Diet Changes to Make If You’re Struggling With Infertility

Infertility is common and may occur for any number of reasons. In some cases, the exact cause is unknown. Though diet isn’t a cure-all for infertility, good dietary habits may improve your ability to conceive. 

At CARE Fertility in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas, our expert providers have helped many people in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding states achieve their dreams of having children. Advances in treatment options and our understanding of fertility are some of the reasons we’ve been so successful.

One of the things we’ve learned about fertility is the importance of good nutrition. Let’s talk about the diet and fertility connection and the nutritional changes you can make that can benefit your reproductive health. 

The fertility and diet connection

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19% of women of childbearing age who have no history of childbirth are unable to get pregnant after a year of trying. 

There are many reasons women may have a difficult time getting pregnant. They may have a hormone problem that affects ovulation, a structural problem that affects the fallopian tubes or uterus, or changes in egg quality due to age.

Infertility isn’t just a woman’s problem. Men also experience problems that affect the quality or quantity of their sperm and may be more difficult for a couple to conceive. 

You can’t control all the factors that influence your fertility, but you can control some, especially the ones that involve your lifestyle.

Eating to improve fertility

What you eat may influence your fertility. Diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, fish, and healthy vegetable fats improve fertility in men and women. What is a fertility friendly diet you might ask?

• Eat lots of fruits and veggies: They have important vitamins and minerals that help keep our bodies healthy for having a baby.

• Choose whole grains: Foods like brown rice and whole wheat bread give us energy and help balance our hormones.
• Pick lean proteins: Foods like fish, chicken, beans, eggs, and peas are good for our muscles and help us stay at a healthy weight.
• Have healthy fats: Eat fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocado oil for good fats that help our bodies work well. Animal fats from good sources like grass-fed meat and organic dairy are okay in moderation.
• Keep in mind that diets high in saturated fat and added sugar decrease fertility in men and women. So you want to limit your intake of red meat, fried foods, and foods with added sugar like soft drinks and sweet treats.
• Drink milk and eat yogurt: These foods give us strong bones and teeth.
• Drink water: It's important to stay hydrated for our bodies to work properly.
• Avoid too many processed foods: Foods with lots of sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt can make it harder for our bodies to be ready for a baby.
• You also want to include foods rich in folic acid like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fortified foods. Folic acid is essential for development of the fetal nervous system and helps prevent congenital abnormalities like spina bifida. Prenatal vitamins contain folic acid but eating a diet rich in folic acid can help too!
• Supplements: Talk to a doctor about vitamins and other supplements that might help with having a baby. For example, vitamin D deficiency affects both fertility and pregnancy outcome.
• Be healthy overall: Exercise, manage stress, don't smoke, and don't drink too much alcohol to help our bodies be ready to have a baby.

When to get expert help

Nutrition is only one part of the fertility equation. While making better food choices benefits your health and your fertility, it may not be enough. If you’re eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and at a healthy weight and still struggling to conceive, we can help.

We offer many fertility treatment options that can help you grow your family, including intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization. Your nutritious eating choices also improve your chances of success with our fertility treatments. 

Eating a balanced diet filled with nutrient-rich foods benefits your reproductive health and overall well-being and is an important part of your fertility treatment plan. 

If you’re having a difficult time conceiving, we can help identify the reason for your infertility and provide individualized and comprehensive care. Call CARE Fertility at the office that’s convenient to you, or schedule a consultation online today.