8 Things That Could Be Affecting Your Fertility : Niagara Newborn Photography

Today I’m sharing 8 surprising things that can impact fertility and what you can do about it. While some factors like age and genetics cannot be changed, there are many other things that may be affecting your fertility without you even realizing it!

Before we dive in, I just wanted to offer a quick friendly reminder that while this blog post provides helpful information, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you're having fertility issues. This blog post is meant to be helpful and informative but it's definitely not a substitute for medical advice.

Okay, now let's get started!

1. Stress:

Turns out that the daily stressors of adulting can actually impact your fertility. Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance, potentially leading to menstrual irregularities, anovulatory cycles, and reduced egg quality. These disruptions can interfere with the normal reproductive processes necessary for conception.  

Studies have shown, women with high levels of alpha-amylase, a biomarker for stress, were found to have a lower chance of getting pregnant compared to women with lower levels of the biomarker.

Engaging in activities that help reduce stress, such as moderate exercise (1-5 hours per week), a healthy diet, and relaxation techniques (like deep breathing or yoga), can be beneficial. 

2. Lack of Sleep:

Getting enough sleep is essential for your overall health, and it also plays a significant role in fertility. A lack of sleep can disrupt hormonal balance, decrease sperm count, and even cause irregular periods.

If you’re struggling to get enough sleep right now due to maybe having a new baby or your work schedule, try to make your bedroom as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Maybe no screens in the bedroom, get some blackout curtains, make your partner sleep in another room :P, whatever works for you to get sleep.

3. Poor Diet:

Hey, I love fast food as much as the next person but eating a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for your fertility. Foods that are high in processed sugars and unhealthy fats can interfere with hormonal balance and decrease sperm count.

An easy way to get more fruits and veggies into your diet is to buy them frozen. Frozen fruits and veggies are just as nutritious as buying them fresh, but they don’t go bad as quickly.

Additionally, many grocery stores now offer pre-chopped or pre-washed produce options that make healthy eating even easier!

My favorite way to get in my daily greens is by adding spinach to almost every dish I make.  It is so easy to add a handful of spinach to your pasta sauce or lasagna etc.  (I like to do this for kids since they cannot tell it is in there)

If you want some great tips for a healthy balnced lifestyle, check out Embracing life Wellness

4. Environmental Toxins:

 Turns out, the environment we live in is full of toxins that can mess with our baby-making abilities. From nasty pesticides to harmful phthalates, these sneaky little devils can affect both men and women. But hey, don't sweat it! Just opt for organic produce, natural cleaning products, and say goodbye to those plastic containers with BPA. (Every little bit helps)

5. Alcohol:

While moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe, heavy drinking can have a significant impact on fertility. Heavy alcohol consumption can decrease sperm count, disrupt hormonal balance, and increase the risk of miscarriage.

6. Over-Exercising:

Sure, exercise is great for your overall health, but did you know that too much of it can actually be harmful to your fertility?  Over-exercising can mess with your hormonal balance, decrease sperm count, and even cause irregular periods in women. So, don't go overboard with your fitness routine. Aim for a moderate exercise routine that includes a mix of cardio and strength training.

7. Poor dental health:

As if we didn’t have enough reasons to go to the dentist regularly, now we can add “helping with fertility” to the list!Poor dental health and gum disease have been linked to fertility problems in both men and women. Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation, which can affect fertility.

I have been in the dental field for about 20 years, if anyone is looking for a good dentist in their area, feel free to send me a message.

8. Vitamin D deficiency:

   
   

This sunshine vitamin is a big player with fertility, regulating hormone levels and making sure those little eggs and swimmers develop healthily. If you're lacking in vitamin D, your fertility might suffer!

So, get out there and soak up some sun or take a supplement. It is also important to take a vitamin k supplement.  Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, while Vitamin K helps direct that calcium into bones and teeth, preventing its deposition in arteries. Together, they may be more effective than either vitamin alone. I like to buy them at the health food store, they have a D/K combination so I only have to take one pill for both.

Fertility is a complex issue, and there are many factors that can impact your ability to conceive. By being aware of these 8 lesser known factors that can affect your fertility, you can take steps to improve your chances of getting pregnant.

If you're considering Newborn photography to capture the moments leading up to and after your little one's arrival, I would be honored to be a part of your journey. You can view my portfolio here.

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