How to Increase Fertility — 19 Ways to Boost Fertility

If you have tried several attempts to get pregnant but have not been successful, consult your local private gynaecologist for medical help. You should also try out these few tips to help boost fertility.

Chart your basal body temperature

You can check your ovulating period by tracking your basal body temperature (BBT). Your BBT is your lowest body temperature when you are at rest. The reading fluctuates throughout your cycle, and it usually increases by 0.4–1.0 degrees the day after your ovulation. It will remain elevated until your next period.

To ensure that this method is effective, check and chart your BBT using a basal thermometer every morning at the exact time before you leave your bed. Over a couple of months, you should be able to know when you are ovulating so you can have sex.

Assess your cervical mucus

The quantity and quality of your cervical secretions change throughout your cycle. When you are about to ovulate, the quantity of your cervical secretions is low and smaller after your period. During ovulation, the cervical secretions look like egg white and feel stretchy and clear. Ovulation occurs when the mucus is thickened, and during this time, you have a higher chance of getting pregnant.

· Use an ovulation calendar

A fertility calendar or calculator helps you know the length of your cycle and the day of your ovulation. Over time, you would know the pattern of your cycle and get information to know when you are most fertile.

· Try an ovulation kit

An over-the-counter ovulation kit can assess when you are ovulating so you can have sex during the period when you are most fertile. However, these kits are not always 100% accurate.

· Maintain a healthy weight

Ensure that you are neither overweight nor underweight. A normal weight helps to keep your reproductive cycle balanced. If your body mass index is within 19–24, you have a healthy weight, but if it is above, you need to discuss your health with your doctor.

· Be mindful of what you eat

Unhealthy food can contribute to infertility because it can cause your cycle to be irregular. Your ovulation becomes irregular. Try to substitute excess animal protein such as beef, pork or chicken with more of plant protein like cooked dried beans and nuts. When you increase your plant protein by 5%, you increase your chances of having regular ovulation by more than 50%. You should also replace a low-fat dairy with a high-fat dairy food per day because low-fat dairy products increase the risk of ovulation infertility.

· Stay hydrated

When you do not take enough water, your cervical fluid becomes sluggish, making it difficult for the sperm to get to the egg for fertilisation.

· Reduce your caffeine intake

High consumption of caffeine interferes with conception so try to reduce your caffeine intake to 1–2 eight-ounce cups daily.

· Visit your ob-gyn

You should visit your ob-gyn to discuss your overall health status. Your ob-gyn may suggest lifestyle changes or fertility treatment that may help you conceive.

· See your dentist

Gum diseases may lead to having underweight and premature babies. To ensure that you do not have any teeth or gum diseases, visit your dentist.

· Manage stress

Try to manage and reduce tension and anxiety if you are trying to get pregnant. The process may be stressful, but you can try meditation, acupuncture or yoga to help you relax.

· Moderate your exercise

It is fine to exercise but ensure that you do so moderately. Strenuous and vigorous exercises might affect your menstrual cycle and cause infertility.

· Inspect your medicine cabinet

If you are trying to get pregnant, review the medications you have with your health care provider because some may be unsafe for pregnancy.

· Avoid lubricants

Some lubricants may contain spermicides so if you are trying to get pregnant and you need a lubricant, go for those that are sperm-friendly or use canola oil.

· Stop drinking

There may be no evidence that taking an occasional glass of wine affects your fertility, but it may be best to avoid alcohol while trying to get pregnant.

· Quit smoking

You and your partner should try to avoid smoking if you are trying to conceive. This is important to ensure your health, and that of the baby is safe. Smoking increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, lowers the number and quality of sperm and increases the risk of miscarriage.

· Take enough vitamins

Ask your ob-gyn for either over-the-counter or prescribed prenatal vitamin that can help boost your fertility. You may be advised to take folic acid and any other prenatal vitamin.

Folic acid reduces the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects that can affect babies. You can also get folic acid from foods such as spinach, beans, and strawberries.

· Have a lot of sex

Try to have sex at least 2–3 times a week to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Experts say that you should have sex at least once a day, especially before and after your ovulation when you are most fertile.

· Beware of what you do after sex.

If you are trying to get pregnant, after sex, avoid saunas, long runs, hot tubes, and any other activity that raises your body temperature. Try not to douche after sex as this increases your risk of a pelvic infection.

If you have not been successful trying to get pregnant for a while, visit private Gynaecologist in London or contact us now on 020 7183 0435 to book an appointment.