Have you ever wondered whether the lifestyle choices you make can have a bearing on your fertility? This question gains much relevance, as statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO) report that 17.5% of adults worldwide face infertility challenges. Medical experts around the world are advocating for a shift towards healthier lifestyles, emphasising the role these changes play in enhancing fertility. For those struggling with conception, seeking medical treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in Singapore can greatly increase your chances of having a baby. Additionally, finding the right balance in your daily life, including exercise, diet, and stress management, can equally aid in a healthy conception. Let's take a closer look at how lifestyle transformation can be a pivotal first step in boosting your chances of pregnancy, IVF success rates, and overall well-being.
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or underweight can have a significant impact on your ability to conceive. As many IVF specialists in Singapore and around the world point out, being obese could lead to hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and increased inflammation, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and affecting the quality of eggs. On the other hand, being underweight could disrupt the natural ovulation cycle and reduce the quality of eggs, contributing unfavourably to your chances of conceiving. So how do we strike the right balance?
As per the guidelines of the WHO, for women trying to conceive, maintaining a BMI within the 18.5 to 24.9 range is often recommended. A BMI outside of this range, either too low or too high, can affect ovulation cycles and hormone levels, all of which can impact fertility. Similarly, for men, a BMI in this range is associated with better sperm quality and fertility. Extremes in BMI can affect sperm count and motility, and overall reproductive health.
If you are considering a treatment such as IVF in Singapore, it is always best to consult your specialist at your chosen IVF clinic in Singapore for a comprehensive assessment of your health, including your BMI.
2. Exercise
Exercising for about 30 to 60 minutes a day, three to five days a week, may have physical as well as emotional benefits that can drastically improve your chances of pregnancy. Some of the most notable exercise activities that you should consider are brisk walking, yoga, and pilates. This is one of the reasons why many IVF centres in Singapore encourage their clients to engage in healthy physical activities to reduce stress, achieve a healthy weight, and improve blood circulation.
However, if you are new to exercising and are already undergoing fertility treatments, it is important to find the right type of exercise that aligns with your individual health goals and fertility plans.
3. Give Up Smoking and Drinking
If you are trying to conceive, it is vital that you and your spouse immediately give up alcohol and smoking. Excessive alcohol consumption, which is more than eight alcoholic beverages per week, can interfere with ovulation. In addition, smoking can interfere with the fertility of both partners. Studies show that tobacco usage can have a negative impact on egg viability and overall sperm health.
4. Avoid Exposure to Environmental Toxins
Both male and female reproductive health can be negatively affected by pollutants and toxins found in toiletries, cleaning solutions, and pesticides. That said, it is best to cut down on your exposure to toxins. If possible, use organic and/or all-natural alternatives.
5. Keep away from Stress
While it is very unlikely that stress alone can cause infertility, it can play a key factor in a female's ability to become pregnant. Prolonged stress can affect the menstrual cycle, libido, and reproductive functions, making conception efforts more challenging. Furthermore, a couple's inability to naturally conceive can lead to anxiety and distress. This is most true for those who seek IVF treatment in Singapore. Considering the said factor, it is best to make a conscious effort to take part in stress-relieving activities. These can not only aid in relieving stress but also serve as effective, moderate exercises. Some of the most practical as well as notable ones are as follows:
The postures, as well as relaxation activities in yoga classes, are known to help with alleviating stress. Interviews with women who attended yoga classes have revealed that while some found the physical exercises to be beneficial in overcoming stress and fatigue, others enjoyed the social element of meeting other women.
Pilates is a gentle, non-aerobic form of physical activity that is known to bring a sense of calmness and relief from stress. Aside from producing a toned as well as flexible body, it can also pave the way for a relaxed as well as calm mind.
- Breathing Exercises: Mindfulness Practice
In general, the primary role of breathing is to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide afterwards via movements in the lungs in a set pattern. When a person is under stress, his or her breathing pattern changes, heightening discomfort or unease. Breathing exercises form a core component of mindfulness practices, offering a simple yet powerful way to reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.
A study released by the Mayo Clinic indicated that 55% of women who engaged in a mind-body programme had the potential to boost their chances of pregnancy, compared to 20% who did not, further highlighting the potential benefits of managing stress for fertility. If you want to reduce stress, ask your general physician about box breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, and so on.
The aforementioned activities can help you improve your chances of getting pregnant by helping you balance your hormone levels. Also, ask your general physician or IVF specialist in Singapore whether you should start taking vitamins and supplements to further your chances of a healthy and successful conception.
Reach Out to Seng's OG for IVF Treatment in Singapore
There's certainly no doubt that by adopting healthy lifestyle changes, you too can take the essential first step in your journey towards parenthood. These lifestyle changes will ensure that you are in optimal physical and mental condition for your treatment in Singapore. If you or one of your loved ones have been struggling with fertility issues, it is essential that you visit a reliable clinic for IVF in Singapore. A registered clinic will ensure that you receive the best assessments and treatments tailored to address your specific fertility concerns. Seng's OG is equipped with all the facilities that are required to carry out IVF treatments, including embryo and social egg-freezing facilities. Together with our IVF specialist at Seng's OG, you too can look forward to realising your dream of parenthood. Call us to book your consultation today. We are here to help.