Ten Natural Ways to Improve Your Fertility
Many couples these days are finding they have fertility problems because of their lifestyle, diet, and other common factors. Fortunately there are many natural ways of improving fertility for most couples who do not have physical or anatomical disorders.
Here are ten natural ways to improve your fertility:
One: Focus on Pregnancy
If you want to get pregnant, the best time for sex is just before ovulation. Monitoring your body temperature will reveal when you are ovulating, because it rises at this time. More cervical mucus is present at ovulation, and some women also experience mild pains in the abdomen.
Sexual intercourse for the purpose of conception has the goal of depositing sperm as close to the cervix as possible. All sexual positions are good, but the traditional missionary position and rear entry are most effective. To prevent semen leaking from the body, it is also advisable for the woman to lie still for 15 minutes afterwards, with her hips and buttocks raised on a pillow or cushion.
Another factor that can increase the chances of pregnancy is female orgasm, since the physical processes that occur tend to draw semen in close to the cervix.
Two: Cut Out the Bad Stuff
Smoking, alcohol, caffeine and drugs can all damage your general health and reduce fertility in both men and women. They also damage an unborn child, so it makes sense to stop these habits before conception.
Alcohol is thought by some to improve the chances of conception because it relaxes the body, but this has not been proven. What has been proven is that alcohol lowers sperm count and increases the rate of sperm abnormalities.
Caffeine’s effect on fertility is the subject of intense research, with some studies showing even a single cup of coffee can reduce fertility by 50%, while others are not so clear-cut. If you’re trying to increase your fertility, however, it is wise to reduce the sources of caffeine, which include coffee, tea, chocolate and most sodas. If you need a caffeine “fix”, choose decaffeinated coffee or green tea instead.
Three: Improve Your Diet
Improving your diet is good for your general health and improves fertility in both genders, and also helps to regulate your weight. Make sure your diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and excludes processed foods as far as possible. A varied, well-balanced and colorful diet is sure to provide the vitamins and other nutrients you need for healthy reproductive organs and for good regulation of the sex hormones.
Include plenty of sources of antioxidants, such as vitamin C (tomatoes, citrus, berries) and vitamin E (avocados, eggs, asparagus, vegetable oils, seeds, nuts and leafy green vegetables). Two other excellent antioxidants are selenium and lycopene, which you can obtain from nuts, seafoods, meats, mushrooms, and cooked or processed tomatoes.
Zinc deficiencies have been linked to lower testosterone levels and poor sperm count. Zinc also boosts the immune system, and is found in meats, pumpkin seeds, lentils, nuts, wholegrain cereals and beans.
Your diet should also contain plenty of fiber to avoid constipation, which can reduce fertility. An apple a day is a great start.
Four: Increase Your Exercise
Exercise regulates hormones and brings them into balance, and also helps to control weight, which is important in improving fertility. Excess body fat in women can disrupt menstrual cycles and increase estrogen levels.
Exercise should not be too strenuous because this can reduce fertility. Keep it moderate and sensible, and seek out natural exercises such as walking, climbing stairs, swimming and cycling. Pelvic floor exercises also improve fertility, since they improve circulation in the reproductive systems.
Yoga is an excellent form of exercise for fertility, since it gently tones and strengthens the body and helps you relax. There are also specialized forms of yoga, such as couples yoga, that are designed specifically to improve fertility.
Five: Visit the Chiropractor
A number of recent studies have demonstrated that chiropractic treatments of the base of a woman’s spine can dramatically increase her fertility. The treatments improve the function of the nerves to the reproductive organs. These treatments were successful even on women who had been infertile for years.
Six: Reduce Exposure to Chemicals and Radiation
Many chemicals and sources of radiation are thought to affect fertility. The research is continuing, but early results indicate that many pesticides contain xenoestrogens, which interfere with hormone regulation. If you are aiming to have the best chance of conceiving, it may be wise to avoid exposure to all kinds of chemicals, by choosing organic foods, and using natural cleaners in the home, such as bicarb soda and vinegar.
There is no conclusive evidence yet that the radiation produced by cell phones is dangerous, but a recent study carried out by the Reproductive Research Center in Ohio found men who used their cell phones heavily had decreased sperm counts, poor motility and more abnormal sperm. To reduce the risk, use SMS rather than talking, and turn the phone off when the signal is weak, because at that time the radiation level is higher.
Seven: Herbs, Teas, and Rosewater
Many herbs have been used to improve fertility, and among the most commonly used are Chasteberry and Dong Quai. Chasteberry stimulates the pituitary, which produces estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. Dong Quai is believed to increase the chance of a fertilized egg being implanted, to balance levels of estrogen, and correct menstrual problems. Consult your medical practitioner before taking herbs in large doses.
Herbal teas such as liquorice, fennel, and saffron and ginger are believed to boost fertility in women. Rosewater has long been used to increase the chances of implantation of fertilized eggs into the uterine wall.
Eight: Relax!
Stress affects the health generally, and can reduce fertility, so take steps to avoid stress of all kinds and to relax. Meditation and yoga are both excellent techniques to use, or just make time for yourself to lie down for a while, breathe deeply and concentrate on relaxing each muscle group in turn. Do relaxing things together as a couple: a stroll in the park or along a beach, or anywhere else you like can work wonders.
A gentle massage of the abdomen using warm sesame oil helps to improve a woman’s fertility. Follow the massage with a long soak in a warm bath, or a shower.
Nine: Boxers
Men who are trying to improve their fertility are well-advised to wear boxers and loose fitting pants instead of briefs and tight jeans. Overheated testicles cause sperm damage and poor fertility, and changing to boxers is a simple step that could vastly improve his fertility.
Ten: Ayurveda
Ayurveda originated in India thousands of years ago, and has many techniques and special herbs to improve fertility. The herbs include Ashwagandh, Gokshura, Triphala, and Aloe Vera juice (for women), which are available from Ayurveda practitioners. Ayurveda also emphasizes food choices, and recommends pumpkin seeds, seaweeds, walnuts, almonds, milk, ghee, turmeric, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Perhaps the wisest advice of all is the Ayurveda contention that the best way to improve fertility is to be loving and to be loved.
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