How can you increase your chances of getting pregnant?

The truth is, you’re more likely to get pregnant if both you are your partner are in good health, this means sticking to a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, keeping alcohol to a minimum.

Can You Promote Healthy Fertility? Tips to Boost Fertility

Q: How does weight affect pregnancy?

If a woman’s BMI is below 19 or above 30, she may have fertility issues whereas if a man’s BMI is over 30, it’s likely that his fertility will be lower than usual.

From being told to sleep in total darkness to suggesting lubricants are a no-go [1]; with so much information available for those trying to conceive - it can be hard to know what to believe and most importantly, where to begin!

The truth is, you’re more likely to get pregnant if both you are your partner are in good health[2], this means:

Sticking to a healthy weight
Avoiding smoking
Keeping alcohol to a minimum
Follow a balanced diet
Try at the right time

See also: 6 Tips When Trying To Conceive

The best way to understand and monitor your fertility is with a test - this can be done with your local doctor or by taking an at-home lab test.

LetsGetChecked’s range of Female Fertility Tests provides a broad picture of a woman’s hormonal health. This can provide you with an insight into your current fertility status with online results available in just 5 days and medical support available over-the-phone for support and guidance.

How can you promote healthy fertility?

The topic of fertility can sometimes feel like a maze - but we want to ensure you that it doesn't need to be that way! While there are a number of factors to consider when trying to conceive, one of the most tried, tested, and (somewhat) straightforward approaches to promoting healthy fertility is following a healthy lifestyle and trying at the right time.

Sticking to a healthy weight

If you or your partner are under or overweight, it may affect your chances of conceiving and impact 'normal' ovulation. That's right, according to the NHS, if a woman’s body mass index (BMI) is below 19 or above 30, she may have fertility issues whereas if a man’s BMI is over 30, it’s likely that his fertility will be lower than usual [3].

To stick to a healthy body weight, and support your overall health, try making healthy lifestyle choices such as keeping a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and moving your body regularly in whatever way you find enjoyable!

Avoiding smoking

There are a number of health effects associated with smoking, one being that it may negatively affect fertility in both women and men. Smoking has been associated with damage to the eggs and ovaries; this can increase the time it takes to conceive as well as accelerate menopause [4]. If you smoke, it's essential to seek support and help to quit.

Keeping alcohol to a minimum

If you’re trying to conceive, experts typically recommend avoiding alcohol at conception and during pregnancy to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. For men, drinking excessively can affect the quality of their sperm [5].

Follow a balanced diet

Although there is currently no known set diet to improve reproductive health, following a healthy diet rich in all the necessary nutrients is a great idea when you are trying to get pregnant. Think leafy greens, wild salmon, seeds, whole grains, and olive oil.

Find out more about foods to promote fertility here.

Try at the right time

It’s more likely that you’ll conceive if you have sex when your ovaries are releasing an egg - this occurs within a day or so of ovulation (around 14 days after the end of your last period) [6].

See also: What Causes Infertility in Men?

What are the main factors that contribute to infertility?

Although following a healthy and balanced lifestyle is no doubt an important factor when it comes to promoting fertility and supporting your reproductive health, there are a number of other factors to consider that may contribute to infertility or decreased fertility.

Ovulation disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinemia, and thyroid problems can all impact female fertility.
Age can also reduce fertility or cause difficulty conceiving. According to Mayo Clinic, a decline in the quality and quantity of eggs as you age may cause fertility problems.
Scarring from certain surgeries may affect the fallopian tubes or even shorten the neck of the cervix.
Certain medications such as those used for chemotherapy may affect your ability to get pregnant. Long-term use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can also affect fertility.
Male factors like low-quality sperm or testicular infection can also make it difficult to get pregnant.

Can a woman improve her egg quality?

Each woman is born with all the eggs they are ever going to have. The amount of eggs decreases until you stop ovulating and reach menopause. And while you can't put a pause on this inevitable reduction in eggs or improve the quality of your eggs, there are some healthy lifestyle choices you can make to help promote fertility (some we mentioned earlier), these include:

Don't smoke
Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum
Limit caffeine consumption
Avoid exposure to toxins if possible

It's important to know that there is no scientifically proven way to improve the quality or increase the number of your eggs but healthy lifestyle changes can help support reproductive health.

You should consider taking a Female Fertility test if:

You’re looking to start a family
You’re thinking about pregnancy down the line
You’re interested in knowing more about your hormone levels
You’re experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance

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How Can You Promote Healthy Fertility?

By: Dani Roche