Preserving your fertility is an important part of maintaining your overall health. Whether you’re planning to become pregnant in the near future, or if you’ve just finished a family planning consultation, here are our top tips for preserving your fertility and health.
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Knowledge is Power
Taking the time to educate yourself on fertility and physical health is the first step to preserving your fertility. Be informed of the environmental factors and lifestyle habits that can affect your fertility, like smoking and exposure to radiation. Additionally, talk to your health practitioner to ensure that you understand the risks associated with medications and other treatments you may be undergoing.
Practice Safe Sex
To preserve your fertility, practice safe sex to lower your risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility. Similarly, if you’ve been diagnosed with an STI, it’s important to be honest with your sex partner(s) and get immediate treatment to prevent further complications.
Eat Healthy Eating and Exercise
Choosing healthy, nutrient-rich foods and engaging in regular physical activity can go a long way in preserving your fertility. Eating a balanced diet provides your body with the essential minerals and vitamins it needs, helping to reduce inflammation and combat obesity which can lead to hormonal imbalances and, in turn, damage your reproductive system.
Similarly, exercising regularly improves circulation and helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing your risk of complications associated with obesity.
Reduce Stress and Get Enough Sleep
The link between stress and lower fertility is well-documented. High levels of stress cause your body to produce cortisol, which can interfere with important functions like ovulation. Research has shown that women with higher stress levels have lower rates of successful fertilization and conception.
It’s also important to get enough sleep (7-9 hours a night) to preserve your fertility. Sleep deprivation can cause your body to produce less melatonin, a hormone involved in reproductive processes, leading to dysfunction of your reproductive hormones.
Limit Your Exposure to Environmental Toxins
Research has shown that pollutants can adversely affect your fertility. Many pollutants found in air, water, and soil can cause endocrine disruption and hormone imbalances, leading to issues in the reproductive system and fertility.
To preserve your fertility, limit your exposure to environmental toxins. Be mindful of your surroundings and be sure to research and avoid locations with high levels of pollutants. Additionally, always be sure to read the ingredient labels for any products you’re using and be wary of suspicious ingredients and chemicals.
Take Steps to Preserve Your Fertility
By educating yourself and taking proper precautionary measures, you can preserve your fertility and protect your health. Take the time to research your condition, know your risks, and follow our top tips for preserving your fertility and health.