There has been a significant global decline in fertility rates. In India, there has been a decrease in fertility by 2% as a result of the usage of contraceptives, which is a welcome trend. However, there are various other factors at play that are leading to a fertility problem in the country. Here’s your opportunity to learn more and #BeALittleMore if you want to improve your chances of conception.
In collaboration with The Channel 46, Dr Apurva Satish Amarnath, Fertility Consultant, Nova IVF Fertility, Bengaluru, educate you on what are fertility problems, and offers advice on the signs that you may have a fertility problem and ways to improve your chances of conceiving.
What Are Fertility Problems?
If you are unable to conceive despite having regular, unprotected sex for at least 12 months, you are at risk of having fertility problems. These fertility problems may result from underlying medical conditions with either the female or male. While the biggest sign of infertility is the inability to get pregnant, there are numerous other signs and symptoms of fertility problems that you should look out for. Fortunately, one can significantly improve their chances of getting pregnant by using many safe and effective ways.
Signs That You May Have A Fertility Problem
Here are 12 signs and symptoms that may suggest fertility problems:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycle
- Age above 35 years
- Overweight or underweight
- Abnormal bleeding during periods
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Heavy smoking and alcohol consumption
- Chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypothyroidism
- Male infertility due to low sperm quantity and quality
- Erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation
- Cancer treatments
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Hormonal imbalances
Read Too Much Or Too Little Exercise Affects Your Fertility
Ways To Improve Your Chances Of Pregnancy
1. Track Your Menstrual Cycle To Know When You’re Ovulating
Did you know that there is a right time to have sex? Yes, a woman has the highest probability of getting pregnant during the ‘fertile window’ in the menstrual cycle. Ovulation, also known as the fertile window, is a period of five to six days which reflects the lifespan of sperm and the lifespan of the egg. It starts five days before a mature egg is released from an ovary, which is approximately 14 days after the first day of your period. Since ovulation is your most fertile time of the month and is only a few days long each month, you must track your cycle and try conceiving during this period to increase your chance of getting pregnant. You can work out your ovulation period with the help of online ovulation calculators or tester kits that are easily available at pharmacies.
2. Follow A Healthy Lifestyle
In order to conceive, it is essential to maintain a healthy weight, so that it does not disrupt normal ovulation.
By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, one can stay physically, mentally and emotionally fit. In order to conceive, it is essential to maintain a healthy weight, so that it does not disrupt normal ovulation. Practising safe sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can also help prevent infertility. Some other lifestyle changes to boost fertility include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, reducing caffeine intake, and avoiding chemical substances.
Read 8 Points On How Fertility & Diet Are Connected, According To A Fertility Specialist
3. Take Vitamins
Some important fertility nutrients to help you and your partner conceive include Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, folic acid, iodine, calcium, zinc, and iron.
Sometimes you are not able to include all the necessary vitamins and minerals in your daily diet, which is why it is necessary to consume prenatal and pregnancy vitamin supplements. Some important fertility nutrients to help you and your partner conceive include Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, folic acid, iodine, calcium, zinc, and iron. It is recommended to consult a doctor about what vitamin supplements you should take if you have an underlying medical condition like diabetes, anaemia, or a thyroid disorder.
4. Eat Healthily
Some ways to develop healthier eating habits to reduce fertility problems include eating vegetables and fruits, reducing carbs and sugar intake, and increasing whole grains and protein intake.
Eating nutritious and healthy food is one of the best natural ways to boost fertility. Some ways to develop healthier eating habits to reduce fertility problems include eating vegetables and fruits, reducing carbs and sugar intake, and increasing whole grains and protein intake. Some other vitamins and nutrients essential to help you conceive are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, fibre and magnesium, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Making small changes like eating a heavier breakfast, cutting back on caffeine, and avoiding alcohol can go a long way.
5. Know When You Need Help
If you and your partner have spent more than a year trying to conceive but have failed to do so, you should visit a doctor and determine the underlying conditions for causing fertility problems.
If you and your partner have spent more than a year trying to conceive but have failed to do so, you should visit a doctor and determine the underlying conditions for causing fertility problems. Getting pregnant is a dream for many couples, but it only remains a dream because they take too long to seek professional help. If you and your partner have spent more than a year trying to conceive but have failed to do so, you should visit a doctor and determine the underlying conditions for causing fertility problems. The earlier you get diagnosed, the higher your chances of getting the right treatment to improve your fertility and boost your chances of getting pregnant.
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