If you’re a couple trying to conceive, the journey can be filled with uncertainty and emotional challenges, especially if you’ve been unsuccessful after numerous attempts. Thankfully there are several steps you can take to boost your chances of conception.
In this article, we’ll explore these vital steps while also sharing the role of fertility screening.
Diet and Nutrition
Diet is essential to reproductive health. Some nutrients help maintain a healthy reproductive system, boosting sperm quality and supporting ovulation.
- For Women: Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, folic acid and iron can help support egg quality and prepare the body for pregnancy. Leafy greens, whole grains, nuts and berries are excellent sources of these nutrients. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish can also improve ovulatory function and reduce inflammation.
- For Men: A diet high in zinc, vitamin C, and E can improve sperm health and motility. Foods like lean meats, citrus fruits, and almonds are beneficial for men looking to enhance their fertility.
We also recommend cutting back on processed foods, sugars, and excessive caffeine to ensure optimal reproductive health for both men and women.
Exercise
Staying active through regular exercise can improve fertility as you maintain a healthy body weight and lower the risk of getting conditions that affect ovulation.
- For Women: Engaging in moderate-intensity activities like walking, swimming, or yoga for at least half an hour a day can regulate your menstrual cycle and improve overall reproductive health.
- For Men: Exercise helps maintain healthy testosterone levels, vital for sperm production. However, over-exercising or engaging in high-intensity workouts can have the opposite effect by decreasing sperm count. Strive for balance, incorporating cardiovascular activities and strength training for optimal results.
Sleep
Quality sleep is often underestimated. It is essential to fertility. Poor sleep patterns can disrupt hormone production, particularly those related to reproduction, such as oestrogen and testosterone.
- For Women: Insufficient sleep can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, making it harder to track ovulation. Strive for at least 7–9 hours of restful sleep every night to support your reproductive health.
- For Men: Sleep deprivation can lower testosterone levels, which can reduce sperm count and quality. Regular, uninterrupted sleep is crucial for hormone regulation, which directly impacts male fertility.
Stress Management
High stress levels can impact fertility negatively in both men and women by interfering with hormone production and reproductive function. Chronic stress can also cause you to make unhealthy choices, such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and smoking, all of which can further decrease fertility.
- For Women: Practising mindfulness, yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help regulate stress hormones, improving the chances of ovulation and conception.
- For Men: Stress can reduce sperm count and impair sperm motility. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques, hobbies or therapy can significantly improve sperm health.
Fertility Screening
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for over a year without success, it may be time to consider fertility screening. It is a medical evaluation that can help pinpoint any underlying issues hindering your ability to get pregnant.
- For Women: A fertility screening typically involves assessing hormone levels, checking ovarian reserve, and evaluating the condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes through an ultrasound or hysterosalpingogram (HSG).
- For Men: Male fertility screenings often involve a semen analysis to check sperm count, motility, and morphology. Hormone tests and testicular examinations may also be conducted to rule out any issues.
Benefits of Fertility Screening
Fertility screening offers an in-depth look at your reproductive health, helping you identify any medical conditions or risk factors that may hinder conception. The screening includes evaluating your overall health, testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), assessing hormone levels, and ensuring you’re up to date on vaccinations.
Fertility screening is valuable because:
- It identifies potential fertility issues early.
- It reduces the risk of pregnancy complications.
- It helps prepare your body for pregnancy by addressing health concerns before conception.
- It provides peace of mind that you’ve taken proactive steps to optimise your chances of conceiving.
Fertility screening can also help pinpoint any genetic conditions that might be passed on to your child, enabling you to make informed decisions in the future.
Fertility Screening Package in Singapore
Besides taking steps to enhance your fertility naturally, you can also improve your chances of a successful pregnancy with fertility screening. Fertility screenings can be incredibly beneficial for singling out any potential issues early on, allowing you to explore treatment options or make the necessary lifestyle adjustments.
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Dr Chang TC offers comprehensive fertility screening packages to help couples in Singapore trying to conceive. Our packages generally include the following:
- Hormonal assessments
- Ultrasounds and pelvic exams
- Semen analysis
- STI screenings
- Genetic screening
With these tests in place, you and your partner can feel more empowered as you navigate the path to parenthood. Book an appointment today.