As Virginia’s top fertility medication pharmacy, Hann’s Pharmacy has answered countless questions and has helped countless people struggling with infertility.
One of the top questions we get is, “How can I help myself to increase my chances of becoming pregnant?”.
In addition to taking the supplements we discussed in our last blog, below are some additional things you can do to increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Remember, it’s always best to speak with your doctor before trying any new regimen.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
Being overweight or underweight can negatively impact your fertility. Therefore, it’s important to obtain and maintain a healthy weight. Plus there are endless additional benefits to this as well.
This applies to both men and women. More research shows that obesity impacts sperm quality and alters the physical and molecular structure of cells in the testes and mature sperm.
Thorne also shares that overweight women have a higher incidence of menstrual dysfunction. Overweight and obese women are at higher risk for reproductive health issues including infertility, lower conception rates, miscarriage, and pregnancy complications.
Move Your Body
This goes hand in hand with maintaining a healthy weight. Make sure that you are getting enough exercise. Even a quick walk, or short workouts can have a positive impact on your body (and your mindset!).
Thorne shares the following with us: “A consistent exercise routine can improve fertility in women, including women with PCOS and who are overweight.5 Similarly, research reveals that one hour, three times a week, of low-to-moderate intensity exercise can reduce the risk of miscarriage6 and increase implantation and live birth rates.7 During pregnancy, exercise provides benefits for mom and baby. Mothers-to-be will see a reduced risk of excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis,8 while babies tend to be of a healthier birth weight and continue to experience benefits throughout childhood.”
Be Aware of Your Caffeine Intake
Can you function without your morning coffee? The effects of caffeine on mom and baby during pregnancy are unknown, so it’s recommended to avoid caffeine during pregnancy, but research shows that caffeine can also impact your fertility.
“There is evidence that suggests spontaneous miscarriage rates increase with daily caffeine intake at or above 200-300 mg.3 The latest research suggests some men can also experience negative reproductive effects from excessive caffeine intake, including decreased semen volume, sperm count, and concentration, resulting in prolonging time to conception.4”
Get Better Rest
Getting good quality sleep has many benefits, from better brain function to supporting weight loss and immune health, and so much more. According to Thorne, “negatively affecting hormone levels, particularly those that influence natural circadian rhythms.10 The best solution is to minimize stress and try to establish a normal sleep pattern – ideally high-quality sleep for at least eight hours nightly to help stabilize hormones, metabolism, mood, and energy levels.”
Avoid Alcohol
It’s widely known to avoid alcohol during pregnancy, but did you know that avoiding alcohol pre-conception may help fertility?
According to Thorne, alcohol intake is associated with reduced testosterone, LH, and FSH levels in women, and decreased rate of sperm production, gonadal atrophy, impotence, and infertility in men. The higher the alcohol intake, the more likely the negative consequences for fertility.
Fairfax Fertility Medication Pharmacy
The experts at Hann’s Pharmacy are prepared to help you along your fertility journey. We are the #1 fertility medication pharmacy in Virginia. Our team knows firsthand how difficult fertility treatment can be.
Our staff is trained on how to help you understand your fertility medication, and will also show you how to administer the medication.
Visit HannsPharmacy.com to learn more or call/secure text us at (703) 495-3350.