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Increasing the chances of conceiving naturally Part V

Do diet and lifestyle make a difference?

Yes they do! Your weight can affect the time to conception. Obesity (BMI > 35) increases the time to conception two-fold. Underweight (BMI < 19) women take four times longer to conceive! A healthy diet is a definite step in the right direction. There, however, is little evidence that dietary variations such as a vegetarian diet, low-fat diets, vitamin-enriched diets, antioxidants, or herbal remedies improve fertility. Taking a daily supplement that contains at least 400 μg of folic acid is an excellent way to reduce the risk for neural tube defects.

What about smoking?

Smoking is definitely associated with a decrease in fertility. Smokers on average have an earlier menopause by 1 – 4 years suggesting that smoking adversely effects the number of eggs a woman has. Smoking also increases the chance of having a miscarriage. It also has a negative impact on semen parameters. This will be discussed in detail in a subsequent blog.

Does alcohol effect fertility?

The effects of alcohol on fertility can vary. A study from Stockholm suggested that the risk of infertility increases by 60% in women having 2 drinks per day but the risk decreased by 36% in women who drank less than one drink per day! Another study from Denmark suggested the time to conception was shorter in women who drank a glass of wine than for women who consume no alcohol. Higher levels of alcohol consumption (> 2 drinks per day) are best avoided when you are trying to get pregnant. Of course, once you do conceive, you should quit drinking completely. The adverse effects of alcohol on the baby have been well-documented and there is no “safe” level of alcohol consumption in pregnancy.

What about coffee?

High levels of caffeine consumption (500 mg; or > 5 cups of coffee per day) are associated with decreased fertility and increased risk of miscarriage. Moderate consumption of coffee (1 – 2 cups per day) does not have a negative impact on fertility or pregnancy outcome.

So how much caffeine am I getting at Starbucks?

Since a lot of people get their daily dose of coffee at Starbucks, a summary of the caffeine content in Starbucks coffee may be relevant. Starbucks regular drip coffee has an average of 160 mg per eight ounces. Starbucks decaffeinated drip coffees has between 4.8 mg and 11.2 mg per eight ounces. One ounce of Starbucks espresso (which is one shot in an espresso-based drink) has an average of 89 mg of caffeine. Starbucks decaffeinated espresso has an average of 4.8 mg to 11.2 mg of caffeine.

An interesting fact about coffee consumption at Starbucks is that a tall (12 oz.) or a venti (20 oz.) latte has the same amount of caffeine.

Marijuana?

Marijuana is an absolute no-no when you are trying to conceive. It reduces sperm counts and also has well-documented adverse effects on the baby.

Sauna bathing does not decrease female fertility. The effect of sauna on testicular function also remains unproven.

Heavy metals, mercury (from sea food), pesticides, toxins and solvents such as those used in the dry cleaning and printing industries may effect fertility adversely. If you are exposed to these at work, make sure you follow the OSHA guidelines for workplace safety!best-time-to-get-pregnant-guide

Infertility Conception

Dr. Vishvanath Karande

Dr. Vishvanath Karande

Dr. Karande is Board Certified in the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as the subspecialty of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

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