Health factors: Diet and Drugs
Certain factors relating to general health can greatly limit your chances of conceiving. They can also increase the likelihood of miscarriage or damage to a conceived foetus, but simply by taking the necessary precautions you can minimize the risks. The following advice is applicable to couples having trouble conceiving, and also those seeking or undergoing infertility treatment.
Diet
A healthy, balanced diet is essential for women and men attempting to conceive. Some types of food and drink can have negative effects on fertility. Caffeine, for instance, is shown to reduce fertility especially in men, with the sperm becoming less effective with the more cups of coffee drunk per day. Avoid all caffeine products for 3 months before trying to conceive. Your doctor will be able to provide you with detailed information on dieting during infertility treatment.
Smoking and alcohol
Smoking during pregnancy is medically proven to increase the chances of complications to the baby. It also affects couples undergoing infertility treatment, and smoking by these men or women is thought to reduce the possibility of successful conception in all cycles of treatment. In men, abnormal sperm count rises and the sperm become slower. Women can even induce early menopause due to excessive smoking.
Intake of alcohol can reduce the potential for conception by half, with the probability of conceiving dropping the more the couple drinks. This affects women and also the man’s sperm, by decreasing sperm count and the sperm’s mobility. Limit your alcohol intake to less than 5 units per week or, preferably, eliminate alcohol for at least 3 months.
Vitamins and supplements
Taking supplements is a responsible way of balancing your hormones while trying to conceive. Maximize your zinc intake, which is crucial both for forming the male sperm and keeping sperm count high, and for utilizing the female’s reproductive hormones. Plenty of folic acid is also crucial, as this can prevent spina bifida in babies and ensure healthier genetics. Vitamins B6 and B12 can successfully increase fertility in women and men respectively.
Other vital supplements include selenium, essential fatty acids, Vitamins C, E, and A, L-Arginine, and L-Carnitine. Speak to your doctor regarding the correct amounts of each, and more specific tips.
Medicines and drugs
At any initial consultation for infertility treatment, the doctor will ask the couple about any medicines or drug treatments they depend on. They will let you know if any of these drugs can lead to reduction in fertility and therefore should be avoided. It is also important to ask a qualified doctor if any new medicines are required during the treatment period. In terms of everyday pain relievers such as paracetamol or aspirin, these are safe to be taken in ordinary doses when necessary. Many recreational drugs, legal or otherwise, are harmful to a conceived foetus and can also be detrimental to fertility, as we have seen with alcohol and smoking.