Gurgaon gynaecologist shares everyday lifestyle changes that may help boost fertility in women

From diet to sleep, here are a few gynaecologist-recommended tips every woman should know before trying to conceive.

You will be amazed by what can impact fertility, such as your age, lifestyle habits, how stressed you are, the way you sleep, your diet, and even your body itself. Although not all infertility is avoidable, the fact that, as a couple, you are able to take proactive measures in changing your everyday lifestyle will make a huge difference. On a happier note, although complex medical treatment plays a huge role in infertility, it is also entirely dependent on the healthy choices you are beginning today. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anshika Lekhi, Director and Gynaecologist, The Fertilife, Gurgaon, shared some tips to boost female fertility.

Tips to boost fertility in female (Unsplash)

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Dr Anshika highlighted that women who are either underweight or overweight encounter issues with their hormones and consequently have a lack of ovulation. There are many fertility benefits linked to exercise. “An increased blood flow, decrease of stress-producing hormones, fertility-regulating hormones and also need to maintain a healthy weight all will aid fertility,” added Dr Anshika. She recommends light and gentle forms of exercise, such as walking, swimming or yoga, over vigorous exercise; however, vigorous exercise would be harmful to women's fertility.

2. Diet has played an increasingly important role in fertility

Eating a healthy and nutritious, balanced diet high in vegetables and fruit, whole grains, nuts and seeds, lean protein and healthy fats will prove very useful for fertility. Such nutrients as Iron and folic acid would be highly beneficial for reproduction. “Omega-3 fatty acids are excellent for men's and women's fertility and have strong anti-oxidising capabilities,” said Dr Anshika. Lifestyle habits promoting consumption of fast food, sweets, liquor, alcohol, smoking and the excessive intake of coffee are not recommended for both men and women when attempting to conceive, as they are proven to have detrimental effects on men's sperm and women's egg quality.

Light and gentle forms of exercise, such as walking, swimming or yoga, over vigorous exercise is important. (Unsplash)

3. Stress is by far the most overlooked component of fertility

Excessive stress could cause an imbalance of reproductive hormones. The stress of a high-pressure lifestyle, the stresses of family and love, and also worrying about not conceiving can have adverse effects on the human's fertility. Meditation, mindfulness practices, support from family and friends, and leisure activities are helpful for reducing stress.

4. Sleep quality is very important for reproductive health

Disturbed sleep patterns can affect hormone secretion and have a contributive role in fertility. It is generally recommended that adults sleep for about 7-8 hours.

7-8 hours of sleep is important. (Unsplash)

5. Track menstrual cycle

Knowing and determining one's menstrual cycle is one way women are conscious of their fertility period in trying to conceive. “Abnormalities in the menstrual cycle, such as heavy flow periods, very painful periods, excessive hair growth, acne and large amounts of fluctuations in weight could be signs of underlying medical conditions,” Dr Anshika told HT Lifestyle.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.