Pre-treatment advice
We do everything we can to ensure successful fertility treatment.
It is important to understand that your lifestyle has an impact on your chances of conception success. Getting pregnant isn’t just about planning when to have sex. Being fit and healthy are key to conceiving and carrying a baby.
We do everything we can to ensure successful fertility treatment.
It is important to understand that your lifestyle has an impact on your chances of conception success. Getting pregnant isn’t just about planning when to have sex. Being fit and healthy are key to conceiving and carrying a baby.
Environmental factors such as your stress levels, diet, exercise regime and alcohol intake can all affect your chances of conception. We can advise you on positive lifestyle changes to support your fertility.
Reproduction starts weeks before conception
The health of your eggs and sperm will be dependent on your lifestyle choices over a period of months. Getting fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help all of your body systems, including your reproductive system.
The idea is to minimise oxidative stress on your body. Free radicals damage cells within your body – they cause you to age faster and contribute to many physical and mental health problems. Limiting the damage of free radicals by stopping certain behaviours and introducing antioxidants into your diet is a must.
Things to limit or stop before trying to conceive
Stop smoking
We all know smoking is bad for us but it can also significantly impact the ability to conceive
Stop taking recreational drugs
Drug use is known to impact one's fertility and can reduce the chance of conception
Limit alcohol intake
Alcohol has been negatively linked to fertility so it's time to review what you consume
Review your diet
A balanced diet and healthy BMI can help your chances of becoming pregnant
Limit your exposure to chemicals
Toxin exposure is known to have a detrimental impact on fertility
Limit testicular heat
Tight pants, saunas/hot tubs, using a laptop on your lap can all negatively impact male fertility
Conception diet
Both partners need to follow a well-balanced diet. Being overweight or underweight can negatively impact your fertility. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to provide your body with the vitamins and minerals required to support cell reproduction. Eat a good amount of proteins such as lean meat and pulses, lentils, beans and nuts, as well as complex carbohydrates (amaranth, brown rice, buckwheat, millet, oats, pulses, quinoa, rye). Avoid refined foods, sugar, artificial sweeteners and caffeine. Try to eat simple, fresh, one ingredient foods.
Exercise
Keeping up a sensible exercise routine is recommended; it helps to improve body function and limit stress. Exercises such as yoga and swimming can be particularly beneficial.