Woman with pregnancy test

Medical studies are providing new information all the time that can help women improve their fertility. Changing certain behaviors is the first step to improving your overall fertility. Many factors are known to reduce fertility. Other factors are being examined for the seeming connection to decreased fertility.

Stop smoking

Smoking can be disastrous to your fertility. Smoking can damage your fallopian tubes and cervix. It also increases your risk of having an ectopic pregnancy and increases your risk of miscarriage. Smoking also changes the composition of the mucus in the cervix which can decrease the ability of the sperm to reach the egg. There is also concern among doctors that smoking can prematurely age your ovaries and reduces your overall fertility. If you have had trouble conceiving in the past one of the best things you can do to improve your fertility is to stop smoking.

Reduce stress and get more sleep

There is less direct evidence associated with increased stress and sleep deprivation in relation to fertility. However, studies are beginning to show a correlation between these factors and fertility. Stress can cause a disruption in ovulation thereby decreasing your fertility. To increase your fertility, make an effort to practice stress reduction techniques in order to keep your cycle regular. 

At the same time try to increase the amount of sleep you get each night. Lack of sleep has been linked to a deficiency in the hormone leptin which may have an effect on fertility. While different women will need different amounts of sleep to feel refreshed, it is important to sleep at least 6 hours every night without waking. Sleep is a time of rejuvenation and the body rebuilds and repairs from the stresses of the day.

Lose weight

Women who are overweight often have trouble conceiving. Why? The fat tends to interfere with the proper function and chemicals associated with ovulation and thus prevent the cyclical release of the eggs. When an overweight woman loses weight, the chance of conception increases dramatically.

Should I try herbal supplements?

Currently, some herbal supplements that include Chasteberry or Vitex Agnus Castus have shown promise in improving fertility. Other supplements being explored include Siberian Ginseng, Red Clover, and Ginkgo Biloba. FertilAid is a supplement which includes some herbs, and more importantly a full supplement of daily vitamins in perfect amounts.  

In addition, taking a normal, over the counter multi-vitamin supplement is helpful in decreasing miscarriages and fetal malformations. When taking over the counter vitamins and supplements and trying to become pregnant, it is important to watch the overall daily intake of Vitamin C. Vitamin C in the correct amounts can be very healthy in the body, help the immune system to fight off infection and possibly increase fertility in both men and women. But, when too much Vitamin C is taken on a regular basis, an acidic environment in the body may prevent the egg from attaching properly to the uterus or inducing a self-miscarriage.

Improving fertility is all about assuming a healthier, more natural position to conceive a baby. The healthier the body, the apter the reproductive process is to regain a healthy cycle.

Read More:
Sex and Pregnancy
Symptoms Not to Ignore
What to Eat and What Not to Eat