Natural Ways to Boost Fertility
There are many fertility drugs on the market, yet some couples look for natural ways to boost fertility for reasons of their own. Whether they have religious or moral convictions, or are simply looking for healthier alternatives, there are a number of options that have proven to increase the odds of becoming pregnant as well as in promoting a healthier fetus.
Step 1: Foods that Boost FertilityAlthough there are no foods that are absolutely guaranteed to enable you to get pregnant, there are foods that increase your chances of conceiving by strengthening the reproductive system. Whole grains are ideal because they contain vitamins B and E which are vital to cellular reproduction. Fish and full fat dairy products are high in omega-3 and omega-6 which aid in the regulation of reproductive health. Leafy green veggies provide folic acid that sees to the health of both sperm and eggs while oysters, pumpkin seeds, nuts and baked beans contain zinc which are also vital for healthy eggs and sperm.
Step 2: Regulating Exercise for FertilityOddly enough, too much exercise is just as bad for you when trying to get pregnant as not enough exercise. Recent studies have indicated that women who work out for periods longer than 45 minutes per session, more than 4 times per week, significantly reduce their odds of conceiving. This is directly proportionate to the amount of body fat they hold. Body fat is essential in the production of estrogen, so as a result of strenuous exercise, body fat is reduced to a level that is not providing the building blocks for this vital hormone.
Step 3: Take a Good MultivitaminIdeally, we should get all the nutrients necessary to boost fertility from the foods that we eat, but unfortunately, many of our foods are over-processed and devoid of any real nourishment. When trying to get pregnant it is essential to see to the health of our reproductive organs with vitamins such as E and B, folic acid, selenium and zinc. Also, vitamin C among other antioxidants increase fertility. Recent studies have proven that high levels of free radicals, the harmful effects of oxidative stress, are linked directly to infertility, especially in males.
Step 4: Reduce StressStress is one of the most common causes of infertility. The primary reason is because stress causes extreme fluctuations in hormones that are necessary to reproduction such as estrogen in females and testosterone in males. However, one of the 'by-products' of stress is an inordinate amount of free radicals being released into the body which have proven to dramatically interfere with fertility. Taking antioxidant supplements helps to some degree, but the only foolproof way to reduce stress-related free radicals is obviously to reduce stress.
Step 5: Determine Your Ovulation CycleCharting a woman's time of ovulation is one of the most time-tested natural ways to boost fertility. This can be accomplished through daily basal temperature readings, watching for the secretion of cervical mucous and, more recently, with ovulation predictor kits that detect the increased presence of the luteinizing protein, commonly referred to as LH. Conception is most probable within 36 hours after a spike in this hormone. Having sexual intercourse at regular 24 to 48 hour intervals, from five days prior to this surge through to five days after the spike, greatly increases the potential for conception.
Step 6: Maintain a Hospitable Environment for SpermWhen trying to get pregnant, it is essential to create a hospitable environment that enables sperm cells to live as long as possible, thereby increasing the likelihood of reaching the egg to fertilize it. Certain sexual acts should be refrained from as they introduce bacteria into the woman's vagina. Bacteria damage or kill delicate sperm cells and reduce their chances of survival for periods long enough to 'swim upstream.' Also, it is not advisable to douche within 48 hours after intercourse nor should a woman stand up immediately following sexual relations. Create a hospitable environment and see to it that they have ample time to set off on their journey.
While there is no absolute foolproof guarantee that natural ways to boost fertility will result in pregnancy, they greatly increase the odds. The more natural methods utilized, the greater your chances for success. When planning to get pregnant, it is vital to maintain good health, reduce stress, track the best time to conceive and take good care of your reproductive organs through essential nutrients. In the absence of medical fertility issues, most couples conceive within the first 1 to 18 months.