Lifestyle changes for fertility can increase your odds of pregnancy success

Our Austin fertility specialists offer the most-effective fertility treatments available to help men and women grow their families. However, many causes of infertility can be prevented by making lifestyle changes for fertility.

Making lifestyle changes for fertility

Tobacco use, alcohol abuse, weight issues, risky sexual behaviors and caffeine use can all impact fertility, pregnancy and a baby’s health. As a result, our Austin fertility specialists recommend making the following lifestyle changes for fertility before pregnancy takes place.

• Avoid tobacco use. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can cause the ovaries to age faster, leading to an increased likelihood of infertility, miscarriage and early menopause, which is often irreversible. Cigarette smoking can also increase the chance of pregnancy complications, including preterm labor and delivery, underweight newborns, placenta problems and ectopic pregnancy. Children who grow up around parents who smoke also have various health issues.
• Avoid alcohol abuse. Alcohol consumption has a detrimental effect on female and male fertility. Higher levels of alcohol consumption (more than two alcoholic drinks a day) are best avoided when attempting pregnancy. Once ovulation occurs and pregnancy is possible, there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption can cause birth defects that range from mild growth retardation and neurobehavioral issues to fetal alcohol syndrome.
• Avoid unprotected intercourse. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, that often have no recognizable symptoms, but can have a profound impact on fertility. If untreated, approximately 40% of women will develop pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID. It is important for women and men who desire a family in the future to take steps to reduce infection exposure during intercourse. This can be accomplished by limiting sexual partners and/or using latex condoms.
• Limit caffeine consumption. Caffeine has been linked to infertility and miscarriage. One study showed a 50% increase in infertility in those who consumed 500 mg or more of caffeine daily. An even smaller amount (more than 200-300 mg) daily may still increase the risk of miscarriage.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Having a body mass index, or BMI, that is under 18.5 or over 24.9 can cause various health problems, fertility issues and pregnancy complications. However, sometimes just a 5-10% change in body weight can be enough to restore ovulation and eliminate fertility problems.

Be proactive about health and fertility

One of the best ways to avoid health and fertility issues is to be proactive about making lifestyle changes for fertility. Our Austin fertility specialists can provide more advice about how to optimize your reproductive potential.

Contact us if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced Austin fertility specialists. Our team empowers you to take control of your fertility.