Can diet affect my fertility?

Can diet affect my fertility?

During your fertility treatment you can often feel frustrated, especially knowing that the issue you’re facing is practically out of your control and everything rests in the hands of your fertility clinic.

A very common question asked is “can I do or eat anything to help improve my chances?”

The short answer is “yes”, there are things to do that can help improve the outcome of your fertility treatment and a lot of that comes down to diet and lifestyle.

Although there is still much research to be done in the area of nutrition and fertility, there have been studies that have shown that adequate intake of specific vitamins and minerals can have a dramatic effect on your chances of being able to achieve a healthy pregnancy.

There have been several studies that have previously investigated the role diet may play on fecundity or the amount of time taken to fall pregnant. The research continues to reveal evidence that supports the impact a healthy diet can have for both men and women who are looking at starting a family.

Issues such as obesity has previously been directly associated with ovulation problems in women and reduced sperm quality in men, as well as increasing the metabolic disturbance in adult offspring due to increased oxidative stress and epigenetic alterations. Insufficient levels of vitamin D in women has been linked to implantation failure and increased chances of miscarriage, and for men it is has been associated with reduced sperm concentration, motility and decreased pregnancy rates.

Fertility First has recognised the importance of a healthy lifestyle in both our male and female patients trying to conceive. Our clinic has routinely tested the vitamin D levels in all our patients as part of our preliminary assessment and has been doing so for over 10 years.

For more information on foods that can improve the health and quality of your eggs and/or sperm, consider some of the articles we’ve written in the past:

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FAQs about improving natural fertility

Will stress affect my ability to get pregnant?

Yes, chronic stress can impact fertility by disrupting hormonal balance and ovulation patterns. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices may help optimise your chances of conception. Consider speaking with a counsellor if stress feels overwhelming.

How does my partner's health affect our fertility?

Sperm health accounts for about 40% of conception challenges. Your partner can improve sperm health by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive heat exposure (hot tubs, saunas, tight clothing), limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, managing stress, and taking a multivitamin with antioxidants. Sperm takes about 3 months to develop, so lifestyle changes need time to show results.

When during my cycle am I most fertile?

Your fertile window typically spans 5-6 days, ending on ovulation day. For a regular 28-day cycle, this usually falls between days 10-15, with peak fertility 1-2 days before ovulation. Track your cycle using ovulation predictor kits, basal body temperature, or cervical mucus changes to identify your unique pattern. Having intercourse every 1-2 days during this window optimises your chances.