Trying to conceive can be one of the most frustrating times in a couple’s life. There’s nothing as difficult as constantly watching, waiting and hoping that you’re pregnant, only to be disappointed when your monthly cycle rolls around. But are you aware that you could be sabotaging your attempts to get pregnant without even knowing it? Check out the following conception-blockers to find out how you can improve your chances of becoming pregnant.
Alcohol, Nicotine, Marijuana and Other Drugs – Okay, seriously, you already know this one. Nicotine and many other recreational and over-the-counter drugs can significantly decrease your fertility, while alcohol affects the hormone levels that control menstruation and ovulation. If you can go cold turkey on these addictions, that’s great – otherwise, seek professional help from a therapist or group like Alcoholics Anonymous to help wean yourself off them slowly.
Tight Trousers – Yes, it’s true. Ladies, if your man is constantly wearing tight pants or tight underwear, the excess heat generated could lead to reduced sperm count or decreased sperm viability. If you’re having trouble conceiving, your partner’s tight pants could very well be to blame. Invest in some looser-fitting pants and encourage your man to get a healthy breeze going down there.
Over-Exercising – While some exercise is important for maintaining optimal health and improving your chances of conceiving, too much can wreak havoc on your body’s reproductive system. You’ve probably heard of professional athletes whose body fat percentage is so low that they’re no longer able to maintain a regular menstrual cycle. Even if you’re not to that extreme, you may still experience some experience some fluctuations in your reproductive hormones if you push yourself too hard.
Your Weight – Unfortunately, weight extremes affect your inability to get pregnant, whether you’re significantly over- or under-weight. Carrying excess body weight affects your reproductive hormones, making it more difficult to conceive. On the other hand, dieting to extreme will also wreak havoc on your body. Women need to have at least 22% body fat for normal menstruation and fertility – if you have less body fat than that, your chances of conceiving go down for each percentage of body fat lost.
Douching – No matter what your mother may have told you, douching is an absolute no-go if you’re trying to conceive. Although it might make you feel fresher, douching changes the natural pH balance of your vagina into a more acidic environment, making it a more hostile environment for both your egg and your partner’s sperm.
Medications – Of course, if you’ve been on oral contraceptives for years, it may take some time to get them out of your system before you’re able to conceive. However, you may not be aware that some prescription medications also have an adverse impact on your reproductive system. If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for some time and feel like you’re doing everything else right, talk to your doctor about the prescription medications you’re taking. Your doctor may be able to recommend an alternative treatment or medication that isn’t known to affect fertility.
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for more than six months and haven’t yet conceived, it may be time to talk to your doctor or homeopathic medicine practitioner. He or she will be able to conduct fertility tests to determine whether or not you’ll be able to conceive and what alternative options you have to a natural conception.
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