Photo: EYECCD, Flickr

Most people already know that consuming ample amounts of vitamin D has lasting benefits, including bone health. But it turns out it could also increase your chances getting pregnant.

The European Journal of Endocrinology published a study which was aimed to consolidate the results of other studies regarding vitamin D and fertility. Looking at several years of research by other institutions and scientists led them to draw positive links between the two, along with other fertility-boosting vitamins. This body of research is rather remarkable and may give couples looking to boost their chances to conceive naturally reason to read on. { read more }

About Liz Alfano

I write "Dirty Words," the blog about things you should know, but might not. I'm the mother of two elementary school-aged boys and wife of one adult aged man. When not writing, I can be found reading or staring into space wishing I was either reading or writing. Sometimes I'm seen vacuuming...but not often. www.mydirtywords.com

Web | More Posts (53)

Photo: Binny Lin

Across the country, more and more women dealing with fertility issues are turning to alternative medicine. Reproductive acupuncture has been a popular choice for many couples as Chinese medicine has risen in prominence throughout the United States. It can offer couples the ability to address hormone imbalances naturally as well as examine lifestyle choices that could be negatively affecting their ability to conceive. The holistic approach of acupuncturists and practitioners of Chinese medicine can be a welcome relief to men and women who feel discouraged by infertility issues.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat emotional and physical ailments ranging from depression to seizures.Traditional Chinese Medicine points to over 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways that move vital energy (known as qi) throughout the entire body. When these pathways become blocked and vital energy is imbalanced, illness or symptoms arise in the body.  Acupuncture uses hair-thin needles to stimulate points that can help return the body to a healthy-energy balance. { read more }

About Monet Moutrie

Monet Moutrie is a writer and baker, who lives in Austin, Texas with her three cats and husband. Between government work, graduate school and her own blog, Anecdotes and Apple Cores, nothing sounds better to Monet than an evening of yoga, a cup of Earl Grey tea and a novel. Knock on her front door and you'll find her pulling out a loaf of bread from the oven while brainstorming ideas for her own work of fiction.

Web | Twitter | More Posts (47)

Photo Credit: K. Hawkins

Whole, organic foods not only improve your general health, but they can also boost fertility. Fruit and vegetables provide your body with important vitamins and minerals, as well as free-radical-busting micronutrients. These micronutrients combat the damage of free-radicals, which sneak into the body and can damage the reproductive organs.

Most doctors recommend you amp up your intake of fruits and vegetables when trying to conceive, but eating 10 servings a day can seem daunting. Smoothies are an easy way to consume some of the top foods that boost fertility, and they taste great too! Read on to learn what foods to put in your blender. { read more }

About Monet Moutrie

Monet Moutrie is a writer and baker, who lives in Austin, Texas with her three cats and husband. Between government work, graduate school and her own blog, Anecdotes and Apple Cores, nothing sounds better to Monet than an evening of yoga, a cup of Earl Grey tea and a novel. Knock on her front door and you'll find her pulling out a loaf of bread from the oven while brainstorming ideas for her own work of fiction.

Web | Twitter | More Posts (47)

Photo: pregnancyhealthy.net

In the U.S., one out of five couples seek infertility treatment. If you look further into the studies, it shows that 40 to 50% of infertility is related to male factor problems. The causes vary from low sperm count to erectile dysfunction, and other related health problems.

Luckily for potential dads out there, there are certain best practices you can incorporate in your daily life which can increase sperm production.

1. Quit drinking

Blame it on the alcohol. If you’re a habitual drinker, you can experience trouble achieving and maintaining an erection. This is due to hormonal imbalances, since alcohol damages the liver and causes a rise in male estrogen levels. Heightened levels of estrogen can affect sperm production, erectile dysfunction, and damage to sperm quality and motility. { read more }

About Martine De Luna

I'm a freelance writer, editor, blogger and former preschool teacher. Married with one kid, I'm a work-at-home mom, but most of all, a mom-in-the-works. I'm a work in progress, and I believe that living intentionally day by day will help me become the best mom for my child.

Web | Twitter | Facebook | More Posts (41)

Photo: chigmaroff, Flickr

We are what we eat, so the saying goes.  It is no surprise, then, that diet and lifestyle changes affect our fertility at many levels. The effects can add up profoundly; women with ovulatory infertility who follow a combination of five or more lifestyle factors, including changing specific aspects of their diets, can reduce their risk of infertility by more than 80%.

Keep your body healthy for better fertility

In the “ecology” of reproduction, if your own body is not thriving, you are not likely to sustain a healthy pregnancy and children.

Supplements can readjust a poorly balanced diet that may not support fertility.  Vegetarians may need iron and vitamin B-12.  Diets low in fresh fruits and vegetables may contain inadequate antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, E, omega-3, omega-6 and linolenic fatty acids. { read more }

About

Dr. Kathy D obtained her PhD in Physiology and did biomedical research for over a decade, specializing in reproductive endocrinology. She is a devoted "earth girl" - non-meat eater, passionate recycler, persistent home remodeler/do-it-yourselfer, always with a focus on environmentally friendly options.

Web | More Posts (19)

Photo: www.emagineart.com

If you have been trying to conceive for more than six months, or have experienced a pregnancy loss, you may feel frightened or confused the next time you step foot in your fertility doctor’s office. With so many potential causes and options, it’s important to ask the right questions so you’re always prepared and aware. Here are some you may want to bring forward to your clinician, along with the reasons why they’re important to ask.

1. How long should I wait before moving on to more advanced reproductive technologies?

This may depend on your age and diagnosis, but your doctor or midwife may also have some tips on how to maximize your chances by making small changes. These can include basal body temperature tracking, and herbal supplements. But many experts say that if you are over 35 and haven’t conceived using these “low-tech” methods, it may be time to move on to more “high-tech” methods, like in vitro fertilization. If you’re under 35, it can take up to a year before some providers will declare more advanced techniques are warranted. { read more }

About Liz Alfano

I write "Dirty Words," the blog about things you should know, but might not. I'm the mother of two elementary school-aged boys and wife of one adult aged man. When not writing, I can be found reading or staring into space wishing I was either reading or writing. Sometimes I'm seen vacuuming...but not often. www.mydirtywords.com

Web | More Posts (53)

Photo: Metrolic.com

Conceiving a baby happens “all the time.” One egg and one sperm meet up and nine months later, a baby comes out.  This simple scenario fails for many couples, however.

Infertility may occur in the man, the woman, or both.  Roughly one third of men in infertile couples have insufficient healthy sperm (male infertility).  A quick and relatively inexpensive evaluation of the male side of infertility may be your best solution.

First, can the man have an erection and ejaculate? Problems here may originate in psychological factors (stress, depression) or metabolic conditions such as diabetes. Counseling, medications or devices to assist with erections may provide solutions. { read more }

About

Dr. Kathy D obtained her PhD in Physiology and did biomedical research for over a decade, specializing in reproductive endocrinology. She is a devoted "earth girl" - non-meat eater, passionate recycler, persistent home remodeler/do-it-yourselfer, always with a focus on environmentally friendly options.

Web | More Posts (19)

Potential fathers: Did you know that you can eat to boost your fertility mojo? Research shows that there is a clear relationship between male fertility and food, and that certain foods have a positive and potent effect on a man’s ability to help his partner conceive. This means that preparing to get pregnant is a planned and combined effort by both partners nutritionally and sexually.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, what you eat can make a difference in your ability to help your wife or partner conceive. Proper weight range, exercise, and diet are all major factors in your fertility as a male partner. However, there are certain fertility-enhancing foods that can help improve sperm quality, production and health. We’ve narrowed it down to these five power foods.

Photo: DusanZidar, Flickr

1. Oily fish

Fish, such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, is an excellent source of essential fatty acids (EFAs), omega-3 and omega-6 oils. These properties are said to enhance sperm development and improve overall sperm quality and function. What’s more, these fish are rich in L-Arginine, which according to Marrena Lindberg of The Orgasmic Diet, is nature’s own “Viagra.” Ideally, men should consume between three to four portions of fatty fish a week in order to experience better erectile performance and longer sex sessions.

{ read more }

About Martine De Luna

I'm a freelance writer, editor, blogger and former preschool teacher. Married with one kid, I'm a work-at-home mom, but most of all, a mom-in-the-works. I'm a work in progress, and I believe that living intentionally day by day will help me become the best mom for my child.

Web | Twitter | Facebook | More Posts (41)

Photo: www.realtruth.org

It seems that we always hear about unintended pregnancies and the need for better birth control. The starting point for pregnancy is that the man’s sperm fertilizes the woman’s egg, and nine months later a baby comes out.  Sounds easy, right?  So, when you are ready to start a pregnancy, but three months of trying go by and still no pregnancy, you say “what’s wrong?”

If you’ve been unsuccessful in trying to become pregnant, you know it’s not “so easy.” Seek comfort in knowing that infertility is common and experienced by about 10% of women trying to have a baby, or 6 million women.

You don’t need to wait a year and then go to a fertility expert. If you have not gotten pregnant within four months of trying, you can take steps to improve your ability to conceive. If you’re still struggling after these steps, you will have eliminated 3 months of expensive medical screening fees before walking through that door. { read more }

About

Dr. Kathy D obtained her PhD in Physiology and did biomedical research for over a decade, specializing in reproductive endocrinology. She is a devoted "earth girl" - non-meat eater, passionate recycler, persistent home remodeler/do-it-yourselfer, always with a focus on environmentally friendly options.

Web | More Posts (19)