Baby Builders: Ways To Increase Fertility

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Most people go to great lengths to prevent starting a family before they are ready, and many find out once they are ready, that getting pregnant is as easy as they thought. In fact, according to statistics an estimated more than 15 percent of want-to-be-moms have difficulty conceiving and about one third of these cases due to the male partner.

While male infertility can be attributes to not enough healthy sperm, a woman’s inability to conceive may have a number of causes including issues with the structure of the uterus, blocked fallopian tubes, or an insufficient release of healthy eggs. In addition a woman’s diet and lifestyle may have a significant impact. Here are the most common causes of infertility due to diet and lifestyle:

1. Weighty issues: According to statistics, weight accounts for nearly 12 percent of all infertility issues. Not enough body fat lowers estrogen levels causing the reproductive cycle to shut down. On the other hand, excess body fat bolsters estrogen levels replicationg the effects of birth control bill and suppressing ovulation. In fact, obesity has even been associated with a lower success rate of conception even with fertility treatments. And, it’s not just the woman’s weight that makes the difference. Overweight men often have lower sperm count and more abnormal sperm. Experts suggest an ample amount of fruits and veggies to give you an abundant supply of antioxidants and prevent sperm damage, and protecting the man’s fertility.

2. Polycystic ovarian syndrome: This condition, also known as PCOS is an endocrine disorder and usually the most common cause of infertility as it results in lack of ovulation. What occurs in women is the insulin and reproductive hormones are maintained at abnormal levels and egg production and menstruation stop. In addition, the condition poses other risks including an increased change of diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. The good news is that some weight loss (about 5 percent) can help stabilize hormones, and increase fertility. Physical activity is also imperative as is a diet rich in fiber and whole grains.

3. Anemia: Not having enough healthy red blood cells, (due to insufficient iron or not enough B-12 or folate), can also result in difficulty conceiving. While more research definitely still needs to be done, experts agree that in most cases anemia can be dealt with through a healthy diet, and that means eating plenty of veggies, beans, grains and dairy, especially if you don’t eat meat. It also means making sure you get enough of what you need, even via supplementation.

4. Diet Dynamics: Indulging in a healthy, well rounded diet may boost fertility according to experts. In fact, studies suggest that women who follow healthy eating habits seem to have up to 66 percent lower risk of infertility due to ovulation issues. And, the research showed that women got the most out of a diet high in heatly monounsaturated fats such as those found in nuts and olive oil, and vegetable-based protein and whole grain foods, but low in trans fats. It seems following this type of diet helps stabilize insulin levels and gives your body the antioxidants it needs that help with pregnancy and conception.

5. Smoking and tobacco: Cigarettes take a toll on both a man and woman’s fertility. In ladies smoking, specifically tobacco causes eggs to be more prone to genetic abnormalities, while in men it is shown to increase the presence of abnormal sperm, and lower counts or healthy, normal sperm, and limits their movement. Nicotine and other chemicals can also have a negative impact on ovulation by lowering estrogen levels.