Many couples find the journey to conception exciting and emotional. It can be frustrating and stressful if you’re not able conceive as soon as you hoped.
There are many things that can impact your ability to become pregnant. However, there are some things you should avoid when you are trying.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking can have an adverse effect on your fertility. Smoking can damage your eggs, sperm and reproductive organs.
You can also be at risk for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancies. It is very important to stop smoking as soon you can if you want to become pregnant.
Don’t Drink Excessively
The occasional glass of wine, beer or liquor may not have an impact on fertility. However, excessive alcohol intake can negatively impact your ability to get pregnant. Alcohol can reduce sperm motility and count in men and can interfere with ovulation for women.
Alcohol can increase the chances of miscarriage, and even congenital defects. Couples who are trying to get pregnant should avoid drinking alcohol.
Don’t Use Recreational Drugs
Some prescription and recreational drugs can negatively impact your fertility. Some drugs may damage your sperm and eggs, as well your reproductive organs. These drugs can also alter your hormones or ovulation cycles.
Consult your doctor before stopping any prescribed medication.
Don’t Stress Too Much
Stress can negatively impact your fertility, by disrupting hormonal balance and your ovulation cycles. Use healthy methods to cope with stress. These include creative art, journaling or progressive muscle relaxation.
If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression , then consider seeking help from a mental health professional or therapist.
Don’t Overdo Exercise
Exercise is important for your health, but too much exercise could negatively impact your fertility. Exercise that is intense can affect your ovulation and disrupt your hormonal balance. It can also cause your body to lose fat to the point that it affects your ability to get pregnant.
If you are trying to get pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor to determine what type of exercise you can do safely.
Don’t Wait Too Long To Seek Help
It may be time to consult a fertility specialist if you’ve been trying to get pregnant for more than a year without success. Many treatments are available to help you conceive. These include fertility drugs, intrauterine sexing (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Seek help as soon as possible, since fertility treatments are most effective when they begin early.