When it comes to figuring out how to boost your fertility naturally, there are many questionable ideas floating around the internet. It all begins with moderation. Here are a few examples of factors that can impact your fertility:
Alcohol Consumption
Extreme alcohol consumption has been associated with decreased fertility, but it is unclear the exact amount of alcohol it takes to negatively impact reproductive function. Heavy alcohol consumption in men has been associated with decreased sperm count, motility, and percentage of normal appearing sperm.
Body Weight
Women with a low body mass index (BMI) are more likely to experience infertility and are less likely to have success with IVF than women with BMI in the normal range. Obesity in women has been associated with infertility and lower pregnancy rate with IVF. Obesity in men has been associated with lower sperm count and motility. Erectile dysfunction is also more common in obese men.
Smoking
It has been suggested that women who smoke add ten years to their reproductive ages, meaning that a 30-year-old woman who smokes has the reproductive potential of a 40-year-old woman. Smoking in men has been associated with reduced success with IVF, and it can negatively impact sperm quantity and quality.
Exercise
Moderate exercise has been associated with higher pregnancy rates in women, regardless of BMI, according to some data. However, daily exercise may reduce fertility, especially if excessive exercise results in menstrual irregularity. For men, one hour of exercise three times per week may result in higher sperm count, motility, and normal appearing sperm.
Caffeine
Excessive caffeine intake of over 500 mg/day may result in a delay in time to conception. Moderate caffeine intake of 200-300 mg/day may result in lower pregnancy rates and higher miscarriage rates.
NCCRM
The North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine/Talbert Fertility Institute is the premiere center for reproductive health in North Carolina and the East Coast. Our team specializes in fertility testing, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility conditions. We’re experts in IVF, Tubal Ligation Reversal, Male Infertility, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Gestation Surrogacy, Family Balancing, and more. Contact us today.
