Taking care of your mind and body during treatment

Lifestyle

Keeping your body healthy can increase the chance of conception and provide a healthier environment for your baby to grow. By eating well, exercising in moderation, getting enough sleep, and avoiding harmful substances, you can help your body work to the best of its ability.

Advice for women trying to conceive

It’s a good idea to start making healthy changes to your diet three months or more before you conceive. Eating a balanced diet will help you maintain a healthy weight and get more of the nutrients your body needs. Your doctor may recommend taking vitamins or supplements to ensure that you’re getting enough folic acid, zinc, and calcium. They can also recommend the amount of supplements and vitamins to take, and what to avoid.

Certain substances may impact your fertility if consumed in large amounts. Consider making dietary changes if your consumption of the following items is excessive:

  • Caffeine
    Consuming too much caffeine per day could reduce your chances of becoming pregnant. After conception, it may increase the chance of miscarriage
  • Alcohol
    The effects of alcohol on female fertility are not clear. Some studies show that 2 or more drinks per day are linked to infertility    , but there is limited evidence about the impact of moderate drinking on female fertility. Alcohol in any amount should be avoided during pregnancy

    Talk to your doctor or call the National Alcohol and Drug Dependence Hope Line at 1-800-622-2255 if you need help getting alcohol consumption under control

 

Advice for men trying to conceive

For men hoping to become fathers, it’s important to understand how certain lifestyle choices can affect your fertility and your quality of life.

Talk to your doctor about your proper weight range, and make a plan for achieving it. While you’re thinking about your diet, ensure adequate intake of zinc and vitamin E, both of which can boost fertility. They’re found in many foods, but it might also be a good idea to talk to your doctor about adding a multivitamin to your daily routine.

Consider the effects alcohol may have on your fertility. Drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels and cause decreased sperm production. Aim to reduce your alcohol consumption to reduce the potential impact on your fertility.  

If you need help getting alcohol consumption under control, talk to your doctor or call the National Alcohol and Drug Dependence Hope Line at 1-800-622-2255.

4 nutrients that may boost reproductive health

Folic Acid Icon

For women: Folic acid

What it does
According to the US Office of Women's Health, folic acid may help reduce the chance of certain birth defects, some of which can develop in the first few weeks of pregnancy 

Where it’s found
Enriched foods, dark greens and leafy vegetables, oranges and orange juice, nuts, beans, poultry and meat, and whole grains

Vitamin E Icon

For men: Vitamin E

What it does 
Vitamin E was shown to potentially improve sperm motility in a study in the Journal of Andrology

Where it’s found
Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals

Calcium Icon

For women: Calcium

What it does
According to the National Institutes of Health, calcium may help prevent certain complications of pregnancy, such as high blood pressure and preeclampsia, in women who consume too little calcium

Where it’s found
Milk, yogurt, and cheese; broccoli and kale; and high-quality supplements

Zinc Icon

For everyone: Zinc

What it does
In a study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, zinc was shown to contribute to ovulation and fertility for women, and semen and testosterone production in men

Where it’s found
Oysters and other seafood, red meat and poultry, mushrooms, nuts, fortified cereals, and dairy products