Getting Pregnant - your path to pregnancy

It is important to have a healthy body and mind ready for conception. This means reducing toxins and bad habits from your lifestyle. This not only goes for the female but also the male. A man’s sperm take months to develop before ejaculation and therefore a toxin free lifestyle is important too.

SASMAR^® believes in a holistic approach to maximizing a couple’s likelihood of conception, below are a number of simple steps both partners can take. These steps have been developed taking into consideration generally accepted health professional advice as well as recognised health research. The number of benefits that can be availed from researches like these solely lie testimony to how beneficial their contribution is to the medical field. Hence, it goes without saying that research studies must be encouraged. Places like www.pharmaseek.com have the same motive in mind & assist research studies in administration and taking a load off their backs.

1. Smoking

According to the Health Insite, (Australian Government initiative ) smoking is an important risk factor for the three diseases that cause most deaths in Australia: heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. Smoking has also been linked to cancers of the mouth, bladder, kidney, stomach and cervix, among others. Smokers are also at increased risk of having reduced lung function from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Using tobacco has been linked to a variety of other conditions, such as diabetes, peptic ulcers, some vision problems, and back pain. Smoking in pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth. Smoking can negatively affect fertility and sperm.

2. Stress Management

Trying to conceive can be a stressful time in a couple’s relationship. Stress negatively affects fertility in many ways. Look for ways to reduce stress in your life. Perhaps try yoga, mediation, swimming, look for something you will enjoy and that you feel is relaxing. Most importantly, fun and laughter will help with a happy mental state. Try and create a fun environment for sex, enjoy love making rather than focusing on it as a task.

3. Weight Management

It is important throughout all times in our life to maintain a healthy weight range. So of course being a healthy weight around the time of conception is an important step. Both being underweight and overweight can reduce fertility. Look at a balanced diet with lots of grains, fruit, vegetables and small amounts of organic meat and fish, perhaps seek a dietitian or nutritionist advice. Regular exercise combined with a healthy diet should help to create healthy body and mind.

4. Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can effect fertility. The Australian National Research advises against drinking alcohol before and during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of miscarriage and abnormalities in the baby. Alcohol can also effect healthy sperm so it is advisable for men to reduce their alcohol consumption.

5. Medication/Drugs

It is best to discuss with your GP or specialist about any medications you are taking that may affect fertility. It is also important to review any over the counter medications you and your partner are taking as they may also affect fertility and sperm count.

6. Other Toxins

Your home or workplace may be potential sites for toxins that may be damaging to fertility and pregnancy. Seek the advise of a healthcare practitioner to identify and sources and provide treatment for the elimination of substances. Workplace and home environment substances could include: pesticides e.g. DDT, dibromochloropropane, chlordecone, ethylenedibromide, chlorpyrifos (Dursban) herbicides e.g. Dioxin fungicides hydrocarbons e.g. vehicle emissions, benzopyrene, PCB chemical solvents e.g. xylene, acetone, trichlorethylene, petroleum distillates, paint thinners and strippers, glycol ethers found in paint, solder vapors toxic smoke from burning synthetic and plastic based compounds textile dyes dry cleaning chemicals lead, mercury, cadmium gasoline, oil-based paints, cleaning solvents, adhesives exposure to radiation can be toxic to a pregnancy

7. Foods To Avoid When Trying to Conceive

Peas:A chemical in peas have anti-fertility effects for both men and women. Scientists discovered that the birth rate in Tibet was considerably lower than other parts of the world. The cause was found to be peas, a staple food for the population. In clinical trails performed in the USA women were given the chemical (in capsule form) found in peas and pregnancies dropped by 60%. In men sperm rates were slashed by 50% too.

Soy Products: Soy foods contain a natural source of estrogen which can be beneficial but if you are trying to get pregnant any excess in estrogen can cause hormonal imbalances. The result is often interference with ovulation and egg production. It is therefore wise to avoid all forms of soy foods when you are tyring to get pregnant.

8. Maintain his sexual virility

There is two of you to consider when you are trying to get pregnant and his health impacts on the volume of his ejaculation. Aside from all of these easy and practical tips, another option that one can take to achieve sexual health is by regularly taking a dose of multivitamins. They may initially appear to be extra costs on the daily budget, but multivitamins actually offer several beneficial effects. They can help improve one's appetite and relieve stress that can come from various fronts, including the workplace. Stress and a poor appetite need to be properly addressed as these usually have adverse effects on sexual urges.

Several products have hit the market recently that are specifically designed to increase the volume of ejaculate. Some products emphasize more the man's ability to impress a partner (and himself) with a larger, more manly load. But one notable exception emphasizes not just the greater pleasure of climaxing with more semen, but the overall benefits to the male reproductive system. We suggest trying a product like Semenax™ which may be effective in increasing the size of his load. Semenax™ is available here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I improve my chances of getting pregnant naturally in the UK?

Both partners should focus on reducing toxins and unhealthy habits, as the NHS recommends stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing stress to boost fertility. A man's sperm takes around three months to develop, so lifestyle changes should ideally begin well before you start trying to conceive. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and taking folic acid supplements are also recommended by NICE guidelines.

Does smoking really affect fertility when trying to conceive?

Yes, smoking has a significant negative impact on both male and female fertility. According to the NHS, smoking can reduce sperm quality in men and affect egg quality in women, whilst also increasing the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth. If you're TTC, giving up smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your chances.

How long should we try to conceive before seeing a GP in the U

K?

The NHS advises that you should see your GP if you haven't conceived after one year of regular unprotected intercourse, or after six months if the woman is over 35. Around 1 in 7 UK couples experience fertility issues, so there's no need to feel embarrassed about seeking help. Your GP can arrange initial tests and refer you to a fertility specialist if needed.

Can stress stop me from getting pregnant?

Stress can negatively affect fertility in several ways, potentially disrupting ovulation and reducing sperm quality. The NHS recognises the emotional toll of trying to conceive and recommends finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, swimming, or mindfulness. Keeping intimacy enjoyable rather than task-focused can also help reduce pressure during your conception journey.

What lifestyle changes should my partner make when we're trying for a baby?

Male fertility is just as important as female fertility when TTC. The NHS recommends that men stop smoking, reduce alcohol intake, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid overheating the testicles. Since sperm takes approximately three months to develop, these changes should be made at least three months before you start trying to conceive.

Are we entitled to free fertility treatment on the NHS?

NHS fertility treatment availability varies depending on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB), as each area sets its own eligibility criteria and funding. NICE guidelines recommend that women under 40 should be offered three full cycles of IVF, but in practice, many areas offer fewer. Speak to your GP about what's available in your area, as waiting times and criteria can differ significantly across the UK.

What should I do before trying to conceive to prepare my body?

The NHS recommends taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily from when you stop contraception until you're 12 weeks pregnant to help prevent neural tube defects. Both partners should aim to achieve a healthy BMI, stop smoking, and reduce alcohol consumption. Booking a preconception appointment with your GP can help identify any health issues and ensure you're in the best possible shape for pregnancy.