For many couples, It is simply not as easy to conceive a child as they led us to believe in high school health class. The heartbreak as month after month go by and there is still no pregnancy can play havoc with a relationship. Fertility drugs and in-vitro fertilization have their place but there are more natural and less invasive things to try first. The following is a list of twenty-seven tips to increase your fertility without drugs.
1. Quit Smoking
It is important that both partners quit smoking in order to conceive. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine: smoking in women may cause a decreased ability of the ovary to produce estrogen. Smoking can also cause an increase of ectopic pregnancies, which may destroy the fallopian tubes and cause infertility. In men, smoking may lead to abnormal sperm and an all over decrease in count and mobility.
2. Have a Physical
Including an ultrasound for the woman if you have been unable to conceive. Ovarian cysts and endometriosis can both affect fertility and there may be treatments available to rectify those problems. The man should also have a physical and sperm count done to ensure everything is in proper working order.
3. Lower Your Stress
How many stories have you heard about a couple adopting a child after years of trying to conceive only to find themselves pregnant. Ironically, the stress of trying to conceive actually may prevent conception. Why this happens is still not completely understood but lowering stress levels can increase your fertility for both men and women. Think about taking up yoga or fishing. Whatever brings you peace.
4. Take Chasteberry
This is the fruit of the Chaste tree and is widely available. According to an article in the American Academy of Family Physicians, there is some evidence that ingesting this herb may lead to an increase in fertility. It is generally considered safe and well tolerated.
5. Get Fit
This is especially important for women. Being overweight can cause irregular menstrual cycles. This makes it difficult to pinpoint the most fertile days thus making it more difficult to conceive. You do not need to train for a triathlon but a little bit of strength training and a little bit of aerobic activity can do wonders for both your fitness level and your stress level.
6. Reduce Caffeine
The jury is still out on this one. There have been studies that say consuming caffeine may decrease fertility; some studies have found no co-relation. Err on the side of caution and replace that second cup with green tea. Not only may you increase your chances of conceiving, you will get the health benefits of the tea.
7. Double Dip
This is completely anecdotal but more than a few couples, this author included, found themselves pregnant after coming through an ovulation period where they had sexual intercourse multiple times a day during the few days the woman was fertile. Definitely worth a try
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8. Stay Elevated
8. Stay Elevated
Keeping the hips elevated for a few minutes after coitus helps retain the semen. Put a pillow under the woman's derriere and think baby thoughts.
9. Just Say No To Alcohol
Although the joke is that many children were conceived while their parents were under the influence, couples with fertility issues may decrease their fertility by as much as half by using these substances. It can alter the sex hormones in both men and women, and can cause early miscarriage. According to a paper by the British Medical Journal, "The probability of conception in a menstrual cycle decreased with increasing alcohol intake in women, even among those drinking five or fewer drinks a week."
10. Just Say No to Marijuana
Especially men, a study done by The University of Buffalo has shown that frequent marijuana use decreases semen, lowers sperm count and can cause abnormal behaviour in sperm.
11. Let her Orgasm Last
Long thought to have no real reproductive purpose it is now believed that the contractions of female orgasm may help sperm in its travel up to the uterus.
12. Move to Utah
According to Desert News, Utah has the highest birthrate in the United States. Whether it is the fresh, unpolluted air or the tendancy to have large families, facts are facts and Utah has the highest birthrate per capita in the nation.
13. Increase Your Baby "Chi"
Feng Shui isn't just for decorating. Apparently, ensuring the man's head is pointed North West will increase descendant luck thus making it more likely to conceive. Keeping a clear pathway from your front door to your bedroom is also said to cause an increase in positive energy and will increase your chances of conceiving. Babycorner.com has a terrific article on more fertility increasing Feng Shui tips.
14. Eat Yams
Yams contain a diosgenin, a compound that is similar to progesterone, which may help stimulate the ovaries to release more eggs. Eating yams may also increase your chances of having twins.
15. Purchase Ovulation Kits
The best way to get pregnant is to know when you are ovulating. One of the greatest boons to couples trying to conceive, these kits will be come invaluable in your baby-making arsenal. There are many brands to choose. OvulationPredictorKits.com has a terrific review to help you.
16. Boxers not Briefs
A man can raise his sperm count, thereby raising the couple's fertility simply by changing his underwear. The tight fit of briefs increases the heat to the scrotum, which may affect sperm count and mobility.
17. Leave the Laptop off the Lap
Men should avoid placing a notebook computer on their lap. According to an article from CNET News, the heat from a laptop computer increases the heat to the scrotum and has the same effect as wearing tight underwear. So keep it on a table if you are trying to conceive.
18. Try Dong Quai
This ancient Chinese herb has been used to treat women's reproductive issues for a thousand years. Although there have been few studies done, an article by the University Of Maryland Medical Center states that lab tests have indicated that dong quai may have compounds that will stimulate and relax uterine muscles perhaps increasing fertility.
19. Go on a Procreation Vacation
Luxurious Hotels and Inns are offering holidays geared towards potential Moms and Dads to be. There is the Birds and Bees package in a lovely inn in Maryland; the luxurious Westin on Grand Bahamas Island; or check out the Fertile Turtle Package at the Marco Island Marriott Beach Hotel. Though these vacations do not come with a money back guarantee, it is still money well spent whether you conceive or not.
20. Eat Pumpkin Seeds
There is some evidence that eating raw pumpkin seeds may increase a man's sperm count. They are super rich in zinc and the essential fatty-acids that are important for sperm health.
21. Have Sex in the Morning
Sperm count in higher in the morning and early afternoon, so if you are able to, try having intercourse earlier in the day when both the man and the sperm are raring to go.
22. Wear a Fertility Bracelet
A beautiful combination of Rose Quartz and Moonstone, both ancient fertility minerals will not only help you conceive but let you look good while trying. Available at Labelle.com, even if it doesn't work it is a beautiful piece to add to your jewelry collection.
23. Sleep in a Dark Room
Studies show that even the light coming from a clock radio can disturb a woman's hormonal cycle so put a book in front of that LED display until morning.
24. Try Fertility Symbols
Elephants on your bedside are said to increase your chances of conceiving. The larger or more numerous the elephants, the greater the chance of having a boy. Keep a bowl of pomegranates by the bedside. Not only are these a fertility symbol, but also if eaten, can help keep a man's prostate in good order.
25. Paint Your Bedroom Green
According to the Colorwheel.com, green is the color of nature, freshness, growth and fertility. It is also a very restive and peaceful color, perfect for putting you both in the right frame of mind for conception.
26. Sit on the Miracle Chair
Women from all over the world line up to sit in this chair in Naples, Italy. The story goes that St. Maria Francesca of the Five Wounds of Christ sat in this chair during the last days of her life. Though no one is sure why this works, the walls around the chair are full of photos of babies conceived by women who have sat there. For more information about the chair visit CBS News.
27. Don't Take it All So Seriously
Baby-making should not be hard work. Ultimately, it is the outcome of the love shared by a man and a woman. Take time to laugh, and enjoy each other's company. If it starts to become a chore, take a break for a while. A happy and relaxed couple are bound to be parents sooner or later.
It is a terrific feeling to conceive a child. To create a life that represents the best of both you and your partner. Many couples have fertility challenges that they are able to overcome without resorting to medical procedures. Don't give up hope, try the tips above and you may find yourself nurturing that little life before you know it.
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