Lifestyle factors can have a dramatic influence on fertility
To achieve the maximal chance of conceiving, especially as the treatment becomes more complex (such as with IVF), it is important to have a healthy lifestyle. Some supplements have been shown to improve fertility in both males and females.
Fertility Enhancing Lifestyle Factors for Women
- Lose Weight – Your chances of having a baby drops dramatically with a BMI (body-mass index) of less than 35. On the flip-side, your chance of having a stillbirth is 2-fold higher and your chance of prematurity (<32 weeks) increases by 50% with a BMI greater than 35
- Stop Smoking
- Limit caffeine intake to 1 cup of decaf coffee or tea during the time trying to conceive
- No alcohol during the treatment cycles
- Healthy diet with fruits and vegetables, less red meat, and no trans fats (doughnuts, fried foods, etc.)
Supplements Ideal for Women Seeking Improved Fertility
- DHEA: Usually for patients over 35 years old, about 75 mg daily may improve egg quality
- Omega 3 fatty acids: 500-1000 mg daily
- Folic Acid: 400 mcg daily
- Vitamin C: 500 mg daily
- Co-Enzyme Q 10: 600 mg daily – stop this once you are pregnant
Fertility Enhancing Lifestyle Factors for Men
- No tobacco products (smokeless tobacco included)
- Eliminate marijuana use
- Limit caffeine intake to 3 cups of coffee or less (sperm are less sensitive to caffeine than eggs)
- Minimize or eliminate alcohol (No more than 1-2 per week)
- Healthy diet with fruits and vegetables, less red meat, and no trans fats (doughnuts, fried foods, etc.)
Supplements Ideal for Men Seeking to Improve Fertility
It takes testicles 3 months to produce mature sperm so it’s important to take them for at least 2-3 months prior to seeing the maximal benefit. Some supplements can increase sperm quality as well as circulating testosterone level when taken for 2 months.
- Vitamin E: 1000 u daily
- Vitamin C: 1000 mg daily
- Co-Enzyme Q: 200 mg twice daily
- Omega 3: 1000-1500 mg daily
- Zinc: 30 mg daily