Issues with fertility can be a painful topic to tackle for couples that are trying to get pregnant. There are many factors that can contribute to infertility in men and women; but there are also solutions.
What causes infertility?
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the main causes of infertility are: ovulatory disorders in 25 percent of couples, tubal damage in 20 percent of couples, male infertility in 30 percent and uterine or peritoneal disorders in 10 percent of couples.
Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), submucosal fibroids and endometriosis can also reduce fertility in women. According to the Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology journal, male-related infertility ranged from 20-70 percent, with conditions such as hypogonadism and low sperm count or mobility occurring frequently.
Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia can scar a woman’s fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from reaching the womb. It can also can cause swelling in a man’s scrotum, affecting fertility. Severe stress can also affect ovulation in women and limit the production of sperm in men.
With this in mind, it is important to consider what both partners could do to increase their chances of conceiving.
See also: Celebrities Speak up about Infertility
Preventing infertility
There are many ways to aid fertility, such as maintaining a healthy weight and BMI. According to the NHS, women and men who have a BMI above 30 can have reduced fertility and may take longer to conceive. Women with a BMI of less than 19 may ovulate less than normal, making it harder to conceive. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet can help increase the chances of becoming pregnant.
Certain foods can help boost fertility. Jill Blakeway, M.S., L.A.C and co-author of Making Babies: A Proven 3-Month Program for Maximum Fertility told parenting.com that eating certain foods during different phases of a woman’s cycle can enhance fertility. During menstruation, eat meat, beans and leafy vegetables to replace the iron lost during this time. Women who have too much oestrogen in their body should eat vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and kale, which all contain di-indolylmethane (DIM), a phytonutrient that can help women make better use of the hormone in their metabolism. Eating foods that are full of vitamin E, such as olive oil, avocado and leafy greens, can also aid your fertility. Near ovulation, Blakeway recommends increasing your intake of fatty acids through eating oily fish or taking omega-3 supplements. You should also drink lots of water. Pair these with leafy greens and wholegrains, and stay away from acidic foods like coffee, alcohol and meat.
For dads-to-be, diet is equally as important for fertility. Research has shown that a diet full of fish, vegetables and wholegrains can help improve the quality of sperm. Avoid unhealthy foods, especially trans fats, which can affect the number of sperm in semen. Studies have shown that large quantities of alcohol can have a damaging affect on sperm, so it is best to limit alcohol intake and stick to water instead. In your diet the best foods for sperm mobility are full of vitamin C and antioxidants, so aim for 90mg of vitamin C in your daily diet. According to babycentre.com a lack of zinc can make sperm ‘clump together’ and contribute to infertility: eating foods such as lean beef, beans or chicken are a great way to up zinc levels in the body.
See also: Preparing for Pregnancy
How to cope with infertility
Infertility can be a painful time for a couple and the best way to look for solutions starts with coping with the stress of this condition. Here’s what to do next.
- Speak to your doctor to investigate what might be causing your infertility and the next steps to take.
- Understand that it is normal to feel disheartened, but consider your options thoroughly and keep exploring new alternatives
- Don’t be afraid to speak about your fears, feelings and questions to a fertility specialist or counsellor in your area. Check out Infertility Network UK for more information.
Read more on Celebrity Angels on the facts behind infertility and other ways to boost fertility.
