A fertility doctor has revealed the different ways women who are looking to become mothers could increase their chances of contraception once they are over the age of 30.
Twoplus’ medical advisor Dr Michael Eisenberg told FEMAIL that a woman’s fertility can decline over time as she ages.
He explained: ‘Women are born with a set number of eggs, which decreases as they age and the quality of these eggs also declines with time.’
Yet, it is important to remember that whilst fertility issues are generally perceived to be a female health problem, male factors such as poor sperm count and mobility can also affect a couple’s ability to conceive.
Dr Eisenberg said: ‘The average man now carries around half as much sperm compared to 40 years ago and most sperm don’t naturally make it very far into the female reproductive tract.’
If there are no physiological problems, then factors relating to lifestyle can also play a part. These can include being overweight or drinking too much alcohol.
Here Dr Eisenberg revealed his top tips for increasing fertility – including the time of the month you have sex, and cutting back on unhealthy foods.
One-in-seven UK couples have difficulty conceiving, with age becoming a key factor. Once a woman reaches the age of 30 fertility begins to decline. twoplus Fertility’s medical advisor Dr Michael Eisenberg lists what you can do to improve your chances of conception in your 30s (stock image)
EAT A HEALTHY DIET
Avoiding junk food is generally a very good idea, especially if you are trying to have a baby.
Dr Eisenberg said altering your diet is an important part of preparing your body to have a body.
He revealed: ‘Consuming a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats is the best way to prepare your body to conceive.
‘This is essential for both men and women as minerals such as zinc have been proved to improve sperm quality, whilst eating carrots help to prevent women from anaemia during pregnancy.’
REDUCE STRESS
Stress is the culprit for many ailments and discomfort so it is no surprise that it also affects your chances of getting pregnant – if you wanted something else to stress about.
Stress can affect the part of your brain called the hypothalamus, which regulates your hormones and menstrual cycle.
Dr Eisenberg explained that stress could cause you to ovulate later than usual, or mean you don’t ovulate at all.
He suggests considering natural ways to reduce stress such as yoga or meditation for relaxing and taking yourself away from anxiety provoking situations as much as possible.
He said: ‘Ovulation predictor kits or cycle tracking can also help.’
WATCH THE VICES
There are many do nots, when it comes to pregnancy: women aren’t supposed to drink, smoke, or eat sushi.
It is worth noting that avoiding these vices before conception will also improve your chances of becoming pregnant .
Dr Eisenberg advises women to avoid drinking more than two alcoholic drinks a day, because alcohol can change your levels of oestrogen, and reduce the number of eggs you have left.
Reducing caffeine consumption is also worth considering if you drink a lot of tea and coffee.
High levels of caffeine have been linked to reduced oestrogen levels which can prevent ovulation and reduce your chances of conceiving.
MAXIMISE THE AMOUNT OF SPERM THAT REACHES THE EGG
When sperm is ejaculated, it quickly enters the cervical mucus, which helps it move through the reproductive system.
Millions of sperm need to enter the cervix so that hundreds of sperm can prepare the way for the ‘survivor sperm’ to fertilise the egg.
However, without intervention, less than one per cent of sperm reach the egg.
‘There are devices on the market which, when used during sex, can direct sperm to the cervix and is designed to keep the sperm inside to maximise the chances of natural conception,’ said Dr Eisenberg.
USE NATURAL LUBRICANTS IF REQUIRED
Specialists recommend using mineral oil, rapeseed (canola) oil, or hydroxyethyl cellulose-based lubricants when necessary as a lupricant.
Rapeseed oil is easy to get hold of as it is readily available at most local supermarkets.
Dr Eisenberg explained that some couples have problems with penetrative sex due to conditions like vaginismus (painful sex because the vaginal muscles involuntarily contract), erectile dysfunction, or premature ejaculation.
He said: ‘Home insemination is a simple, patient friendly and cost-effective way for these couples to get pregnant.
‘There are sperm applicators on the market which eliminate the requirement to have penetrative sex to get pregnant.’
HAVE SEX REGULARLY
Studies show that couples who have sex every other day have more chance of conceiving than those who have sex less often.
However, Dr Eisenberg said: ‘Try to avoid making sexual activity an obligation – make it pleasurable, rather than a chore.’
Timing is another thing to consider as the peak of fertility can vary even in women with regular cycles.
START TRYING TO CONCEIVE EARLY
The earlier you start trying for a baby in your 30s, the higher your chances of a more straightforward conception.
Due to the decline of quality and quantity of eggs, there is also a higher chance of miscarriage.
Women in their 30s also may feel tremendous anxiety when it comes to having children, as many of their friends and family have or are starting a family.
Many healthcare professionals see a lot of emotional stress surrounding conception for these women.
By trying to conceive earlier it minimises this pressure as eggs are in better quality and there are less social pressures.
IF YOU HAVEN’T CONCEIVED AFTER SIX MONTHS, SEE YOUR GP FOR ADVICE
In some cases, there are physiological problems at play.
Some women don’t ovulate due to conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hormonal problems, premature menopause, fallopian tube obstruction, or physical abnormalities in the uterus.
As women age they are at a higher risk of endometriosis and uterine fibroids which can also affect fertility.
The problem could also be with your partner. Male infertility can be due to a lack of sperm, sperm abnormalities, or sperm movement issues.
Problems in the testicles due to an injury, cancer, surgery, blockage, or infection can also influence the semen quality.
Some men may also experience ejaculation problems or they don’t produce enough hormones to make sperm.
Your GP can run some simple tests and refer you as a couple to a fertility specialist if necessary.