In the journey to conceive, many couples find that it takes longer than expected. Achieving optimal fertility often involves making certain lifestyle choices. Here are some expert strategies to enhance fertility, which can be used as a part of your preconception planning.
Understanding Fertility: Getting the Basics Right
Fertility is the ability to conceive and bring a pregnancy to term. It involves factors from both the male and female partners. It’s estimated that one in seven couples in the UK have difficulty conceiving, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
For women, the key factors affecting fertility include age, ovulation regularity, tubal health, and uterine health. For men, sperm health, including count, motility, and morphology, is crucial.
Healthy Lifestyle: The Cornerstone of Fertility
Leading a healthy lifestyle is fundamental to optimising fertility. Both partners should maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight or underweight can affect fertility. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can support reproductive health.
Avoiding substances that can harm fertility is also important. Smoking and excessive alcohol can negatively impact both male and female fertility. Moreover, regularly consuming caffeine has been linked with fertility problems. The UK’s NHS recommends no more than 200mg of caffeine a day, the equivalent of two mugs of instant coffee.
Regular Health Check-ups: Catching Problems Early
Regular health check-ups can detect potential fertility issues early. For women, gynaecological examinations can assess reproductive health. Men should undergo semen analysis to assess sperm health. If either partner has a chronic condition like diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid issues, it is crucial to manage these conditions as they can affect fertility.
Additionally, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can impact fertility. Regular screenings can help detect STIs and early treatment can prevent complications.
Emotional Well-being: A Less Discussed Aspect of Fertility
Emotional well-being plays a significant role in fertility. Stress can disrupt hormone balance, which can affect ovulation in women and sperm production in men. Mind-body therapies, like yoga and meditation, can help manage stress.
Couples struggling with fertility can experience a range of emotions, including frustration and depression. Recognizing these emotions and, if necessary, reaching out to a professional for assistance, is crucial. There are many support groups and counselling services available in the UK that can help navigate these emotions.
Medical Assistance: Exploring Fertility Treatments
If a couple has tried to conceive for a year without success (or six months if the woman is over 35), they should consider seeking medical advice. In the UK as well as in the US, fertility clinics provide a variety of treatments, such as fertility acupuncture, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
Fertility Plus, a leading fertility clinic in the UK, offers a comprehensive array of treatments personalised to each couple’s needs. They also provide extensive preconception planning advice, including nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.
Concluding Thoughts
Optimising fertility often involves multiple factors, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, having regular health check-ups, managing emotional health, and seeking medical assistance when necessary. Preconception planning can take time and it’s important for couples to support each other throughout this journey. Always remember, every couple is unique and what works for one might not work for another. Therefore, personalised advice and support are crucial to enhance fertility.
