by Heather Kindberg

Created on: September 15, 2009   Last Updated: September 17, 2009

Fertility is a complex equation, with variables that can all be important to successfully getting pregnant. There are many natural ways to improve fertility, and each of these can raise the odds of conception.

MEDICAL EVALUATION

1. Have a full check-up

Getting a full check-up with your Ob-Gyn can alert you to any specific physical obstacles you may have to getting pregnant, many of which can be changed or improved. Men should inform their doctors that they are trying to impregnate their partner, and they should be checked and tested also.

2. Get a blood test

A simple blood test can determine the number and quality of a woman's eggs. It can measure progesterone levels, which are elevated during normal ovulation, and other hormones at different stages of a woman's cycle.

3. See your dentist

A dental check-up may not seem to have a direct bearing on fertility, but dental health affects a person's overall health. Wounds can become infected and infections can spread. Also, periodontal disease has been shown to influence the likelihood of premature births.

DIET

4. Eating right

Both partners should pay attention to diet while trying to conceive. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are the major components of a healthy diet. Eat foods with plenty of antioxidants: Vitamin E and selenium improve the motility of sperm. Avoid processed food and trans fats: These impact insulin levels which can affect normal ovulation. Stick to good-for-you unsaturated fats such as olive and canola oils.

5. Vitamins and minerals

If you don't think you are getting enough of these vitamins in your diet, speak to your doctor about supplements she might recommend:

~ Vitamin C: Strengthens capillaries, which increases blood flow to sex organs in both men and women, aiding fertility. Increases the efficiency of other nutrient absorption which decreases the risk of infertility due to nutrient deficiencies.

~ Iron: Iron is important to the general health of the ovaries, and it assists in the production of healthy eggs.

~ Zinc: A zinc deficiency can result in both low testosterone and sperm count.

6. Avoid caffeine

Caffeine is a diuretic which means it eliminates needed fluids and calcium from the body. It can also interfere with iron absorption. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor - it causes narrowing in the blood vessels which can induce miscarriage. Watch out for caffeine in coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate, and in some medications.

7. Reduce or eliminate alcohol intake

For men, alcohol can

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