Couples decide every day that the time is right to have a baby. Fertility is a term used when referring to a man and woman's opportunity to conceive. Both men and women need to be fertile in order to get pregnant. There are natural ways to increase fertility improving the chance pregnancy will occur.
Many factors contribute to fertility in both men and women. Diet is one way to help naturally increase fertility. A balanced diet full of nutrient and mineral rich foods is important when trying to conceive. Avoid eating foods that contain unhealthy fats such as transfat, white flour, sugar, and salt. Diets rich in whole grains, beans, fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats, and cold water fish such as salmon increase an individual's fertility.
Adding natural supplements to the person's diet can aide fertility. Zinc is a mineral that can be taken as a supplement or found in a variety of vegetables including leafy greens, oysters, and beans. Low sperm count and decreased sperm motility has been linked to zinc deficiency in a man's diet. Sperm motility refers to the movement of the sperm and its ability to reach the egg. Zinc is known to improve a sperm's motility.
Amino acids increase a man's ejaculate fluid. Amino acids, especially when combined with zinc, have been known to greatly increase a man's fertility. Arginine is an amino acid that assists in boosting sperm count and motility. Arginine can be bought as a supplement or consumed in various foods such as oatmeal, seeds, and nuts. An amino acid plus zinc supplement, also known as Lysine, is known to boost the quality of semen, testosterone production, and also elevate sperm production. This combination is a good way to naturally promote fertility in men. Semen containing larger amounts of healthy sperm means better fertility in men and improving the odds for conception.
Flaxseed oil and pumpkin seeds are two more natural fertility assistants. Pumpkin seeds are full of nutrients and support prostate health and testosterone production. Hormone levels are important when it comes to fertility. A hormone imbalance in both men and women is often blamed for certain infertility problems couples face. Flaxseed oil can affect fertility in men and women. In women, flaxseed oil can help to stabilize the estrogen-progesterone ratio and improves uterine function. Healthy sperm have been linked to diets that include a flaxseed oil supplement.
Exercise naturally aides in fertility by improving blood flow and circulation. Walking 30 minutes a day is a great way to keep fit. Too much estrogen in a woman's body will decrease fertility. Basic low impact cardio workouts like walking, cycling, or swimming can help to burn off the excess hormones by burning fat which can produce and store excess amounts of estrogen. Men should be aware that exercising is good for their daily routine as well. However; excessive exercise in men increases their body temperature. An increased body temperature in the testicles will decrease a man's sperm count impeding his fertility. A man should also avoid any exercise that will add stress to the testicles such as cycling.
Stress has been linked to decreased fertility in both men and women. Eliminating stress can naturally increase fertility. Stress causes the body to release stress hormones like cortisol causing an imbalance. Hypnosis is a relaxation technique that can help reduce stress. Relaxation found in hypnosis can enhance fertility promoting optimum conditions to make a baby. Hypnosis allows a person to deeply relax. Meditation is another relaxation technique that can be used to reduce a person's stress increasing fertility. The deep concentration found in meditation allows the person to relax lessening the stress hormones in the body.
Eliminating different things from one's lifestyle will increase fertility naturally. Avoiding alcohol increases the chance of pregnancy. Alcohol has been known to decrease sperm count and ejaculation volume which reduces fertility in men. Women who consume alcohol on a regular basis have a 50% less chance of getting pregnant when compared to women who do not drink alcohol on a regular basis. By eliminating alcohol or drinking small quantities an individual can boost their fertility.
Smoking will also minimize fertility. Cigarettes contain many toxic chemicals that damage cells, including cells found in the reproductive system. Second hand smoking also contains dangerous chemicals and should be avoided by those attempting to get pregnant. Egg damage can be caused by smoking. Women who smoke have been known to start menopause years earlier than women who do not smoke limiting the amount of time she is fertile.
Caffeine has been linked to decreased fertility. Although limited research has been done on the subject, studies have shown that women who consume high amounts of caffeine (300-700mg per day) have one third less chance of getting pregnant. By limiting or removing caffeine intake, an individual will increase their chances of conception. For those people who cannot go without their caffeine fix, limiting quantities to 100mg or less per day may help increase chances of fertility while allowing the morning cup of coffee (approximately 100mg caffeine) or cup of tea (approximately 30mg caffeine) to remain in the diet.
Drug abuse causes problems with fertility. Marijuana inhibits the release of enzymes that allow the sperm to penetrate the egg. It also has a negative effect on sperm production and motility. Men with low sperm counts or unhealthy sperm will have problems conceiving. Marijuana can also cause disruptions in a woman's menstrual cycle which impede fertility and the chance of becoming pregnant.
Sexual positions can help naturally improve fertility. Avoid having sex in a standing or sitting position and women should avoid being on top as these positions allow semen to leak out decreasing the chances of getting pregnant. The missionary position allows for deeper penetration and minimizes the chance of semen leaking out of the woman's body. Rear entry positions or "doggie style" can also increase the chance of getting pregnant by allowing the sperm to be deposited closer to the woman's cervix. Elevating the woman's hips for fifteen minutes after having sex can limit the amount of sperm that leaks out of her body.
Lubricants can impede pregnancy. Throwing away lubricants can help increase the chance of getting pregnant. Lubricants contain many chemicals that decrease sperm motility and can also kill sperm all together making it difficult to conceive. Petroleum jelly and even saliva has also been known to kill sperm. Women wishing to get pregnant should stop douching. Douche solution changes a woman's pH balance in the vagina. It also washes away cervical fluid which assists sperm through the cervix to the egg. Sperm is greatly affected by pH balance. Fertility and the chance for conception dwindle when a woman uses a douche solution to clean herself.
Men should avoid wearing tight underwear or clothing that constricts the testicles. This can affect sperm count and motility by increasing pressure and keeping the testicles too close to the body. The temperature of the testicles can increase when close to the body for extended periods of time.
Temperature in the testicles is important to sperm production. Heat decreases sperm count and semen volume which lowers fertility. Avoiding hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas can reduce the chance of fertility problems in males. Since the testes hang away from the body, their temperature is typically two degrees cooler than regular body temperature which increases sperm count.
Frequent ejaculation will affect fertility in men. An increased amount of sex or masturbation will dilute the semen. Frequent ejaculation does not allow the body enough time to build up a good amount of sperm. By allowing 3-4 days between ejaculations the male is giving his body time to produce sperm increasing his fertility by increasing his sperm count.
Fertility problems happen to many couples. Using natural ways to increase fertility can help a couple get pregnant and start a family. By eating a healthy diet, nutritional supplements, and avoiding bad habits like smoking and alcohol a person can improve their fertility. Both men and women can do their part to naturally increase their fertility and improve their chances of having a baby giving them the chance to enjoy parenthood.