Factors Affecting Fertility

There are many factors affecting fertility levels of a couple. These fertility factors are usually associated with our lifestyle and environment. This is why they can easily be turned around to our advantage. Health factors affecting fertility include alcohol intake, tobacco, weight (being overweight or underweight), age and diet. Staying healthy will certainly help you boost your fertility.

The HFEA provides women who are trying to conceive with advice on how to boost their fertility.

Using DuoFertility will increase your chances of getting pregnant by accurately monitoring your ovulation, with the option of recording additional ovulation signs - however, we also recommend that you try to follow the advice below when you are trying to get pregnant.

Eat Well

Eating a balanced diet will help to ensure that your body is healthy enough to conceive and nourish a developing baby. A balanced diet also helps to keep sperm production at optimum levels.

Drink in Moderation

Alcohol can affect the fertility levels of both men and women. Excessive alcohol intake also increases the risk of miscarriage.

Stop Smoking

Smoking has been linked to infertility in both men and women, and has been linked to early menopause in women. It also increases the risk of low birth weight and premature birth.

Stay Active

Regular exercise helps to maximise your fitness levels and keeps your weight in check. It also boosts endorphin levels, which help you to feel happy.

Keep It Cool

The testes should be a couple of degrees cooler than the rest of the body in order to maximise sperm production. We recommend that men wear loose-fitting underwear and trousers and avoid activities that increase the temperature of the testes, such as saunas and hot showers.

Taking Supplements

The government recommends that all women trying for a baby should take 400mcg of folic acid a day to help protect against conditions such as spina bifida.

Watch Your Weight

Being overweight or underweight can disturb your menstrual cycle and affect your fertility.

Prescription Drugs

Certain prescription drugs can reduce your chances of conceiving - ask your doctor for advice if you are taking prescription drugs while trying for a baby.

Caffeine Intake

Caffeine intake is another factor affecting fertility. Indeed, a recent study in Manchester found that the caffeine intake of many women exceeded the recommended limits. So far, the effect of caffeine intake on infertility and other health problems is relatively unknown.

Read more about how DuoFertility works

Read more about the menstrual cycle

Read more about infertility

Did you know...?

It is estimated that 426,000 women every year smoke during their pregnancy. Male smoking can alter sperm on a morphological level as well as changing the seminal fluid surrounding it. This can lead to decreased viability of the sperm. Male smoking also lowers the density and motility of the sperm, and some studies have shown that sperm from male smokers may lead to birth defects and childhood cancer.