Tips to Improve Fertility, Naturally

Every woman or couple who has tried or is trying to conceive should explore every option and not give up. Whether you are contemplating surrogacy or in-vitro fertilization, which is very expensive, time consuming and present some possible risks with each attempt, these should be the last choices after everything else has failed. Trying to increase fertility naturally is an option that has also proven to be effective. Most women experience considerable stress only after three or four months of trying to conceive. Medical journals inform us that the mid twenties is the most viable time for conception.

There are so many factors involved in conception, and the ability to conceive varies from person to person. Some people are more prolific than others. It is a well known fact that age plays a major role in being able to conceive, however with today’s medical advancement, women in their sixties have not only conceived but have carried their babies to full term.

Real concern for infertility should be voiced after trying to conceive unsuccessfully for about a year. Only then should the need arise for a thorough investigation into why conception has not occurred.  The best route to go in this case is to begin with is a visit to your Gynecologist who will study your medical history, profile and have the necessary tests done to determine what might be the cause of the problem.  After all the tests have been completed and it has been determined that there is nothing physically wrong that could be the cause of infertility, then the next option should be trying to achieve your goal of conception through natural means.         

Here are 14 tips to increase fertility naturally. No matter what age you are, being healthy is the basic foundation for increasing your chance at conception. As infertility is not only a problem for women but men also, these tips may help both partners achieve fertility:

1. Seek a physician who practices Natural Health – The advice and help of a physician who practices natural medicine will be invaluable as they are experienced in the knowledge of natural herbs that promote fertility.  For example- Dong Quoi, an herb from China which has been in existence for centuries, has been known to solve all kinds of menstrual problems.  Another well known herb is Chaste berry, which is given to stimulate the pituitary gland and balances the sex hormones.
2.  Eat healthy foods- we often hear the cliché, ‘you are what you eat’.  This is very true and comes into focus in attempts to conceive.  Eating healthy foods helps to heal and nurture our bodies throughout life.  Being humans we don’t always eat foods that are healthy because of an acquired taste.  However, our body being an amazing instrument can begin to repair itself when proper nourishment is obtained.
3.  Vitamin supplements- Taking a multivitamin supplement daily is a good habit especially when we don’t get all the nutrients from the food we eat.  There are two vitamin supplements that are known to aid in boosting fertility.  Vitamin C should be taken by women along with other antioxidants to maintain or improve the reproductive organs.  For men, Vitamin D and calcium are recommended.
4. Maintain a healthy weight- Being at your ideal weight is important in order to maintain the correct balance of hormones.  The difference of ten pounds may affect fertility in some individuals and not in others. Doing all that is necessary to reach and maintain your ideal weight and staying at least within five pounds more or less is a goal to try and achieve, when trying to conceive.  Conception is not always easy to achieve and timing and balance in everything has to be perfect.  The opposite side of the coin is being underweight.  Trying to gain weight on your own by eating junk food will not suffice.  You will need to seek the help of a nutritionist who will teach you to the right foods and portion that’s necessary for weight gain.
5. Exercise -Adopt an exercise program. If you’re not involved in an exercise program, now is the time to do so.  Joining a health or exercise club is ideal; however there are many ways to get exercise.  Walking, if you have been inactive for some time, is preferable. Make sure you have the right shoes to avoid injury. Trainers also advice that you begin walking for five or ten minutes at a time and build up the time each day.  The usual stroll will not be enough if you’re trying to lose weight, though.  You will have to do brisk walks on flat trails and hills or inclines in order to get a good workout.  
6. Relaxation-Find time to relax. This is just as important as exercise.  Try to keep a balance in all aspects of your life.  This is difficult when you live a busy life, but it can be done.  Find some time in your day and make it a routine- take at least half an hour and spend it doing nothing physical- find out what relaxes- from yoga and Tai chi, to listening to your favorite composer or mood music as you recline, or if you’re really lucky to be near a beach, take your sun lotion and beach towel, spread it out under an umbrella and listen to the ocean waves.
7.  Avoid alcohol- There are claims by some that alcohol relaxes them. This may be true, however if you’re experiencing infertility you should avoid alcohol completely as we know that alcohol has an adverse affect on one’s fertility.  In men alcohol increases the level of the hormone estrogen which then affects the level and health of their sperm. Excessive intake of alcohol also hinders a man’s ability to perform sexually. In women alcohol contributes to amenorrhea, a loss of menstruation and anovulation, which is a condition in which ovulation does not occur in an individual. It also may cause miscarriages,  pre- term births and irreversible harm to the new born.
8. Avoid excess caffeine-Excess use of caffeine is known to be detrimental to conception.  Doctors advise women who are planning to get pregnant to cut down considerably on the intake of caffeine. 300mg of caffeine a day is considered an excess and it is advised that you consume no more than 200mg daily. Almost every drink we consume has some caffeine.  From diet cokes to coffee and green tea, all have some caffeine.  However, there are a few where caffeine is negligible-like Sprite, Root Beer, Fresca and decaf coffee.  Incidentally, it is also recommended if you’re having trouble conceiving, you should avoid caffeine completely.  
9. Study and understand your menstrual circle- Knowing your menstrual circle-not just the number of days in your circle but determining the exact time of ovulation through observing the cervical mucus each month is very important in your attempt to conceive. This is also referred to as a natural family planning method. Your OBGYN and other organizations like Pro-Life may offer you advice on how to calculate and monitor your circle in order to achieve your goal or you may seek out resources to educate yourself about this method.    
10.  Sexual positions – Although there are many sexual positions involved in the process of conception, there are several positions known to improve the ability to conceive.  The missionary position, where the female is kneeling and the male enters from behind.  This position increases the chances of the sperm being deposited as close to the cervix as possible. Another position is having the female lie on her back with her hips raised higher than the rest of her back.
11.  After sex lie in bed for at least 20 minutes- Do not be in such a rush to get up after intercourse.  Stay in bed for at least 20 minutes after intercourse.  When you’re trying to conceive, gravity can be an enemy sometimes. To attain your goal you have to make specific plans and follow them through.  Make time to enjoy intercourse and take the opportunity to day dream or set your timer and take a nap. 
12.  Get enough sleep- Our bodies need enough rest to function properly.  If you don’t get at least eight hours of sleep on a daily basis, this is the time to make it a habit.  Getting eight hours of sleep, exercise coupled with maintaining a healthy weight will support your goal to conceive. Insufficient sleep can cause irritability and loss of focus. Besides that, going to bed early will help you avoid the temptation to eat late, thereby causing loss of excess weight or maintenance of ideal weight; exercise will not only contribute to weight loss but will also improve the state of your internal organs with oxygen and good blood flow.
13. Fasting- Naturalists agree that fasting may improve fertility in some women.  When we consider the digestive system and how it works, how all throughout our waking moments, when eating and breathing, is constantly absorbing and converting food as well as toxins.  When we eat late dinners and snacks; when we eat the wrong foods too often, when we indulge in cigarette smoking and too much alcohol, we should agree that our digest system from which blood flows throughout our bodies does need some rest. In order to take advantage of fasting to improve fertility, please seek the advice of a reputable physician who practices natural medicine.  Fasting can heal but can also be dangerous if done incorrectly.