Fertility starts to decline for women from about the age of 30, dropping down more steeply from the age of 35. If you’re trying to conceive, you’ll be glad to know that summer is the perfect time to try to increase your fertility. There are a number of small steps you can take that, when combined with the naturally sunny summer season, can enhance your fertility and chances of conception. Here are just a few easy ways to boost your fertility this summer.
Spend Time Outdoors (Safely)
As mentioned, the naturally sunnier days that come with summer are thought to inherently improve fertility, according to a recent study.
“The increase in sunlight boosts vitamin D and affects the level of the hormone melatonin, both of which have a role in regulating women’s reproductive cycles… Previous research has shown that vitamin D is a factor in successful pregnancy outcomes, improving egg quality and implantation rates. Melatonin helps our circadian rhythms and sleep patterns, but also helps control the timing of female menstrual cycles,” writes Tina Donvito on FitPregnancy.
With this in mind, it’s still incredibly important to take standard precautions during prolonged sunlight exposure by wearing sunscreen. Experts suggest applying sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure and reapplying at least every 90 minutes. Aside from that, have some fun in the sun and get some exercise too.
Know the Best Summer Foods For Fertility
Summertime is the perfect time to indulge in seasonal and fertility-boosting fruits and veggies. Fruits that are rich in antioxidants are known to boost fertility, so pick up some berries, oranges, pineapples, pomegranates, or plums during your next trip to the grocery store or farmer’s market. As for vegetables and spices, use some common staples from Ireland, the third biggest island in the European continent: broccoli, chili peppers, arugula, kale, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. It’s also ideal to boost your intake of healthy fats, like those found in nuts and seeds including walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and more.
Cut Down on Bad Habits
Finally, it should come as no surprise that avoiding unhealthy habits is just as important as forming new ones when it comes to boosting fertility. With that in mind, you should do your best to limit alcohol consumption. The same goes for smoking cigarettes — after all, if you’ll have to quit once you conceive, it’ll be easier to stay on top of it and break the habit before you even have to worry about it. Furthermore, if you’re used to drinking several cups of coffee throughout the day, you’ll have to cut back to prevent the negative effects caffeine has on fertility. If you’re struggling, try weaning yourself slowly by drinking more decaf.
When all is said and done, it’s always a good idea to seek out the advice of a medical professional. Still, keeping these tips in mind may help you stay healthy and improve your chances of conception this summer.
