitamin E (400 units) can improve sperm counts, motility and speed. The longer these vitamins are taken, the better the documented results.
	Limit alcohol In general, the chances of successful conception seem to decrease as alcohol consumption increases. Drinking alcohol puts women at risk for ovulatory dysfunction, hormone imbalances and miscarriage. Alcohol abuse also has been linked to pre-term birth, stillbirth and impaired fetal growth and development in babies. For men, alcohol consumption can result in abnormal liver function and a rise in estrogen levels, which may interfere with sperm development and hormone levels. The toxins in alcohol can kill off the sperm-generating cells in the testicle.
	Limit bicycling Moderate bike rides are fine, but intense cycling can cause unnecessary stress on the testicles. Cool and unrestricted environments are best for sperm production. Take frequent breaks while cycling and wear padded biking shorts.
	Avoid hot tubs Heat isn’t a good thing for sperm, so keep your testicles out of hot water – literally! Also, don’t keep a running computer on your lap for extended periods of time.
	No tobacco Smoking is a definite no-no for anyone trying to conceive a child, and second-hand smoke has been found to be equally detrimental to fertility. Components of smoke can concentrate in the follicles (developing eggs) of women and in the testicles of men, resulting in fewer numbers and lower quality of eggs and sperm available for fertilization. In addition to inhibiting ovarian function and prematurely aging the ovaries, smoking also can increase a woman’s risk for ectopic (tubal) pregnancies as well as miscarriages. The sperm of men who smoke are slower and less apt to be shaped normally. Avoid all products containing nicotine, marijuana and other harmful drugs.
	Avoid chemicals Environmental and occupational toxins – pesticides, additives, exhaust, paints, solvents and cosmetics, to name a few – are all around us and can’t be completely eliminated. Just try to limit your exposure to things that might prove detrimental to your reproductive system. Ask one of our doctors if you have specific questions about chemicals you are exposed to on a regular basis.
	Check prescriptions Read labels and talk with your doctors about any adverse effects your prescribed medications can have on fertility. Also consider the side effects of over-the-counter drugs that you take regularly.
	Enjoy frequent sex Don’t forget that intercourse is also a necessary part of conceiving a baby. Studies indicate that regular sex may help maintain regularity of the menstrual cycle. During the days just prior to ovulation, frequent sex also increases the chances of conception, so intercourse every 36 to 48 hours is sound fertility practice. Two or three days of abstinence allows sperm counts to build, but longer periods without sex actually can have a negative impact on fertility. Also guard against becoming too overwhelmed or distracted by your struggle with infertility or cancer or the stress of life to enjoy intimate moments as a couple.
	Consult with a specialist If you’ve tried everything and still can’t become pregnant, consider making an appointment with one of the Fertility Center's reproductive endocrinologists to help you uncover the source of your infertility or help you preserve your fertility for the future. Tests can pinpoint problems, medications can improve fertility, and factors you’ve never even considered can come to light. Let our experts help make your dream of having a baby come true.