Women go through hormonal changes that can affect whether pregnancy occurs. Your fertility window refers to the time during your menstrual cycle when pregnancy has the best chance of happening. Usually this means the five days before you ovulate, the day of ovulation and the following day. Knowing how to track fertility helps you pinpoint the days of the month when you have the best chance of being able to conceive. 

The team at the Center for Reproductive Health is committed to helping patients understand what actions to take that may help increase fertility.

What Happens During the Menstrual Cycle?

The first day of your period is considered the first day of your menstrual cycle. If you have a 28 day cycle, about two weeks after the cycle begins, hormones cause follicles to begin to develop into a fully mature egg in one of your ovaries. When you ovulate, the mature egg is released and it travels down your fallopian tube and is ready for fertilization by a sperm. At this point in your cycle, the lining of your uterus prepares to have a fertilized egg implanted by getting thicker.

Knowing When Your Ovulating

Determining when you’re ovulating lets you know when you’re most fertile and the best time to have sex if you’re hoping to conceive. There are a few tracking methods, which include:

• The calendar method. This method is used to track how long your menstrual cycle usually is over the course of several months. The length of your cycle is the number of days between the day your period starts to the first day of your next period. This can help you identify the time you’re most likely to ovulate, which is typically around 14 days before the next cycle begins.
• Basal body temperature method. A basal thermometer measures your body temperature to a tenth of a degree. Take your temperature each morning and record your daily temperature for at least three months. When you ovulate, your basal body temperature rises by approximately 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Tracking your daily basal body temperature for a few months can help you identify your pattern of ovulation.
• Cervical mucous method. When vaginal mucous is heavy and wet, it’s a sign that you’re ovulating. Your fertility specialist can help you have a clearer understanding of this method and the best way to track this information. 

For the most accurate prediction of ovulation, use all of these methods simultaneously. These methods may not work if your periods are irregular. Menstrual cycles are usually between 21 and 35 days. If your cycles are longer or shorter than that or if they vary by more than a few days each month, talk to your fertility specialist. Irregular periods may be a sign of a hormone imbalance.

Tracking fertility may help you achieve a successful pregnancy. Reach out to the experts at the Center for Reproductive Health for additional help tracking ovulation and to learn what else you can do that may help improve your chance of conceiving a baby.

When couples experience infertility, the challenges they’re facing may be because of problems with the man, the woman or both. When men are unable to get their partner pregnant, it’s usually because of problems with sexual function or with sperm cells. What can men do to increase fertility? 

While not all causes of infertility are treatable, there are some things men can do to improve their overall health, which may also help to improve sperm quality. For guidance from compassionate and knowledgeable experts in the field of assisted reproductive technologies, reach out to the Center for Reproductive Health.

Developing Better Habits

Men who wish to have the best chance of fathering a child should work on making good lifestyle choices and developing healthy habits. High body mass index (BMI) may have an impact on sperm movement and quality, so it’s a good idea to work on attaining a healthy weight. Food choices should emphasize wholesome foods such as fruits and vegetables, especially those that are high in antioxidants. Limit consumption of trans fatty acids and highly processed foods.

Physical activity is an important part of overall health for both men and women. In men, regular activity is crucial for sperm health. For men who have been leading a sedentary lifestyle, committing to a program of regular exercise can help to boost testosterone levels, which may improve fertility and it can also help to decrease body fat.

Other Factors That May Affect Fertility in Men

There are many factors that may be affecting fertility in men. Some of these include:

• Stress. Stress can be harmful to both mental and physical health. Being under prolonged stress may affect testosterone levels and libido. Men who want to increase fertility need to learn ways to unwind and destress, which includes making time to get plenty of sleep. Sleep helps the body to recharge and can help men improve their ability to cope with stress.
• Unhealthy habits. Men with unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking to excess or dabbling in street drugs need to work on breaking these habits. Heavy drinking, cigarette smoke, cocaine and marijuana can all affect testosterone levels as well as sperm production and motility. Men who drink should do so moderately, which means no more than two drinks a day.
• Chemicals. Exposure to toxic chemicals can affect male fertility. Men who work in an environment where they may be exposed to pesticides or other toxins should be sure to wear protective clothing such as masks and googles and should be careful to avoid letting skin come in contact with chemicals. 
• Overheating. Overheating the scrotum can impact fertility in men. It’s a good idea to avoid hot tubs and saunas and wear loose fitting underwear. Men who spend a lot of time in a hot environment should take regular breaks to cool off.

The team at the Center for Reproductive Health is committed to helping both men and women overcome fertility challenges. For more information on increasing male fertility, schedule a consultation today.

If you’re trying to get pregnant, you may feel like you’ve been trying to conceive for a long time. You may be starting to wonder how long you should keep trying and when to see a fertility specialist. If you’re under the age of 35 and have been having unprotected sex for 12 months or longer without getting pregnant, or if you’re over 35 and have been trying for six months but haven’t been successful, reach out to the fertility experts at the Center for Reproductive Health. 

Other Reproductive Challenges

Infertility may be caused by problems with the woman, the man or both. Some factors that may present a challenge to fertility include:

• History of irregular periods
• Family history of early menopause
• History of two or more miscarriages
• Problems with male sexual function
• Cancer treatment
• History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Some medical conditions can cause fertility challenges such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids and primary ovarian insufficiency. If your thyroid is underactive, it can impact ovulation and lead to irregular periods. You may benefit from seeing a fertility specialist if you have any chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

Body Weight

Attaining a healthy body weight may help you to conceive. Being overweight or underweight can affect your ability to get pregnant. Excess weight can interfere with ovulation, reducing your chances of conceiving. Being overweight can also cause irregular periods. If you do get pregnant, being overweight can raise the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertension.

Being underweight can also trigger irregular menstrual cycles, especially if you’re losing a lot of weight or over exercising. Babies born to mothers who are underweight have an increased risk of low birth weight or being born prematurely.

The Impact of Age

If you’re over the age of 35, it’s a good idea to see a fertility specialist sooner rather than later. Your fertility starts to decline in your thirties, and as time continues to pass, this decline accelerates.  Aging has an impact on the quantity and quality of your eggs, and it also has an impact on sperm quality. This can make it harder to get pregnant, and if you do get pregnant, you’re at a higher risk of complications or fetal abnormalities. If you’re between the ages of 27 and 34 but aren’t ready to try to get pregnant, it’s a good idea to consider freezing your eggs.

How Can a Fertility Specialist Help?

A fertility specialist can provide an expert evaluation of reasons you may be having difficulty conceiving. This starts with a discussion of your medical history and your partner’s medical history along with a full medical examination. This helps the specialist determine what tests should be run. They may be able to pinpoint the cause of your infertility. In some cases, the cause remains unexplained.

The experts at the Center for Reproductive Health can explain your options in assisted reproductive technologies, whether or not the cause of your infertility was identified. At your consultation, they can explain the risks and benefits of possible treatments so you can make the choice that’s best for you. Schedule a consultation today.

Trying to get pregnant can be an exciting experience, but when it doesn’t happen after several months of trying, it’s natural to wonder what you can do to improve your chances of getting pregnant. One of the most common questions we hear from couples who are struggling to conceive is “What helps fertility?” 

Some lifestyle changes may help, and it’s a good idea to talk to fertility specialists about what changes you may need to make. Working with the experts at the Center for Reproductive Health is the best way to be sure you’re doing all you can to help fertility. 

Better Food Choices

One of the first things to focus on that may help problems with fertility is working on reaching a healthy body weight. Being overweight or underweight can disrupt hormones and impact ovulation. Be sure to include nutrient-rich foods in your diet. Foods rich in antioxidants help to deactivate free radicals that can damage both egg and sperm cells. Examples of foods rich in antioxidants include vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. 

Cut back on processed foods and refined carbohydrates such as sugar and white bread. Refined carbohydrates can affect your blood sugar which can impact hormone production.

Work on Getting More Active

It’s also important to be proactive about including exercise in your daily routine. Moderate exercise can be beneficial to both women and men. Try to include 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise such as walking, swimming or riding a bicycle. This can help you cope with stress and can help to balance hormones. If you haven’t been exercising at all, talk to your doctor to find out the best way to increase your activity gradually.

At the opposite extreme, excessive exercise can be a factor in suppressing ovulation. It can be detrimental to fertility if you exercise vigorously more than 5 hours a week.

Things to Avoid

When you’re trying to get pregnant, there are some things that you should avoid. Stress caused by any source can wreak havoc on your body and unfortunately, infertility may make you feel even more stressed. Work on limiting the stress in your life by making time to relax and learning stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing and meditation.

Avoid toxic chemicals. Toxins may be a hazard at work for some professions such as dry cleaning or printing. Consider what you’re being exposed to at home, such as cleaning products with endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Wear gloves when using strong cleaning products. 

Excessive amounts of alcohol or tobacco can affect fertility in both women and men. There’s some evidence that consuming too much caffeine may also have an impact, so it’s best to avoid excessive caffeine when you’re trying to get pregnant.

At the Center for Reproductive Health, we recognize how stressful it is to be unable to get pregnant. Our dedicated staff can answer any questions you may have about things you can do to help fertility. Let us help you on your journey to pursue a healthy pregnancy. Schedule an appointment today.

When a couple is having difficulty conceiving, both partners need to be evaluated to try to pinpoint the cause of fertility problems. Since problems with male fertility are usually related to sperm production, it’s natural for men to want to know how to check male fertility naturally. Fortunately, there are tests men can take at home that can provide an idea on whether sperm count may be low.

Even if you have a normal sperm count, there may be other reasons you’re having difficulty fathering a child. Couples struggling with fertility should keep in mind that seeing a fertility specialist is a better way to obtain a much more thorough evaluation. Compassionate and knowledgeable experts in the field of assisted reproductive technologies can be found at the Center for Reproductive Health.

What Can You Learn From At-Home Tests?

There are several different types of at-home tests that can test semen samples to evaluate the quality and quantity of sperm. Many men like the idea of an at-home test because they feel more comfortable taking a sperm test in the privacy of their own home. 

The sample is collected by masturbating into a cup or by wearing a special condom that collects semen during intercourse. For best results, avoid ejaculating for two or more days before collecting a sample. Avoid using lubricants and make sure all your semen makes it into the collection cup. 

Some things you may be able to learn from at-home sperm test kits include:

• Total sperm count
• Sperm motility, which refers to how well sperm moves
• Sperm concentration
• Sperm volume
• Sperm morphology or shape

Results from some tests are available in around 45 minutes. Other tests need to be shipped to a lab and typically take two to five days for results. Not all at-home sperm test kits are covered by insurance. If you want to try an at-home sperm test kit, look for one that has been cleared by the FDA, but keep in mind that not all causes of male infertility can be identified by an at-home test kit.

Improving Sperm Count

There are many possible causes of low sperm count. Lifestyle changes may help boost sperm production in some cases. Consume a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean meats along with food high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. There may be a connection between being overweight and having low sperm count, so it’s a good idea to work on attaining a healthy weight.

Regular physical activity is a critical factor in overall health and may have an impact on your sperm count. If you’ve been leading a sedentary lifestyle, talk to your doctor about the best way to become more active. Quit smoking and avoid consuming excessive alcohol. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and work on controlling the amount of stress you’re under.

An at-home sperm test isn’t always reliable and can’t replace the comprehensive fertility evaluation provided by the Center for Reproductive Health. Schedule an appointment today. 

It’s not uncommon for people to delay having children until their 30s or 40s, often because of focusing on a career or not being ready to settle down. If you’ve chose to delay having children, you may not give much thought to the aging process and how it may be affecting your fertility. You may believe you have plenty of time, especially when you see celebrities having children in their late 40s and sometimes even later. Having a child later in life sometimes requires the help of fertility experts, and the older you are, the more likely that you may need treatment for infertility. When does fertility decline? 

Fertility Decline in Women

Women are born with a set number of eggs. Fertility peaks in the late teens and 20s, which is a time many women aren’t ready to consider children for emotional or financial reasons. Fertility, which is the ability to get pregnant, has started a slow decline by age 30. By the mid to late 30s, fertility is declining rapidly. 

Women who try to get pregnant in their mid-30s or 40s may find it’s not as easy as they expected and many women need the help of fertility professionals to conceive, especially if it’s after the age of 35. There’s a decline in egg count and egg quality as women age. The risk of miscarriage or chromosomal abnormalities also increases with age. Because of this decline, women who think they may want to get pregnant later in life may wish to consider freezing their eggs when they’re between 27 and 34.

Fertility Decline in Men

Aging can also be a factor in male fertility. The peak of a man’s fertility is in his mid to late 20s. By age 30, sperm quality is beginning to decline. There’s a significant decrease in semen volume by the age of 45. The aging process in men also affects testosterone levels.

As the levels of this important hormone decline, both sperm quality and sexual function may be impacted. Sperm motility may also be affected, making it more difficult for sperm to successfully reach the egg. Declining sperm quality increases the risk of genetic diseases.

Other Factors That Can Affect Fertility

Age isn’t the only factor that can cause a decline in fertility. Poor lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking heavily and leading a sedentary lifestyle can all have an impact on fertility. Your fertility may also be impacted if you struggle with obesity.

Getting pregnant late in life increases the risk of complications for the mother and the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. Both women and men should keep their decline in fertility in mind if they choose to postpone having children.

The Center for Reproductive Health can help you learn what you can do to be proactive about your reproductive health. The team is available to help if you have questions about freezing eggs or sperm or about the treatment options that are available if you’re trying to get pregnant. Schedule an appointment for a consultation today.

When you feel ready to start a family but find that getting pregnant isn’t happening right away, it’s natural to search for suggestions on how to increase fertility in women. Some reasons for infertility may be beyond your control, but there are some lifestyle changes that may help improve your chances of getting pregnant. The experts at the Center for Reproductive Health can provide comprehensive information on things you can do to improve your chances of attaining a healthy pregnancy.

Strive to Attain a Health Weight

The amount of fat stored in your body can have an impact on hormone levels. If you’re either overweight or underweight, it can affect your menstrual cycle which in turn affects the balance of your hormones. Working toward attaining a healthy weight with diet and exercise can improve menstrual regularity as well as your overall health. If you’re overweight, losing 5 to 10 percent of your current weight can have a positive impact on fertility.

Exercise is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health and a sedentary lifestyle can greatly decrease your chances of getting pregnant. Talk to your doctor to find out what type of exercise would be best for you and how to gradually increase the amount of time you spend exercising. It’s important not to overdo it because over-exercising can also impact fertility.

Consume a Health Diet 

There’s no magic food that will automatically increase your fertility but following healthy diet patterns may help. Some things that should be part of your diet include:

• Fish
• High fiber foods such as whole grains and cereals
• Fresh vegetables and fruits
• Healthy fats such as olive oil
• Legumes, seeds and nuts

Include small amounts of dairy and lean poultry such as chicken or turkey. Limit the amount of foods that are highly processed or loaded with refined flour or sugar. Limit caffeine and avoid alcohol. Including foods rich in antioxidants can help to reduce free radicals that can damage your egg cells. Examples include nuts, berries, kale and cabbage. 

Reduce Stress

The more stress you’re under, the harder it is to get pregnant. Frustration over not getting pregnant can add to your feelings of anxiousness. Infertility is probably not the only stressor you’re dealing with. You may also be trying to manage stress involving your career or family. Whenever stress levels rise, there’s a good chance it may impact your ability to get pregnant.

Learning to better manage stress may have a positive impact on fertility. Make it a point to spend some time relaxing every day. Think about what makes you feel relaxed and do more of it, such as going for a walk in nature, meditating, getting a massage or listening to music.

Work With Fertility Specialists

Before giving up your dream of getting pregnant, it’s a good idea to meet with fertility specialists for more information on how to increase fertility. The team at the Center for Reproductive Health understands the wide range of emotions you may be experiencing. They’re available to answer your questions and provide guidance on methods of increasing fertility. Call today.

Infertility is a more common problem than many people realize. If you and your partner are struggling with infertility, there are many possible causes. In some cases, the problem is with male fertility. Some causes of male fertility problems include hormone levels or the quality or motility of sperm cells. If you and your partner are affected by this, it’s beneficial to learn as much as you can about how to increase male fertility.

While not all causes of male infertility are treatable, in many cases there are ways to be proactive about working toward improving sperm health. 

Healthy Habits for Healthier Sperm

The health of your sperm is often related to your overall health. To help improve your health and the health of your sperm, some things to do include:

• Get active. Regular exercise is an important component of overall health. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day five days a week to help improve your metabolism and your sperm production. If you haven’t been exercising, consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.
• Eat nutritious foods. Trying to get by on fast food or food with little nutritional value can be harmful to the health of your sperm. Be sure to include healthy foods in your diet, especially a variety of fruits and vegetables along with lean proteins such as fish and poultry.
• Get plenty of sleep. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body has difficulty recharging, which can impact the production of healthy sperm. Taking care to get enough sleep may help increase male fertility and may help you to better cope with stress.

Your body mass index (BMI) helps to determine if you’re at a healthy weight. If you’re overweight or underweight, it may have a negative impact on sperm count. Work on getting to a healthy weight if you’re not already there.

Things to Avoid

If you’re hoping to increase male fertility, there are some things you need to avoid. One of the biggest ones is smoking because smoking can cause problems such as reduced sperm count, poor sperm motility, and male impotence.

Consuming too much alcohol can also affect the health of your sperm. Cutting down on alcohol consumption or avoiding it altogether may help to improve your ability to conceive a healthy baby. For better sperm quality, other things to avoid include excessive amounts of saturated fats, processed meats, and caffeine.

Sperm health can also be negatively affected by overheating the testicles. It’s a good idea to avoid saunas or hot tubs for optimal sperm health. If you work in a hot environment, try to take regular breaks, and avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time.

For more tips on increasing male fertility, reach out to the experts at the Center for Reproductive Health. Our team of compassionate and knowledgeable experts in the field of assisted reproductive technologies will help create a treatment plan that gives you the best chance of attaining a successful pregnancy. Schedule a consultation today.

If you’re having difficulty getting pregnant in your 30s, you’re not alone. While some women are still able to conceive in their early 30s, your chances of getting pregnant as you approach 40 declines, and the risk of complications including miscarriage increases. The team of fertility experts at the Center for Reproductive Health is available to provide detailed information on how to boost fertility in your 30s so you can be proactive about doing whatever you can to attain a healthy pregnancy.

Foods That May Help Increase Fertility

A healthy diet is an important component of overall health. When you’re trying to get pregnant, whether you’re a woman or a man, it’s important to include plenty of natural foods in your diet such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna provide a healthy source of unsaturated fats which support cell growth and can help to lower cholesterol. Limit sugar and saturated fats to help boost fertility. 

Women who are trying to get pregnant should begin taking prenatal vitamins to ensure the consumption of important nutrients. Prenatal vitamins can help to improve egg quality.

Reduce Stress

Being under a lot of stress, especially on a long-term basis, can wreak havoc on your body and make it more difficult to get pregnant. Since stress has been proven to impact fertility, focusing on methods of stress reduction may help boost your fertility. Consider delegating tasks to others if possible. Other ways to reduce stress include:

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Aromatherapy
• Massage
• Listening to music

Journaling is a good way to process turbulent emotions, such as frustration over not getting pregnant. Be sure you’re getting enough sleep to help better cope with stress and to help increase fertility. Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.

Other Healthy Habits

To give yourself the best chance of a healthy pregnancy, work on getting your weight to a healthy range. Women whose body mass index (BMI) is considered too high or too low can have a harder time getting pregnant. Regular exercise can help improve your overall health and can help you work toward improving your BMI. Choose a form of exercise you enjoy such as walking, swimming, or dancing.

If you or your partner smokes, it’s imperative that you quit if you’re hoping to boost fertility in your 30s. Smoking has a negative impact on reproductive health in both women and men. It can make it harder to get pregnant and it increases the risk of complications during pregnancy. 

Excessive amounts of alcohol can interfere with bodily processes and should be avoided when trying to get pregnant. Both alcohol and caffeine can make it more difficult to get pregnant.

When you’re trying to boost fertility in your 30s, reach out to the compassionate fertility professionals at the Center for Reproductive Health. We’re available to answer any questions you may have and are committed to helping you have the best chance of attaining a healthy pregnancy. Click here to make an appointment.