Can Changing My Diet Help Improve Fertility?

Our diet affects our energy levels, mood, and nutrition. It affects fertility as well. If you and your partner are trying for a baby, adding or cutting out certain foods can increase your chances of conceiving. At the same time, a fertility specialist can help you with the rest. 

Our team of reproductive specialists at University Reproductive Associates, located in Hasbrouck Heights, Hoboken, and Wayne, New Jersey, provides a range of treatments and support for overcoming infertility, including dietary advice. 

Does diet affect fertility? 

There is a considerable amount of evidence that links diet and fertility. Generally, eating nutritiously is central to all aspects of your health, and your diet particularly impacts your hormones, reproductive system, and fertility. 

In studies involving both men and women, meals consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, and poultry were shown to promote fertility and better semen quality. Alternatively, processed foods containing refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and trans fats have been shown to negatively affect fertility in women. 

Before exploring fertility foods, it’s important to emphasize that a healthy diet does not have to cut out entire food groups or limit your lifestyle. Some studies have suggested that if you’re unhappy with your food, you absorb fewer nutrients from it. Therefore, focus on strategically adding healthy foods to your meals that you enjoy rather than forcing yourself into an unpleasant diet. 

Fertility foods to try 

If you and your partner want to boost fertility through food, you’re in luck. There are plenty of delicious ingredients that can increase your chances of conceiving. These include the following: 

• Whole grains rather than processed ones
• Bee products, including pollen, propolis, and royal jelly
• High-fat dairy, such as whole milk, cheese, and whole-fat yogurt
• Maca, which has been suggested to boost sperm quality
• Vegetable proteins rather than red meat 

If you have PCOS, eating a larger breakfast and a smaller dinner can lower insulin and testosterone levels, reducing your infertility risk. 

When to consult a specialist

Infertility becomes a concern if you and your partner fail to conceive despite at least a year of frequent unprotected sex. Men and women are equally as likely to be infertile, so both must participate in healthy eating and exercise during this time. 

If you fail to get pregnant after twelve months, it might be a sign you need more specialized care. While you should continue your fertility diet, you should also seek out a doctor. 

At University Reproductive Associates, our team can help diagnose common causes of infertility in women, including: 

• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine septum
• Insulin resistance (diabetes) 
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Hyperprolactinemia
• Thyroid disease 
• Endometriosis 

Then, we can work with you to find the proper treatment to boost your chances of success. That might include lifestyle changes, medication, surgery, ovulation induction, or IVF. 

If you are concerned about your fertility, schedule a consultation by calling URA at the location closest to you or request an appointment online.