Trying to Get Pregnant in Palm Beach Soon? Here are 8 Things That Could Be Affecting Your Fertility.
Fertility is a topic of great importance because it touches the lives of individuals, couples, and our society as a whole in a big way. Emotionally, it can be really tough, causing distress, feelings of inadequacy, and putting a strain on relationships. Plus, there's a wider impact too, with declining birth rates and aging populations in some regions.
Today I’m sharing 8 surprising things that can impact fertility. While some factors like age and genetics cannot be changed, there are many other things that may be affecting your fertility without you even realizing it! Being a Birth and Family Filmmaker / Photographer, I’m all about babies and I know a lot of my clients are trying to conceive right now.
Before we dive in, I just wanted to offer a quick friendly reminder that while this blog post provides helpful information, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you're having fertility issues. This blog post is meant to be helpful and informativebut it's definitely not a substitute for medical advice.
Okay, now let's get started!
1. Stress
Turns out that the daily stressors of adulting can actually impact your fertility. Stress can mess with ovulation, disrupt the menstrual cycle, and even decrease sperm count in men.
Think about finding fun ways to reduce your stress levels, such as meditation, yoga, or therapy. There are many local providers in Palm Beach County, Florida, that can help you with that.
According to a study, women with high levels of alpha-amylase, a biomarker for stress, were found to have a lower chance of getting pregnant compared to women with lower levels of the biomarker (Lynch et al., 2014).
2. Lack of Sleep
Oh boy, I can talk about this for days since I suffer from insomnia…
Getting enough sleep is not only essential for your overall health, but it also plays a significant role in fertility specifically. A lack of sleep can disrupt hormonal balance, decrease sperm count, and even cause irregular periods.
A 2022 study found that women who slept for less than six hours per night had a higher risk of infertility compared to women who slept for seven to eight hours per night (Poli et al., 2018).
If you’re struggling to get enough sleep right now due to maybe having a new baby or your work schedule, try to make your bedtime as relaxing as possible with aromatherapy diffuser and oils, white noise or spa-like music, watch what you eat before going to bed, and avoid blue light from phone or tv. The use of dark curtains or an eye mask is also a good idea in order to keep your surroundings dark when the sun goes up.
3. Poor Diet
Hey I’m not the diet police, but eating a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for your fertility. Foods that are high in processed sugars and unhealthy fats can interfere with hormonal balance and decrease sperm count.
An easy way to get more fruits and veggies into your diet is to buy them frozen. Additionally, many grocery stores now offer pre-chopped or pre-washed produce options that make healthy eating even easier!
My favorite way to get in my daily greens is having a salad or adding them to a shake. There are so many recipes online you can collect that you don’t vent need to repeat a recipe in weeks!
4. Environmental Toxins
Toxins in the environment, such as pesticides, lead, and phthalates, can interfere with fertility in both men and women. Limit your exposure to these toxins by choosing organic produce, using natural cleaning products, and avoiding plastic containers with BPA.
Turns out that more and more people are choosing to make their own cleaning products and to grow their own organic foods.
5. Alcohol
While moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe, heavy drinking can have a significant impact on fertility. Heavy alcohol consumption can decrease sperm count, disrupt hormonal balance, and increase the risk of miscarriage.
If you want to learn more about the impact of alcohol on fertility read this.
6. Over-Exercising
I see you, you Lulu wearing Pelaton enthusiast. ;)
Sure, exercise is great for your overall health, but did you know that too much of it can actually be harmful to your fertility? Over-exercising can mess with your hormonal balance, decrease sperm count, and even cause irregular periods in women. So, don't go overboard with your fitness routine. Aim for a moderate exercise routine that includes a mix of cardio and strength training.
7. Poor Dental Health
As if we didn’t have enough reasons to go to the dentist regularly, now we can add “helping with fertility” to the list!
Poor dental health and gum disease have been linked to fertility problems in both men and women. Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation, which can affect fertility.
If you are trying to conceive and currently have periodontal disease, talk to your dentist and read this study.
8. Vitamin D Deficiency
This sunshine vitamin is a big player with fertility, regulating hormone levels and making sure those little eggs and swimmers develop healthily. If you're lacking in vitamin D, your fertility might suffer! We are lucky to live in Palm Beach County, in the sunny state of Florida. So, get out there and soak up some sun or take a supplement.
When it comes to fertility, there's more to it than meets the eye. It's a complex issue influenced by various factors. While we often focus on the obvious ones, there are eight lesser-known things that can have an impact on your ability to conceive. By being aware of these factors, you can take proactive steps to improve your chances of getting pregnant and start your journey towards parenthood with a better understanding of what might be affecting your fertility.
If you're currently expecting or trying to get pregnant, check out some of my Palm Beach Birth Films and Photos. It's a great way to get inspired and excited about the wonderful journey of parenthood that lies ahead.