Dealing with infertility is never easy, but there are a few steps you can follow to boost your fertility and increase your chances of growing your family. Did you know, for example, that the type of lubricant you may use might dramatically decrease your chances of getting pregnant? Follow the steps below and talk to your doctor about other ways to improve your chances of starting a family.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Fertility can be affected by being underweight or overweight. In fact, those with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 39 (obese) waited twice as long before achieving pregnancy, while those with a BMI below 19 (underweight) took four times as long as usual to become pregnant. Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy BMI.
Monitor Your Beverages
The doctor at your infertility clinic may have already warned you about the dangers of alcohol and caffeine when you’re trying to conceive. Drinking one to two cups of coffee per day won’t affect your fertility; however, try not to consume more than this. Additionally, it’s best to limit alcohol to no more than two drinks daily, or avoid it altogether. Of course, once you achieve a pregnancy, you’ll need to quit alcohol consumption entirely.
Choose the Right Lubricants
Commercial water-based lubricants might seem like a good choice, however, they can reduce sperm mobility by 60 to 100 percent. Canola oil, on the other hand, is safe to use and will not harm the sperm. Talk to your fertility doctor about other lubricants you can use that won’t decrease your fertility.
Dr. Lowell Ku, MD, of Dallas IVF is a board-certified doctor who prides himself on supporting his patients through every step of the process. He understands what the infertility rollercoaster is like because he and his wife have been through it themselves; they underwent IVF treatments and successfully achieved pregnancy. Make an appointment with Dr. Lowell Ku today to discuss other ways in which you can boost your fertility and grow your family. Call our Dallas fertility clinic at (469) 287-8179 to get started.