Once the decision has been made to start a family, most people anticipate that it will happen rather quickly. However, for many people, the journey to get pregnant is a long and frustrating one that includes sorting through an enormous amount of information about ways to increase your fertility.

If you are embarking on a journey of trying to get pregnant, you’ll want to know the simplest tricks to increase your fertility and enhance your chances of becoming pregnant without losing your mind in the process.

Control your Stress
Maybe easier said than done, but stress reducing techniques can help increase your fertility, and help you maintain your sanity in the process. Although it is not exactly known why or how stress can hinder conception, it is worth putting in effort in reducing your stress levels. Yoga is one stress relieving technique that many people find beneficial. Meditation, prayer and breathing exercises are also helpful ways to reduce stress.

Stay Happy
Statistics show that women that suffer from depression are twice as likely to have problems with fertility as those who do not. If you suffer from depression, seek the help of a professional and find simple ways to increase your joy every day. The simple act of smiling, even purposefully, increases the endorphins in the brain that give you the happy satisfied feeling.

Enjoy Fitness
Exercise, in the proper amount, not only increases the endorphins in the brain that increase feelings of joy and reduces stress, maintaining a proper weight can increase your chances of getting pregnant. Those with a body mass index higher than 30 tend to have a more difficult time getting pregnant. It is important to keep it a healthy and reasonable amount, however. Too much exercise can slow menstrual cycles and hinder the chances of getting pregnant.

Eat Healthy Foods
When you eat a healthy diet, your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby are increased. A diet that is protein, iron or zinc deficient can cause lengthened menstrual cycles and decrease the changes of getting pregnant, so assuring you get enough can increase your fertility. Healthy foods also help maintain proper sugar levels which contributes to mood stabilization.

Increase the Odds
It goes without saying, but increasing the number of times you engage in intercourse will increase the likelihood of getting pregnant. It is also a way to stay close to your partner, and gain support through a very stressful time.

Fertility issues can be an emotional roller coaster. Taking steps to reduce your stress where you can not only makes the process more manageable, it also may increase your fertility.

Conception does not always come as easily or as quickly as we had planned. After some time of trying, many couples will seek natural ways to increase fertility before seeking other more expensive interventions. Fertility can be affected by many factors, many of which can be addressed with simple and natural solutions.

Maintain a Healthy Weight
Weight can play a huge role in the ability or inability to get pregnant. Being overweight can cause the body to overproduce hormones which disrupt ovulation, cause irregular cycles and hinder conception. Weighing too little can also hinder conception as the body needs a certain amount of body fat to produce enough hormones to cause ovulation. Most health care professionals recommend maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) of between 18.5-24.9. While trying to conceive, maintain a health weight as recommended by your physician.

Eat a Well Balanced Diet
It seems like a simple solution, but many of us think we eat a much more balanced diet than we actually do. One of the simple and natural ways to increase fertility is to make sure your diet contains enough protein, zinc, iron and vitamin C. Deficiencies in these can lengthen menstrual cycles, making it more difficult to get pregnant.

Abstain from Alcohol and Cigarettes
Both alcohol and nicotine can disrupt sperm and egg production. Limiting or abstaining from their usage is an easy way to increase fertility.

Try Natural Remedies
Before opting for more expensive fertility treatments, some couples try  herbal remedies as one of the natural ways to increase their fertility. Some of the most common herbs used to boost fertility include:

•    Evening Primrose Oil, or EPO, is one of the most popular and common fertility herbs. Evening Primrose oil increases the quality of cervical fluid, which enables the sperm to live longer. This is very helpful when ovulation dates are unsure.
•    Chasteberry is used to balance hormones, stimulate the pituitary glands and increase sexual desire.
•    Red Clover helps with irregular menstrual cycles, though takes several months of regular use before being effective.
•    Flaxseed oil is helpful in both male and female fertility issues. In males, it helps treat impotence. In women, it helps stabilize the estrogen-progesterone ratio.

Before beginning any natural remedy program, it is best to consult a physician. Some natural ways to increase fertility may cause adverse reactions in people with other medical conditions, such as heart disease, epilepsy, thyroid disease and many others.

One third of all cases of infertility are caused by male infertility factors and many of those men are seeking ways to increase fertility. Before employing the help of the many recent advances in reproductive medicine, many couples first opt to try some of the known ways to increase fertility.

Male fertility problems are more common that many people realize, and on the rise.  Just like in female infertility, there are many factors that can affect male fertility negatively, such as sperm disorders, testicular injury, varicocele, blockages in sperm-carrying tubes, problems with erection or ejaculation, hormonal problems, some medications, and genetic disorders can all play a role. Additionally, lifestyle issues can also play an important role in the health of  sperm. It makes sense then, that some of the most important ways to increase fertility will include lifestyle changes.

Give Up Cigarettes

Giving up many habits will not only improve your overall health it will also improve the health and motility of your sperm.

Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is known to impact the health of sperm and reducing consumption can improve your fertility.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Add lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes and whole grains, which are known to increase fertility, to your diet.

Exercise Regularly

Exercising regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important in male fertility. It can also help reduce stress, another important factor.

Avoid Excessive Heat

Exposing the body to high temperatures, such as in a hot tub, sauna or hot bath, can diminish sperm production.

Add Vitamins and Herbs to your Diet

There are many vitamins and herbs known to help increase fertility. It is wise however, to consult your doctor before beginning an herb and supplement routine.

• Vitamin C can help increase sperm count by reducing agglutination, the clumping of sperm.
• Vitamin E deficiencies are known to cause a reduction of the enzymes necessary for sperm production.
• Selenium helps prevent oxidation of the sperm cell and maintaining sperm quality.
• Zinc deficiencies can cause a lowering of testosterone and low sperm counts.
• Ginseng increases sexual desire and testosterone levels as well as increasing sperm count and sperm motility.
• Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract made from the bark of the Maritime pine which increases the number of normally functioning sperm.

Improving your overall health can have a positive impact on your reproductive health.

If you are seeking infertility help,  you will likely consider lifestyle and diet changes. Most people admittedly consume many foods that lack real nutritional value and cutting them out of the diet and adding health organic foods can only improve one’s health.  The value of organic versus non-organic foods and the role each plays has been a topic of debate for some time, and likely to continue to generate much conversation for years to come. One thing is for sure, the body is a very complex machine and  can be greatly impacted by small changes.

The verdict may still be out on whether or not eating an organic diet itself can increase fertility. It is widely accepted that eating a healthier diet does improve your overall health which, in turn, can improve your chances of getting pregnant. There are also many interesting points in favor of natural foods increasing fertility. If you are considering an organic diet as an infertility help, here are a few interesting things to consider:

• One of the greatest benefits of eating certified organic foods is that it can greatly reduce the amount of chemicals and pesticides you consume. While there are many known side effects of the use of many chemicals, there are likely other unknown ways that their consumption can impact our health and both male and female fertility.
• The rates of unexplained infertility is inexplicably on the rise. If there is no known medical cause, taking a closer look at diet makes sense.
• Most fertility problems are multi-factorial and many have elements that have a nutritional foundation.

Are There Specific Foods To Consider?

There are many foods that have known benefits to those struggling with infertility. There is little risk, if any, with most of them and the cost is minimal. If you plan to add organic foods to your diet as an infertility help, here is a list of foods to get you started:

• Eat foods rich in zinc, like organic chicken.
• Raw walnuts are a power house of valuable nutrients for those looking for infertility help. Rich in folate, vitamin B6, thiamin and omega 3.
• Iron, found in meat, lentils and beans, is essential to good reproductive health.
• Organically grown bright colored vegetables  and fruit are very beneficial as an infertility help.  Dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale as well as vibrant or fresh fruit contain valuable antioxidants which protect the health of eggs and sperm. Some great choices are blueberries, apples, red, yellow and green bell peppers and broccoli.
• Salmon, cat fish and canned light tuna are good sources of omega 3 fatty acids, which is also vital to good reproductive health.

Remember to Eliminate the Junk

Adding organic foods to your diet to increase the chances of fertility is a great start to infertility help. The next step is to eliminate the foods that may be causing more harm than good. Refined foods, like white rice, bread and pasta, are known to be detrimental to fertility, particularly those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Caffeine and alcohol are also a concern for those with fertility problems, and consumption should be very limited.

Choosing to go totally organic may not be right for you or your lifestyle, but incorporating organic choices where possible is certainly doable for most of us.

Fertility problems are nothing new. In fact, many cultures have sought solutions to both male and female fertility issues for thousands of years.  About 20% of the population will experience some difficulty in becoming pregnant in their lifetime and will seek out many different fertility treatment options. While many begin with western medicine, traditional western medicine is not always the answer for every person seeking ways to increase fertility.

If Not High Tech Answers, Then What?

Many people do experience success with traditional fertility treatment options such as IVF, however, high tech treatment options are not always the first choice for many people wanting to increase fertility. Whether it is because it is more affordable or less invasive – an increasing number of people are seeking alternative medicine options to increase fertility.  Some of the most popular and common alternative treatments include:

• Acupuncture is gaining worldwide recognition as an alternative fertility treatment option. The painless procedure involves inserting thin needles at specific places on the skin. There is some debate as to whether the benefit is an increase in fertility or a decrease in stress but whichever it is- the result is a 25% increase in successful conception when added as a supplement to IVF. It is frequently used alone or with other natural treatment options.
• Herbal treatments are also often part of alternative options to increase fertility. Some of the most common herbs include; raspberry leaf, Black Cohosh, Nettle Leaf and Chaste Tree. It is suggested that the use of any herbs be done under the guidance of an expert with the knowledge of your physician.
• Fertility cleanses are also used to detoxify the body and help increase fertility.
• Fertility massage is also a popular alternative and , much like in acupuncture, increases blood flow in the body. This is a very affordable alternative and can be combined with other treatments.
• Lifestyle and dietary changes is always a great place to start for overall better health. Simple changes in the diet, such as adding more organic foods to the diet, can increase the chances of becoming pregnant significantly. Diet and lifestyle changes are not for the woman alone however. Even a male partner can increase sperm health and motility through a more natural diet.
• Yoga is known to increase fertility by increasing the blood flow and reducing stress.
• Proper sleep and sunlight is often overlooked as part of an alternative fertility treatment option, but it should not be. Not getting enough sleep or sunlight can contribute to irregular cycles and sometimes lack of ovulation.

Even if traditional medicine has not been successful in your case, all hope is not lost. There are many alternative options that have proven very successful for many people struggling with fertility issues. Most are without side effects, painless and can be combined with other treatments.

When considering fertility treatment options, consider the value of alternative treatments to increase fertility. Become informed about the options by researching and connecting with others through support groups.

Many people wonder if exercise will decrease, or increase, fertility having read or heard conflicting information. So what is the real answer? Exercise can both positively and negatively impact fertility, depending on the circumstances.

Exercise and  Decreased Fertility in Women

Weight is an important factor in fertility in women. With society’s increased acceptance of the super thin physique, there has been an increase in women experiencing fertility problems. For women who are excessively thin, exercise can actually decrease the chances of becoming pregnant. It is necessary to have some body fat in order to produce estrogen, which the body needs for the regulation of ovulation. Too little body fat can cause the body to ovulate irregularly, or cease ovulation altogether.

Over Exercise and Male Infertility

Occasionally, exercise can also negatively impact male fertility. For men with a low sperm count, exercise should be given special consideration. Sperm live most optimally at normal body temperature. With exercise, the body temperature typically rises, which can cause the sperm to die, lowering sperm count. It has also been found that excessively thin males have a lower sperm count.

Exercise and Increased Fertility

If a woman is over weight, exercise can lead to weight loss which will increase fertility. Extra body fat leads to increased estrogen which can hinder ovulation. Generally, a healthy lifestyle which includes a healthy diet and moderate exercise is widely accepted as positive factors in increased fertility in both men and women. Regular Exercise is known to be beneficial in these ways:

• Exercise is known to decrease stress, which can be a consideration in infertility. many people experience an increase in fertility with stress deduction techniques, such as exercise.
• Regular exercise can help regulate hormones and increase circulation.

Are there Specific Exercises to Increase Fertility?

Though many studies, both formal and informal, have been done on the subject, the jury is still out on specifically which exercises may increase fertility most dramatically. While all moderate exercise is know to be of positive benefit in most people, some may increase the chances a bit more. Moderate exercises to increase fertility include:

• Walking regularly is low impact and can help in weight loss and weight maintenance.
• Swimming is another great choice in moderate exercise.
• Golf
• Cycling is low impact and aerobic
• Yoga. Many yoga poses are thought to be very helpful in increasing fertility by increasing the circulation and blood flow to relevant parts of the body. However, there is even some debate as to which poses are most beneficial. The belief and acceptance of yoga’s positive impact on fertility is so widely held that many fertility treatment centers also include Yoga classes as part of their auxiliary programs.

Before beginning any exercise program, it is important to talk with your physician. An online support group would also have valuable information on area exercise classes as well as personal experiences as what exercises were helpful in increasing fertility.

Many couples going through fertility treatments wonder if there are other natural steps they can do to increase their chances of becoming pregnant. Reflexology is one of the natural treatments gaining attention, with many couples attributing increased fertility and successful pregnancies to the natural treatment.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is an ancient healing art that was further developed in modern times. It is believed that certain points on the feet corresponds to related organs, glands and the nervous system. It is believed that applying pressure to these points, it positively influences health. It recent years, reflexology has gained attention as part of an overall treatment plan for some couples experiencing infertility.

How is Reflexology Thought to Increase Fertility?

Reflexology adherents believe that there are specific points on the feet strongly associated with the reproductive process. A series of applied pressure to the points associated with egg production and hormones may correct imbalances that may be hindering fertility. Reflexology is thought to increase fertility in these ways:

• The reduction of stress. The fertility process is undoubtedly one of the most stressful times a couple will encounter, and that stress can impact fertility. High levels of stress can trigger neuro-chemical changes which can hinder the release and maturation of the eggs.
• Help in balancing the endocrine system. Stimulating the ovary reflex point can help the body in ovulating.

What Evidence is There that Reflexology Can Increase Fertility?

Unfortunately, studies in this area have been few and the evidence remains largely in personal experiences. Since it has not been the subject of many large studies, any success  which could otherwise be attributed to the treatment goes uncounted. Additionally, any increase infertility in a couple undergoing traditional fertility treatments in conjunction with reflexology would also be attributed to the traditional treatment. If it is factored in at all, the medical community largely attributes any success to the reduction of stress which positively impacts fertility. However, many women who have been told that there was little point in undergoing fertility treatments due to high hormone levels, suggesting the ovaries may have stopped producing enough estrogen, have reported increased fertility with reflexology.

Are There Any Negative Side Effects?

As a natural treatment, there are no known side effects to reflexology treatment. It is for this reason that many women will undergo treatment in conjunction with other fertility treatments. Also, many feel that it is worth the effort, regardless of whether or not it has a stamp of approval in the medical community or not because the anecdotal evidence is so strongly in favor of increased fertility with the treatment.

Reflexology Does not Claim to be a Cure-all

The foundation of reflexology does not claim to be the cure all for any fertility problem. Rather, it is a safe and natural treatment that uses pressure to reduce stress,  increase blood circulation and strengthening the immune system. All of these factors play a role in fertility, and improving them can increase fertility.

Infertility is something only those who have experienced it understand fully. It is not just a medical issue with which to be dealt; it is something that infuses every part of your life. Although infertility is a personal journey, it is one that many travel and sharing that journey has never been more possible than today.

Infertility Support

When a couple is diagnosed with fertility problems, the fertility treatment center is likely to recommend a support group. Many people find support groups helpful as they seek treatment and experience the many complicated emotional, social, economic and medical issues associated with infertility. Some of the advantages of local infertility help and support groups include:

• A close local group can be a source of information on local infertility helps
• Provide the opportunity to know others in the area who are dealing with the same issues
• A resource for local fertility centers

Online Forums Provide Infertility Help

With the advent of the internet, many online support groups have been created to provide valuable infertility help. While every person is unique, in the vastness of online support groups a person is very likely to find someone who’s diagnosis and circumstances are very similar to their own. Online support groups can provide the knowledge that there are many people out there who have been right where you are, and lead very full and happy lives while they deal with the many complexities of infertility. Some of the many advantages of online infertility help includes:

• The opportunity to remain somewhat anonymous allows the participant to express thoughts and fears more feely than they might otherwise in person.
• Online forums disseminate information very quickly and are often the best place to learn about new treatments, adverse effects and other relevant information.
• Dealing with anger and sadness may also be easier when discussed with the privacy that an online forum provides.

Online Forums Can Provide Practical Infertility Help

Although there are many medical issues with which online forums can provide help, everyday practical help is also very valuable. Dealing with infertility is emotionally exhausting, and many people can unknowingly be hurtful. It is difficult to be happy when it seems nearly every occasion is an opportunity to be reminded of your desire to have a child. An online support group can help in dealing with the emotions that come up when a kind, but somewhat thoughtless sister-in-law constantly updates her website with the potty training progress of her 1 year old or what to say when someone asks, yet again, if you plan on having children. many groups are for men or women only and gives each the place to vent feelings without the feeling of being monitored. An online community can help in dealing gracefully with the many every day situations that come up, such as:

• Attending baby showers for family and coworkers
• Lost pregnancies
• Probing questions
• Well meaning but uninformed advise
• Marital problems
• Financial stresses
• Dealing with physicians when you do not see eye-to-eye
• Practical help in dealing with the side effects of infertility treatments

Dealing with infertility can be a long and painful journey but one that can be rewarding with the added help of those who understand the difficulty personally. There is an amazing wealth of information and infertility help right at the finger tip, and always, many willing to share in the journey.

1. When should a couple consider going to a fertility treatment center for consultation?
For couples 35 years old and younger and no known fertility problems, most fertility experts recommend seeing a specialist if conception has not taken place after a year or more of well-timed intercourse. Couples over 35 should consider seeking specialized help after six months, and those with known fertility issues should seek the help of specialists as soon as they are considering starting a family.

2. What Can We do to Increase Our Chances of Becoming Pregnant?
Naturally, increasing the amount of intercourse during a cycle will increase your chances of becoming pregnant, as well as having intercourse the day you ovulate or immediately before you ovulate.

3. How Do I Know When I am Ovulating?
If you have a regular cycle, approximate ovulation is easy to calculate. Counting forward from the first day of your period, ovulation occurs 15 to 19 days into the cycle. Your body also gives certain clues. The mucus changes and becomes the consistency of egg white. Some women also feel a sharp pain in the abdomen when the egg is released.

4. Is it Possible to Improve Sperm Count or Sperm Quality?
Most fertility treatment centers recommend wearing looser fitting undergarments as well as well as taking cool showers over hot baths to promote better sperm production. Smoking and alcohol consumption also play a role in poor sperm production.

5. When Can I Take a Pregnancy Test After IUI?
Taking a pregnancy too early can result in a false positive. The best time to take a pregnancy test is after 16 from the last IUI.

6. How Much Does Treatment Cost?
The cost of fertility treatment will vary depending on the fertility treatment center you choose and the treatment protocol. IVF treatments can cost between $10,000 to $20,000.

7. Is There an Increased Risk of Birth Defects in Babies Conceived Using Fertility Treatments?
Many studies are ongoing concerning the risks of birth defects associated with fertility treatments. Most studies do confirm a slight increase in the rate of some birth defects such as cleft lips, bowel problems and malformed hearts. It is unknown whether these abnormalities are caused by the treatment itself or if they are related to the root causes of the infertility.

8. Should Women Start Fertility Treatments With Their Regular OB on Clomid?
It is highly recommended that patients having difficulty conceiving consult a fertility treatment center before beginning treatment. Most physicians prescribe Clomid, which has a 12-cycle lifetime maximum recommended usage. Fertility treatment centers will run expansive tests before beginning treatments, including testing of the male partner, which may rule out the necessity of using Clomid altogether. Additionally, the use of some drugs may be counter productive in some women.

9. How Do You Choose A Fertility Treatment Center?
The International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination recommends seeking board approved M.D.s who have completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and clinics with success rates with in the national averages. Support groups can also provide information on reputable, experienced centers.

10. How Long Should Fertility Treatments be Pursued Before Investigating Other Options?
Choosing to continue fertility treatments is a very personal choice which depends on many factors. Factors such as age, finances, and stress all play a role. Ultimately, weighing the desire for a family through any means is weighed against the possibility of a family through biologic means.