Fertility isn’t just about being the perfect couple that has sex at the right time. Fertility is about having a healthy habit. Your fertility is a part of your health, and when all support of physical, emotional, and mental health aligns, several couples see a positive change in their potential to make babies.
So, if you are wondering if you can do anything to improve your chances of conceiving, you may need to get rid of some bad habits and visit an ED Clinic Hilliard (or another clinic local to you) to assess your hormones. To better understand your health and regenerate your fertility, here are the bad habits you need to kick to the curbs.
1. Not having enough sleep
Several studies have shown a connection between irregular periods and sleeping habits – irregular periods can be an indication of infertility. Besides, a study also found an increased rate of miscarriage among nurses who worked the night shift. Poor sleeping habits can also lead to weight problems, and women can experience ovulation problems if they are over a healthy weight range. And in men, obesity has been directly linked to less healthy sperm.
To improve your fertility, you need to be sleeping 7 to 8 hours every night. You can break the poor sleeping habit if you understand why you keep burning the midnight candle. However, staying up late because you can’t sleep is a different ball game. Insomnia can be as a result of depression, and you should probably seek medical help. Creating a comforting bedtime routine, counseling, and stress reduction therapies can all help you get better sleep.
2. Consuming excessive caffeine
While a cup of tea or coffee can’t harm you, several cups a day can do some damage. Studies have shown that drinking more than 300mg of caffeine in a day can increase the risk of miscarriage and reduce your fertility. More than 300mg is equivalent to two cups of percolated coffee, over four cups of coffee drip or six cups of caffeinated cola or strong tea.
In the instance that you consume caffeine to make up for lack of sleep, taking care of your poor sleeping habit may automatically help you beat caffeine addiction. Even though you get enough sleep, it is common to feel tired in the afternoon. Eating lighter lunch such as more veggies and proteins and fewer carbs can help prevent afternoon sleepiness. Also, a quick power nap can boost your energy. However, if it is the warmth and ritual you’re craving, consider going for decaffeinated coffee, herbal, non-caffeinated teas.
3. Smoking
Smoking negatively affects both men and women fertility. In women, smoking can cause problems with the fallopian tubes, increase your risk of cervical changes, increase risk of miscarriages, and damage the eggs that develop in the ovaries. While in men, it leads to abnormal hormone levels and can reduce the quality of the sperm.
Although smoking is an addiction that is not easy to quit, you still need to do it. You can speak to your doctor, and they are several treatment programs design for people who wants to quit smoking.
4. Lack of or too much exercise
Obviously, everyone knows that exercise is good for their health. Regular exercise improves your immune system, hearts, and lungs. It could also help you maintain a healthier weight, which, in turn, improve your fertility. But as we all know, too much of a good thing can be harmful. Too much workout can also negatively affect your fertility. Both women and men can have reduced fertility by doing an extreme workout routine.
What is an ideal exercise? Exercising at least three times a week with an average 30 minutes each is ideal. Proper exercise choices may include swimming, yoga, low-impact aerobics, or walking. However, you should always talk to your doctor before starting any form of exercise.
5. Eating junk food and overeating
Going on junk food spree and overeating can lead to weight problems, which can also lead to fertility issues. Plus, too much junk food can lead to an increase in blood sugar level. Some studies show that fertility and insulin are linked; this could be bad for your fertility health. In addition, some research also links poor eating habit to more inadequate fertility in both men and women.
Often, overeating is as a result of eating for comfort or emotional eating – the issue is that this only lasts for moments after which it is followed by guilt. So instead of that, look for healthier ways to deal with stress, it could either be through meditation, counseling, or mind-body therapies. It may also help to take a better look at your overall diet. For instance, you can start eating more wholegrain foods and less processed foods.
6. Avoiding a doctor appointment
Fertility begins to decline at age 27 in women, and at 35, they start a steeper dive. While fertility starts to reduce after 40 for men. The effect that age has on fertility is the reason why you shouldn’t delay in getting help. If you’ve been trying to conceive for six months and you’re older than 35 or more than a year, and you’re under 35, you should talk to someone like Dr. Hugo fertility specialist as soon as possible.
Infertility can be a sign of severe health problem. When you go to a doctor, he/she can carry out all the necessary tests and for instance checks if your ovarian reserves are low or high than usual. If you need a treatment, there are several fertility options such as IVF you can use to conceive a child. A specialist knows what is best for you, and now may be the time to seek one out.