For women
![](https://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/fertilityassociates-prod/images/_1000xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/97261/Later-Baby-girl_71A0310_coral_cropped.webp)
Handy tips for boosting fertility: women
Making certain lifestyle changes can improve your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy. Here are some handy tips for women:
1. Maintain a healthy BMI (20-25)
A healthy BMI is linked to better fertility. Overweight women may face pregnancy-related complications such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Focus on a healthy diet and regular moderate exercise.
2. Avoid smoking and drugs
Smoking can halve your chances of conceiving each month and may double the risk of miscarriage.
3. Take folic acid
Take folic acid supplements when trying to conceive and continue for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Folic acid can reduce the risk of spina bifida by up to 92%. Consider other minerals and supplements as well.
Use iodised salt to ensure adequate iodine intake, which is essential for foetal brain development.
Avoid products containing vitamin A.
4. Reduce alcohol and caffeine
Caffeine may decrease your chances of conceiving, and there's no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy, so it's best to avoid it.
5. Review medications
Consult your doctor about any medications you are taking.
6. Ensure rubella immunisation
Make sure you've had a rubella immunisation, as rubella can harm unborn babies.
7. Chickenpox
Check your immunity status regarding chickenpox, as it can also impact pregnancy.
For men
![](https://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/fertilityassociates-prod/images/_1000xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/97263/Sperm-Donor_71A9839_blue_cropped.webp)
Handy tips for boosting fertility: men
Enhancing fertility and increasing the chances of conception can be influenced by various lifestyle factors. Here are some handy tips for men:
1. Avoid smoking and drugs
Smoking and certain recreational drugs can negatively impact sperm quality.
2. Limit alcohol intake
Reduce alcohol consumption to 20 units or less per week, as excessive alcohol can affect fertility.
3. Maintain a healthy BMI
Stay active and aim for a healthy body mass index (BMI) below 28. Obesity can lower sperm count by about 22% compared to slimmer individuals.
4. Keep testes cool
Opt for boxer shorts over briefs to help keep the testes cool.
Sedentary jobs can lead to poorer sperm quality due to increased testicular temperature. Keep laptops off your lap!
Avoid frequent hot baths, saunas, or spa sessions.
5. Follow a healthy diet
Incorporate plenty of antioxidants into your diet, as they can protect sperm from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are abundant in fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, green tea, and dark chocolate.
Consider health supplements like Menevit, which contain antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, to help improve sperm quality.
6. Review medications
Consult your doctor about any medications you are taking.