One of the foremost considerations for achieving successful conception revolves around timing. This significance stems from the fact that a woman’s eggs remain fertile for a mere 12 to 24 hours subsequent to their release, whereas a man’s sperm can endure within a woman’s body for as long as five days[1]. Research indicates that conception occurs when sexual intercourse takes place during a specific six-day interval, culminating on the estimated day of ovulation[2].
The lengths of menstrual cycles can exhibit variations among women, and they can even undergo changes across a woman’s lifespan due to shifts in hormonal equilibrium. Given this variability, it becomes imperative to pinpoint the most opportune period for conception. Delve into this article to gain a deeper understanding of how to identify your ovulation window.
Optimal chances of conception are most likely when both prospective partners uphold a healthy body weight.
A consistent body of research underscores that unfavorable Body Mass Index (BMI) values diminish the likelihood of successful conception in both men and women. To illustrate, a study from 2017 demonstrated that couples with BMIs of 35 or higher experienced a 55% to 59% prolongation in the time required to achieve pregnancy[3]. Additionally, a 2020 investigation involving 50,000 couples revealed that women’s fertility declined as their BMIs increased[4].
A significant contributor to the connection between BMI and successful conception lies in hormonal imbalance. Surplus body fat can trigger an excessive production of estrogen, resulting in a hormonal disarray that can disrupt women’s menstrual and ovulation patterns[5], while concurrently increasing the likelihood of erectile dysfunction in men[6]. Furthermore, male obesity has an adverse impact on both sperm viability and concentration[7].
Equally noteworthy is the fact that being underweight is also ill-advised when attempting to conceive. Just as excessive weight leads to heightened hormone levels, being underweight and the consequent diminished hormone production can equally hamper the prospects of successful conception by causing irregularities in menstrual cycles or inhibiting ovulation[8].
Eating a healthy and balanced diet can also help to boost your fertility.
Research has shown that diets high in unsaturated fats, whole grains, vegetables, and fish have been associated with improved fertility in both women and men. Although there may not be a specific pregnancy diet, the general rule of thumb is to prioritize consuming adequate stores of critical nutrients like calcium, protein and iron to prepare a woman’s body for pregnancy[9]. Women who are trying to conceive are also advised to take prenatal folate and folic acid supplements 3 months before conception to ensure they have enough of this essential nutrient that aids in the development of the fetal brain and spinal cord[10].
On the other hand, saturated fats, and sugar have been associated with poorer fertility outcomes in women and men[11]. Parents trying to conceive should also consume less high-mercury fish (like white tuna, king mackerel, swordfish or tilefish) because mercury accumulation can impair male and female fertility, as well as fetal development[12].
Keep in mind, as you embark on your path towards pregnancy, it’s essential to comprehend and heed your body’s signals. If you’ve been attempting to conceive for a year without achieving success, it might be prudent to seek advice from your dedicated healthcare provider. For comprehensive insights into your fertility inquiries, our questionnaire serves as an excellent starting point.
References
[1] Admin, A. (2022, June 7). Fertility Window Calculator. American Pregnancy Association. https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/infertility/fertility-window/
[2] Wilcox, A. J., Weinberg, C. R., & Baird, D. D. (1995). Timing of Sexual Intercourse in Relation to Ovulation — Effects on the Probability of Conception, Survival of the Pregnancy, and Sex of the Baby. New England Journal of Medicine, 333(23), 1517–1521. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejm199512073332301
[3] Sundaram, R., Mumford, S. L., & Buck Louis, G. M. (2017). Couples’ body composition and time-to-pregnancy. Human Reproduction, 32(3), 662–668. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dex001
[4] Fang, Y., Liu, J., Mao, Y., He, Y., Li, M., Yang, L., Zhu, Q., Tong, Q., & Zhou, W. (2020). Pre-pregnancy body mass index and time to pregnancy among couples pregnant within a year: A China cohort study. PLOS ONE, 15(4), e0231751. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231751
[5] Silvestris, E., de Pergola, G., Rosania, R., & Loverro, G. (2018). Obesity as disruptor of the female fertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-018-0336-z
[6] Cabler, S., Agarwal, A., Flint, M., & du Plessis, S. S. (2010). Obesity: modern man’s fertility nemesis. Asian Journal of Andrology, 12(4), 480–489. https://doi.org/10.1038/aja.2010.38
[7] Leisegang, K., Sengupta, P., Agarwal, A., & Henkel, R. (2020). Obesity and male infertility: Mechanisms and management. Andrologia, 53(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/and.13617
[8] Hassan, M. A., & Killick, S. R. (2004). Negative lifestyle is associated with a significant reduction in fecundity. Fertility and Sterility, 81(2), 384–392. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2003.06.027
[9] Pregnancy diet: Focus on these essential nutrients. (2022b, February 18). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20045082
[10] Folic Acid and Pregnancy. Retrieve at: https://www.webmd.com/baby/folic-acid-and-pregnancy
[11] Panth, N., Gavarkovs, A., Tamez, M., & Mattei, J. (2018). The Influence of Diet on Fertility and the Implications for Public Health Nutrition in the United States. Frontiers in Public Health, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2018.00211
[12] Bjørklund, G., Chirumbolo, S., Dadar, M., Pivina, L., Lindh, U., Butnariu, M., & Aaseth, J. (2019). Mercury exposure and its effects on fertility and pregnancy outcome. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 125(4), 317–327. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcpt.13264
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