Fall in love, move in, get married, have a family …that’s how the fairy tale goes, right ?... for many it’s not that straight forward and couples are not really aware of the reasons why conceiving can be tricky until they are trying.
Career and life opportunities are increasing the average adult age for becoming parents, so whilst the prospect of parenthood can be exciting and emotionally challenging, it's essential to have the right guidance and information at your disposal. Dr. Venkat, Medical Director at Harley Street Fertility Clinic, is here to share her top 10 tips for couples who are on the path to parenthood. Dr. Venkat's expertise in the field of fertility and reproductive health has helped countless couples achieve their dreams of becoming parents.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle. Dr. Venkat emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are essential for overall well-being, which in turn supports your reproductive health.
- Understand Your Menstrual Cycle: Knowing your menstrual cycle and when you ovulate is crucial. Tracking your cycle helps you pinpoint your most fertile days, increasing your chances of conception. There are various apps and tools available to assist with this.
- Reduce Stress. Stress can adversely affect fertility. Dr. Venkat recommends finding ways to manage stress, whether through relaxation techniques, meditation, or counselling. A stress-free environment can positively impact your fertility.
- Balanced nutrition. Maintain a diet rich in fertility-boosting nutrients such as folic acid, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Your healthcare provider can offer dietary recommendations tailored to your needs.
- Limit alcohol and Avoid Smoking. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can negatively impact fertility. Reducing or eliminating these habits can significantly improve your chances of conceiving.
- Weight management. Both underweight and overweight individuals can experience fertility challenges. Dr. Venkat advises maintaining a healthy weight, as it can have a profound impact on your reproductive health.
- Regular sexual intercourse. May sound obvious but having regular, unprotected sex is vital. Dr Venkat suggests every 2-3 days during your fertile window, which is around the time of ovulation, to maximise your chances of conception.
- Fertility Health. Regular medical check-ups can help identify any underlying health conditions that may be affecting your fertility. This includes conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. Infertility can often go unnoticed. If you are trying to conceive and there was no pregnancy after at least 6 months of unprotected sex, the chances are there might be some underlying causes. Both men and women should consult a fertility specialist for a fertility check-up to discover what might be the culprit.
- Environment. Dr.Venkat advises the use of glass instead of plastic. The plastic used in cups have endocrine disrupting chemical (EDCs) such as bisphenol A (BPA) that disturb the hormone balance in a woman’s body and can cause poor quality eggs or poor quality embryos. Pollution can also play a big role in fertility. Avoid exercising in areas with poor air quality as this might affect both ovarian reserve and sperm quality.
- Stay Positive and Supportive. Dr. Venkat emphasizes the importance of emotional support. Trying to conceive can be emotionally draining, and it's crucial to maintain open communication with your partner, friends, or support groups who understand your journey.
Every couple's journey to parenthood is unique. Dr. Venkat's advice provides a solid foundation, but it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Your fertility specialist can offer a tailored plan to help you achieve your dream of starting or expanding your family.
Dr Venkat's expertise, along with the support of healthcare professionals, friends, and family, can make the path to parenthood a bit smoother. Stay positive, stay healthy, and keep the faith in your journey towards conception. Remember, your dreams of becoming parents are within reach.