The slower pace of summer provides a great opportunity to focus or refocus on boosting your fertility. Although many aspects of fertility are out of our control, there are several things that can be done to give fertility a boost. Let’s discuss seven ways to naturally decrease fertility issues and increase the chances of conceiving this summer.
7 Ways to Boost Your Fertility This Summer
- Get Plenty of Sunshine - sunlight affects hormone levels that are key in regulating the reproductive cycle. Vitamin D has also been shown to improve fertility in both males and females.1
- Stay Hydrated - staying hydrated helps to ensure that the reproductive organs are functioning properly. It is also important to reduce caffeine intake as large amounts of caffeine can negatively affect fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices - smoking and heavy alcohol use can decrease fertility and even affect the subsequent health of a fetus. Smoking tends to age the ovaries, many times diminishing the egg supply prematurely. Excessive drinking has also been linked to ovulation difficulties.
- Exercise Regularly - exercising regularly can boost fertility by balancing hormones, improving circulation, and reducing stress. Summer allows for a change in routine and the option of taking activities outdoors. While regular exercise has a positive impact on fertility, too much strenuous exercise can have a negative effect on ovulation and hormone levels.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight - being significantly overweight or underweight can increase the risk of developing an ovulation disorder. It is important to maintain a healthy weight while consuming a diet rich in fertility-boosting nutrients, such as lipids, amino acids, iron, and calcium. Taking a multivitamin that includes folate can also help to enhance fertility.
- Minimize Stress - finding ways to reduce stress is imperative for fertility and overall health. Summer can be a perfect time to relax, eliminate stressors, and learn coping mechanisms. Incorporating stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can also help give fertility a boost.
- Have Sex Often - having sex near the time of ovulation is key in upping the chances of conception. Pregnancy rates tend to be highest for those couples who have sex every day or every other day.2 Knowing your fertility window can be crucial to achieving a successful outcome.
ReproMed Fertility Center is here to assist, educate, and support our patients throughout their fertility journey and beyond. Reach out to learn more today!
Author: Dr. Anil Pinto is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and the subspecialty of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Pinto has a special interest in the treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), recurrent pregnancy loss, and advanced reproductive technologies, such as IVF. Dr. Pinto practices at ReproMed Fertility Center, which includes four convenient locations across Dallas and Tyler, Texas.