Boosting your fertility is a good way to prepare for successful family planning with your partner. There are many ways of achieving this, and some of these ways can even help you improve your overall health in the process.
Timing Is Important in Getting Pregnant
There is a lot of misunderstanding out there about exactly when your partner is most likely to get pregnant. There’s actually a relatively narrow fertility window during a woman’s monthly cycle, and that window begins five days before ovulation (release of a viable egg from the ovary) and ends on the day when ovulation occurs.
This takes some planning and understanding, so go with your partner to a fertility specialist who can help you map out exactly when fertility is highest and how to predict exactly when this will occur. Ovulation kits are available in many pharmacies, and they can help couples with family planning.
Ways to Increase Fertility
Apart from having intercourse with your partner during the peak days of fertility, there are additional ways to boost your own fertility:
1. Watch Your Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight will help you maximize your fertility. When you are overweight or have a higher body fat percentage than what is considered healthy for a man, your sperm can suffer.
Being overweight may also be related to a hormonal imbalance; so if you have trouble shedding those extra pounds or staying lean, talk with your doctor or a fertility specialist for advice and testing. Being too thin or not having a healthy muscle mass also can hurt your fertility.
To boost your fertility, eat a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
2. Exercise
Getting off the couch and out the door, or on the treadmill, goes a long way to helping you increase your fertility. Exercise increases blood flow, improves mood, and helps to build lean muscle mass – all of which contribute to improved fertility.
3. Quit Smoking
Smoking increases your risk of multiple health problems, including infertility. There are support groups to help you quit – talk with your health care professional to find out how to set a quit day and stop smoking for good.
4. Limit or Omit Consumption of Stimulants
Limit your caffeine intake, cut back on alcohol consumption, and never use any kind of street drugs or marijuana. You might be surprised to learn that marijuana use can significantly lower sperm count.
5. Avoid Toxins
Chemicals and other substances can have a negative effect on a man’s fertility. These toxins can be present in the air, food containers, and even food itself, so just keep an eye out for anything that doesn’t look or seem right.
· Only use approved, nontoxic plastic food containers
· Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables carefully before eating or cooking
· Avoid exposure to any toxic products at the workplace
· Avoid use of harsh cleaning products or chemical lawn and garden maintenance products
6. Protect Your Testicles from Heat and Injury
Heat and constriction are the enemies of healthy sperm. It’s a good idea to:
· Avoid hot baths
· Wear loose, cool underwear and sleepwear
· Wear protection when you participate in contact sports or other activities that could result in injury or trauma to the testicles and surrounding area
7. Avoid Non-Prescribed Steroids
Inappropriate steroid use is associated with a number of health risks, including lowered fertility.
8. Consider Supplements
Studies have shown that zinc and selenium supplements help to improve the health of sperm. Talk with your doctor or fertility specialist about dosages and reliable sources.
Urologist in Phoenix, AZ
If you have been struggling with infertility, don’t wait any longer. Prompt treatment with proven methods by an experienced fertility specialist can help increase your partner’s chances of becoming pregnant.
Contact Dr. Desi Avila at Ironwood Urology today to schedule a consultation. Call (480) 961-2323 or request an appointment online now. We are experts in fertility, and we can help you achieve success.
