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

Because living a healthier lifestyle can be beneficial to your own reproductive health and that of your future baby, it’s important to consider the following when trying to conceive a child:

  • Exercise moderately

Regular exercise is important, but be sure not to exercise so intensely that your periods become irregular or absent, as that can affect your fertility.

  • Quit smoking

It’s not easy to do—ask your doctor for advice and resources

  • Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs

If you need help saying no to drugs, talk to your doctor or call:

National Drug Help Hotline, 1-800-662-4357

National Alcohol and Drug Dependence Hope Line, 1-800-622-2255

  • Avoid environmental toxins

Heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and radiation affect your fertility. Talk to your doctor about any substances or materials you should avoid at work and at home

According to the Office of Women’s Health, existing medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy can affect or be affected by pregnancy. Before trying to conceive, confirm your health conditions are under control. If you’re taking any over-the-counter or prescription drugs, including dietary or herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. While you’re there, double-check that all your vaccinations are up to date.

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.

Making adjustments to your daily lifestyle can help improve your fertility, bringing you one step closer to parenthood:

  • Sleep

Getting enough sleep can help with fertility

  • Exercise

Daily exercise can increase your sperm count and quantity. When choosing an exercise program, it’s best to avoid prolonged cycling and sitting on a bike, which can decrease sperm count and concentration. Contact sports may also cause injury to the testicles

  • Smoking

Cigarettes can affect the number and quality of your sperm. Ask your doctor for advice and resources if you need help quitting

  • Illegal drugs

Drugs like cocaine, heroin, and marijuana can affect sperm count, impacting your fertility


If you need help saying “no” to drugs, talk to your doctor or call:

National Alcohol and Drug Dependence Hope Line, 1-800-622-2255

National Drug Help Hotline, 1-800-662-4357

  • Environmental toxins

Heavy metals, toxic chemicals, pesticides, and radiation can damage sperm. Talk to your doctor about any substances or materials you should avoid at work and at home

  • Heat and friction

Allowing your testicles to become too hot can impair sperm production. Try to avoid frequent use of hot tubs, saunas, long showers, heating pads, electric blankets, and tight clothing

Some prescription medications affect fertility. Talk to your doctor about your medication usage and whether it is safe to take steps to eliminate medicine that could interfere with your reproductive health or the quality of your sperm.

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