I’m a mom who has struggled to get pregnant so I know how difficult and emotional this can be! It’s frustrating and disheartening when you're doing everything "right" but still not getting pregnant.
My story thankfully is with happy ending, we struggled for two years to get pregnant with our third child. Many woman go trough medical treatments, that drive us nuts. Girl, just so you know - I've gone trough this as well and you are not alone.
While time was passing by, I started to research, is there anything that I can do that would impact my and my husbands fertility?
That's why today I’m sharing 8 surprising things that can impact your fertility that you might not be aware of. When I was struggling to conceive, I wish someone had shared this information with me sooner.
Maybe this is not place where you expected to read tips to improve your fertility, but hey, I'm All about babies and I know a lot of my clients are trying to concive.
While some factors like age and genetics cannot be changed, there are many other things that may be affecting your fertility without you even realizing it!
Before we dive in, I just wanted to offer a quick friendly reminder that while this blog post provides helpful information, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you're having fertility issues. This blog post is meant to be helpful and informative but it's definitely not a substitute for medical advice.
Okay, now let's get started!
- Stress
Turns out that the daily stressors of adulting can actually impact your fertility. Stress can mess with ovulation, disrupt the menstrual cycle, and even decrease sperm count in men.
Think about finding fun ways to reduce your stress levels, such as meditation, yoga, or therapy. (For example we have Yogasálir in Selfoss, or Riverside Spa is nice place for massage) .
According to a study, women with high levels of alpha-amylase, a biomarker for stress, were found to have a lower chance of getting pregnant compared to women with lower levels of the biomarker (Lynch et al., 2014).
From my experience, as soon I stopped working. and worked completely from home, I got pregnant. Just a coincidence? Maybe.
- Lack of sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for your overall health, and it also plays a significant role in fertility. A lack of sleep can disrupt hormonal balance, decrease sperm count, and even cause irregular periods.
A 2022 study found that women who slept for less than six hours per night had a higher risk of infertility compared to women who slept for seven to eight hours per night (Poli et al., 2018).
If you’re struggling to get enough sleep right now due to maybe having a new baby or your work schedule.
- Poor Diet:
Hey I’m not the diet police, BUT eating a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for your fertility. Foods that are high in processed sugars and unhealthy fats can interfere with hormonal balance and decrease sperm count.
An easy way to get more fruits and veggies into your diet is to buy them frozen. Frozen fruits and veggies are just as nutritious as buying them fresh, but they don’t go bad as quickly.
Additionally, many grocery stores now offer pre-chopped or pre-washed produce options that make healthy eating even easier on the go!
My favorite way to get in my daily greens is freshly cut fruits on plate with peanut butter sider, or instead of boiling potatoes or rice for dinner, I just throw bunch frozen veggies on my pan.
- Environmental Toxins:
Toxins in the environment, such as pesticides, lead, and phthalates, can interfere with fertility in both men and women. Limit your exposure to these toxins by choosing organic produce, using natural cleaning products, and avoiding plastic containers with BPA.
Turns out, the environment we live in is full of toxins that can mess with our baby-making abilities. From nasty pesticides to harmful phthalates, these sneaky little devils can affect both men and women. But hey, don't sweat it! Just opt for organic produce, natural cleaning products, and say goodbye to those plastic containers with BPA. Easy peasy, right?
You can read more on this study here, it’s quite interesting! https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6396757/
- Alcohol:
While moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe, heavy drinking can have a significant impact on fertility. Heavy alcohol consumption can decrease sperm count, disrupt hormonal balance, and increase the risk of miscarriage.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5504800/
- Over-Exercising:
I see you, you Lulu wearing Pelaton enthusiast. ;)
Sure, exercise is great for your overall health, but did you know that too much of it can actually be harmful to your fertility? Over-exercising can mess with your hormonal balance, decrease sperm count, and even cause irregular periods in women. So, don't go overboard with your fitness routine. Aim for a moderate exercise routine that includes a mix of cardio and strength training.
As far as I know Box 800 in Selfoss has great team, to create workout routine special for you.
- Poor dental health
As if we didn’t have enough reasons to go to the dentist regularly, now we can add “helping with fertility” to the list!
Poor dental health and gum disease have been linked to fertility problems in both men and women. Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation, which can affect fertility.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8812457/
- Vitamin D deficiency
This sunshine vitamin is a big player with fertility, regulating hormone levels and making sure those little eggs and swimmers develop healthily. If you're lacking in vitamin D, your fertility might suffer!
So, get out there and soak up some sun or take a supplement.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22275473/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/
My favorite vit D is in spray, easy to dose and I don't need that glass of water, so no excuses.
Fertility is a complex issue, and there are many factors that can impact your ability to conceive. By being aware of these 8 lesser known things that can affect your fertility, you can take steps to improve your chances of getting pregnant.
