Most women dream of a having a baby at some point in their lives, and many even want more than one. However, our bodies may not fully cooperate with our plans! In such cases, it makes sense to check out alternative methods to increase fertility and improve the chances of having a biological child.
Once upon a time, getting pregnant was as easy as 1-2-3! People began conceiving right when they were young and most couples had an average of 2-3 kids. However, the situation is vastly different today, where infertility clinics have mushroomed overnight, catering to the demand of several couples who have problems conceiving and want to know how to boost fertility. Of course, if you have just begun trying, there’s no need to rush to the doctor just yet. There are many natural ways to increase fertility, that don’t require any kind of drugs or injections.
10 Ways to be More Fertile for Women
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Maintain a Healthy Weight
First things first: a healthy weight is essential to ensure optimum fertility in women. Excess weight often (not always) means excess fat which affects the body’s production of hormones, which in turn affects ovulation. The best way to reach and stay in a healthy weight range is portion control & adequate workout. Remember, being too thin and working out too much can also lower fertility.
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Track Your Ovulation
When thinking about how to increase female fertility, identifying the most fertile periods is crucial. The three days just before ovulation are generally considered the most fertile, with the highest chances of conception. There are several apps and kits that can help you identify your fertile period.
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Adjust Your Diet
Besides watching what you eat to lose weight, you also need to ensure a good nutritional profile. A diet to increase fertility should include sufficient amounts of protein, iron, zinc, folic acid and the Vitamins C and D. If your diet does not include enough sources of all vitamins and minerals, you may have to take a multivitamin as well. Experts suggest staying away from low fat foods and eating the whole versions.
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Cut Down Alcohol Intake
Alcohol has been found to be really bad news for those who are already pregnant or trying to be. Alcohol can affect oestrogen levels, which can harm the foetus as well as delay egg implantation. Apparently, 2 glasses a day can reduce fertility by as much as 60%. All the more reason to cut back!
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Lower Caffeine Consumption
You’re probably thinking, ‘What? Not without my coffee!’. While coffee isn’t as harmful as alcohol, research shows that it can delay conception. More than 5 cups of coffee has been correlated with lower fertility. Remember that even fizzy drinks have caffeine, so cut down on those too.
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Quit Smoking
If you still are, that is. Smoking is counterproductive to fertility, both in men and in women. It affects the DNA on a basic level and can lead to birth defects in babies. Not that you needed another reason to stop this body-destroying habit.
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Avoid Lubricants with Spermicidal Ingredients
Most women use lubricants without reading the label. Many lubricants are double purpose – they offer smooth penetration and destroy sperm. You need to check if your spermicidal lubricant is the cause of your apparent infertility. You don’t want to kill the swimmers before they even make their way up, do you?
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Stay Away from Toxic Materials
This applies to everyone at all times, but particularly to women who’re trying to get pregnant. Stay away from preservatives, and similar noxious gases, especially around farmlands. If you handle chemicals at work, make sure proper precautions are taken.
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Sleep More, Stress Less
All activity on your bed is important for conception, including sleep! Lack of sleep affects the body’s hormone regulatory system which ends up messing up your cycle. It can result in a shorter luteal phase, which means a smaller window for conception. It also increases the stress hormone, which affects fertility in turn. Night shift workers are particularly at risk.
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Have Sex!
Well, last but not least, the obvious one of them all – have sex! Couples who did the deed every day had a much higher chance than couples who measured and timed their intimate moments. Stressing about the timing can backfire, so it’s important to just enjoy it and go with the flow.
Most couples who follow these tips are seen to conceive within 6 months to 1 year. Adjust your lifestyle slowly but surely and you’re bound to see effects. So don’t stress, live well and you’ll soon be holding your little darling in your arms!
