Whether you’re recent honeymooners or experienced parents trying for another child, improving your fertility can be a welcome effort in expanding the family unit.
After all, not all couples can just make a baby after one try.
If you’ve been attempting to conceive for a long time with no luck, don’t go rushing to the fertility clinic just yet.
There may be a few things you can do first at home that can increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Here’s how to kick your reproductive system into overdrive, regardless of your sex.
How to Increase Your Fertility
Make Love, Frequently
If there’s one collaborative activity that couples can enjoy together to increase their fertility, it’s having more sex.
I know what you must be thinking: of course, you need to do the deed to make a baby, duh!
But intercourse is not just a means to an end.
It can actually prepare your body biologically to produce healthy, viable reproductive cells.
Without getting too much into the sciencey mumbo-jumbo, studies have shown sexually active women tend to be more biologically primed for conception.
But men on the other hand may benefit from sperm retention or abstinence (at least 3 to 8 days) if they want to help their wives get pregnant (to increase their sperm count).
But if you’re just interested in the “priming” phase, it’s definitely okay to do it as much as you both want. Besides, more sex also means a happier marriage.
Load up the Antioxidants
Antioxidants, especially zinc and folate, are such an important nutrition source for maintaining fertility.
This is because they combat cell-damaging free radicals that we’re exposed to every day from the environment. Studies show that men who ate walnuts have better sperm quality and women who take folate supplements are more likely to conceive.
Eating more of antioxidant-rich foods doesn’t have to be a chore either. Some foods that are really high in antioxidants include chocolate, strawberries, blueberries, red cabbage, spinach and beets.
So, if you want to up your chances of conceiving, you can enjoy these foods together as they can help improve fertility for both men and women.
Ditch the Intoxicants
If there’s a good reason to quit cigarettes and alcohol, it’s trying for a baby.
Even if you’re a casual or social drinker it may be a good idea to abandon the substances for a few months.
Not only do they mess with your body chemistry and hormones, but they also damage your cells.
Intoxicants have a lot of free radicals. And what is it that we learned previously about antioxidants? Free radicals are terrible for your fertility.
You may also want to cut out or reduce trans fats, refined carbs, and caffeine.
Work on that Summer Bod
Ok so it’s summer all year around in Malaysia, but you get the gist.
A fitter, leaner body is a healthier vehicle for conception.
Your hormones are stable, you have better energy and are also probably getting quality sleep.
Such are the benefits of leading an active lifestyle. And you don’t have to overdo it at the gym either.
Some light cardio and calisthenics are enough to make some big changes in your body chemistry.
In fact, it’s imperative that you don’t strain yourself when working out.
This is because research showed that excessive exercise actually reduces your fertility. So, moderation is key.
Try a Love Potion
It’s a popular fantasy trope I know, but one that is very much rooted in real world history.
Fertility is not a new problem; people in the distant past have also struggled with conception.
And they’ve certainly come up with many interesting (and sometimes even lethal) concoctions thought to help with things like erectile dysfunction.
From Spanish flies to bull testicles, you name it.
But we know better now with science and some herbs have been proven to increase libido and sex drive.
So, if that’s a problem you have in bed, you can try some botanical supplements: maca, Tribulus, fenugreek, gingko biloba and red ginseng.
Consult a physician first if you want to try these.
Get Expert Advice
If all else fails, then there may be more serious issues afoot. Either with your man’s swimmers or your eggs.
One or both partners may end up having a condition that makes them unlikely to be able to conceive naturally.
For men its usually low sperm count or sperm abnormalities, and for women its usually irregular periods caused by conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
A good doctor will help determine exactly what’s wrong so it can be treated with medication and the right lifestyle changes.
Rev Up Your Baby Making Magic
Fertility issues can be caused by many things. And it’s often not as obvious as what you eat or how much you exercise.
Things like poor sleep and stress can also affect your body in ways that make it harder to conceive.
With the fast-paced lives that we’re currently experiencing; demanding jobs, longer hours, etc, it’s no wonder why many couples struggle to make a baby.
But with some well-needed lifestyle changes and a little luck, you’ll have a bun baking in the oven in no time.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!