Maximize Your Fertility…as a Couple
Did you know that for Canadian couples experiencing infertility concerns, 30% are found to be due to male fertility factors, 40% are found to be due to female fertility factors and 30% are due to a combination of male, female, and unknown factors? With this current statistic, why is it that it is often only the woman that gets treated for infertility?
In order to truly maximize your fertility potential as a couple it is important for both the man and woman to take an active role in optimizing their reproductive and overall health. Take a look at the following tips to see if you and your partner are doing everything that can be done to maximize your chances of getting pregnant.
Nutrition Tips:
- Choose whole foods at each meal (i.e. food that does not come out of a box).
- Eat a variety of antioxidant-rich foods, including bright & dark coloured vegetables and fruits. Antioxidants help protect the egg and sperm from DNA damage.
- Get individualized recommendations for nutritional supplements to support reproductive health, especially if there are diagnosed or suspected reproductive conditions (e.g. polycystic ovaries and fibroids in women; low sperm count and motility in men).
Lifestyle Tips:
- Ensure you are getting restful, restorative sleep every night. Develop a sleep routine and consider acupuncture if you are having trouble.
- Do activities that will encourage relaxation on a regular basis (e.g. acupuncture, breathing exercises, meditation).
- Address any mental & emotional obstacles to fertility, including age-related fears, work burnout, and relationship strain. Make use of lifestyle counselling and acupuncture to help you manage these concerns effectively.
The above tips are a great start to evaluating your fertility health, however there are many other important issues to consider. To truly maximize your fertility potential, consider making a complimentary 15 minute appointment to learn about the Optimal Fertility Program that was developed using research and clinical experience to enhance your ability to get pregnant as a couple.
Wishing you optimal health and fertility,
Odette Bulaong, ND