Can Lifestyle Habits Affect Fertility?

If you’re trying to get pregnant or plan to get pregnant in the near future, you may wonder what you can do to help the process along. While some people seem to conceive with ease, many struggle with infertility; 15% of couples have difficulty getting pregnant.

In some cases, medical issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and low sperm count cause infertility. In other instances, lifestyle choices are the culprit. 

At Enrich Health and Wellness in Boerne, Texas, Maria Cole, APRN, FNP-C, and our team are passionate about helping patients make healthy choices to improve fertility. In this month’s blog, we explore lifestyle changes geared toward boosting fertility. 

Achieve and maintain a healthy weight

Weight plays a significant role in fertility. Studies show that obesity can affect a man’s sperm count and quality and inhibit a woman’s ability to ovulate regularly. Also, women who are underweight can struggle with dysfunctional ovaries and infertility. 

To boost male and female fertility, aim to lose weight if you’re overweight (or gain weight if you’re underweight). Our team can discuss healthy and sustainable ways to do either. 

Eat a nutrient-dense diet

What you eat (or don’t) can directly affect your ability to get pregnant. Boost male and female fertility by including foods rich in antioxidants, fiber, protein from vegetables, and high-fat dairy. You also want to limit carbohydrates, trans fats, and caffeine. 

We’d also love to discuss our multivitamin options with you to fill in any nutrient gaps. 

Get the proper amount of exercise

Moving your body is essential for general health. So, it only makes sense that regular exercise can improve fertility, especially if it helps you shed excess weight. However, note that studies show too much exercise and physical labor can cause infertility. 

With exercise, as with most things in life, moderation is key. 

Always treat infections

Women need to treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, and yeast infections right away since the discharge from the infection can keep sperm from entering your uterus. 

For men, not treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) promptly can cause fertility issues. 

Give up nicotine, marijuana, and steroids

Smoking tobacco has been linked not only to male and female infertility but also stillbirth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). 

Marijuana usage can lead to decreased sexual performance and infertility. Men who frequently use marijuana have shown decreased testosterone, increased female hormones, and abnormally shaped sperm.

Using steroids to build muscle mass can lead to male infertility. That’s because steroids can act as a male contraceptive, reducing hormone production and interfering with sperm production. 

We highly recommend discontinuing all unnecessary drug use to improve fertility. 

To learn more about making positive lifestyle changes to boost fertility, schedule an appointment with our team by calling our office or booking online today.