what can help getting pregnant?

Sources:

To help with getting pregnant, various factors and methods can be considered:

  1. Myths and Sexual Positions: There's no scientific evidence supporting the idea that certain sexual positions during intercourse can influence the chance of pregnancy or the sex of the baby 1.

  2. Nutrition and Inflammation: A diet that decreases inflammation can improve fertility. Diets high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats are linked to better ovulation, success with IVF, and a decreased risk of miscarriage. Avoid processed dairy and focus on whole, real foods 2.

  3. IVF and Sperm Selection: In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process where eggs and sperm are combined in a lab. Emerging methods allow for the selection of sperm that can lead to a male or female offspring if desired. IVF involves hormone treatments to produce and retrieve multiple mature eggs and then fertilize them with sperm that may be selected for optimal quality 1.

  4. Understanding Fertility: Awareness of a woman's fertility, including the ovarian reserve and menstrual cycle timing, is crucial. Certain tests can provide a basic level of fertility information 3.

    Sex Determination

    Andrew discusses the myths and rumors surrounding sexual positions and their impact on the sex of a baby. He also explains the in-vitro fertilization process and the emerging methods used to separate sperm for male or female offspring.

    Huberman Lab

    How to Optimize Fertility in Males & Females | Huberman Lab Podcast
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

  5. Body Position After Intercourse: There is no clear consensus among experts on whether pelvic position after ejaculation influences the probability of fertilization. Some suggest that tilting the pelvis back and lying still for about 15 minutes post-intercourse could help, but this is not universally agreed upon 4.

  6. Sexual Intercourse Frequency: Engaging in daily intercourse during the fertile window maximizes the chance of pregnancy. However, stress and sexual burnout should be managed to avoid negative impacts on fertility 5.

These points provide a broad understanding of fertility optimization. Keep in mind, it’s best for individuals or couples trying to conceive to consult with a healthcare professional to receive personalized advice tailored to their specific situation.

RELATED QUESTIONS

Tell me more about fertility myths.

Sources:

Various fertility myths have been addressed on the by , debunking common misconceptions and providing accurate information on what can and cannot affect fertility:

  1. Pelvic Position Post-Intercourse: The idea that a woman should position her ankles above her head or tilt her pelvis back following ejaculation to increase the chance of sperm reaching the egg is not supported by all experts. There is a split in opinion among fertility professionals—some believe it makes no difference, while others suggest that tilting the pelvis back can be beneficial due to the long journey sperm must take to reach the egg 1.

  2. Egg Count and Fertility: Another myth involves egg counts and fertility rates. It is a common belief that the number of eggs a woman has impacts her monthly chance of getting pregnant. However, egg count does not predict the ability to conceive. Regardless of whether a woman has a low or high follicle count, if she ovulates normally, her probability of getting pregnant per month stays the same for her age 2.

  3. Dietary Fact and Fiction: Concerning diet, there are some misconceptions about the consumption of tofu, meat, and seafood when trying to conceive. Tofu consumption, even though it contains phytoestrogens, does not negatively impact fertility. Fish, valued for its omega-3 fatty acids, is considered beneficial for the reproductive process; caution is only advised regarding mercury levels and their potential effects during pregnancy. Raw seafood should generally be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of infectious disease, but its consumption during fertility treatments when one is not pregnant is less concerning 3.

    Fertility Myths

    Andrew Huberman explores the myth that a woman should tilt her pelvis back after intercourse to increase the chances of fertilization. He discusses the split opinions among OB/GYNs and urologists on whether or not pelvic position matters, and delves into the importance of sperm quality in successful fertilization.

    Huberman Lab

    How to Optimize Fertility in Males & Females | Huberman Lab Podcast
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6

  4. Alcohol and Stress Effects: Excessive alcohol and stress are detrimental to fertility. For men, alcohol impacts the quality of sperm, and for women, it disrupts the hormonal environment needed for egg quality. Reducing stress and limiting alcohol to one or two drinks per week is advised 4.

  5. Risks of Viral Infections: Serious viral infections, especially in the mother during the first trimester of pregnancy, have been correlated with negative mental health outcomes in the offspring. It is recommended to avoid viral illnesses when trying to conceive or during pregnancy, and to discuss any infections with an OB/GYN 5.

  6. Age and Chromosomal Normalcy: The probability of pregnancy decreases with age, not because of the number of eggs but due to the chromosomal normalcy shifting significantly. This increase in genetic abnormalities leads to lower natural fertility rates and higher chances of miscarriage as one ages 6.

These insights from aim to clarify common fertility myths and encourage evidence-based understanding when trying to conceive.

RELATED QUESTIONS

Provide detailed fertility diet tips.

Sources:

A healthy diet plays a crucial role in fertility, with specific recommendations focused on reducing inflammation and ensuring adequate nutrient intake for both men and women. Key diet tips shared by experts on the include:

  1. Fruits and Vegetables: Diets high in fruits and vegetables can improve fertility due to their fiber and antioxidant content. Contrary to some beliefs, fruit's natural sugar is not harmful and provides beneficial vitamins and antioxidants to reduce inflammation 1.

  2. Whole Grains: Whole grains are recommended for their high fiber content. Unless intolerances like celiac disease are present, whole grains help support a healthy digestive system and decrease inflammation 1.

  3. Fats: The consumption of healthy fats, such as avocados, oils, nuts, and dairy, is important as they provide the backbone for hormone production. Full-fat dairy is preferred over processed versions like skim milk, which may harm fertility due to unnatural additives 1.

  4. Protein: A balanced intake of protein from various sources is encouraged. Tofu has antioxidant properties and does not negatively impact fertility. Fish are excellent for healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for reproductive health, with a recommended limit of three servings per week, particularly during pregnancy where the concern over mercury's impact on fetal brain development is significant. Excessive consumption of raw seafood should be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of infectious disease 2.

  5. Processed Meats: It's advised to stay clear of processed meats due to their carcinogenic properties and toxins, negatively affecting fertility 2.

  6. Supplements: Certain supplements may aid fertility such as myo-inositol for women with PCOS and omega-3 fatty acids for egg and sperm quality optimization. However, always consult a physician before adding or changing supplements 3.

    Nutrition and Fertility

    Natalie and Andrew discuss the impact of nutrition on fertility, emphasizing the importance of reducing inflammation through a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fats. They debunk myths surrounding certain food groups and highlight the role of nutrition in improving fertility outcomes.

    Huberman Lab

    Dr. Natalie Crawford: Female Hormone Health, Fertility & Vitality
    1
    2
    3
    4

  7. Overall Reduction: Limits on alcohol intake and stress management are emphasized to protect fertility. It's recommended to limit alcohol to one or two drinks per week and to manage stress through adequate sleep and daily practices. Smoking, vaping, and exposure to STIs are other factors to avoid for maintaining reproductive health 4.

These diet tips offer a framework for improved fertility outcomes. It's crucial to note that everyone's needs are different, so consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for personal dietary needs and fertility plans.

RELATED QUESTIONS

Discuss lifestyle factors affecting fertility beyond diet.

Sources:

Lifestyle factors other than diet play significant roles in affecting fertility. Here are some key factors referenced by and experts on the :

  1. Exercise: A well-rounded exercise routine helps maintain good health and hormonal balance crucial for fertility. Combining cardiovascular and resistance training is beneficial 1.

  2. Alcohol: High levels of alcohol consumption can negatively impact fertility. For men, it's linked to reduced sperm quality and longer times to achieve pregnancy. For women, excessive drinking can disrupt the quality of eggs 1. Limit alcohol intake to a maximum of one or two drinks per week 2.

  3. Sleep: Quality sleep is vital for fertility. Adequate sleep reduces inflammation and helps cellular repair, contributing to better egg and sperm quality 3. Aim for six to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep to help balance hormones and manage stress 4.

    Lifestyle Factors and Male Fertility

    Discover the impact of lifestyle factors on male fertility as Andrew and Michael discuss the effects of smoking, vaping, and alcohol consumption on testosterone levels and sperm quality. Explore the latest research findings and gain insights into maintaining all-around good health for optimal fertility.

    Huberman Lab

    Dr. Michael Eisenberg: Improving Male Sexual Health, Function & Fertility
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7

  4. Nicotine and Cannabis: Smoking and vaping, including nicotine and cannabis, can decrease fertility by affecting sperm quality in men and disrupting egg quality in women 5 6.

  5. Stress Management: High stress levels can negatively affect reproductive hormones and fertility. Stress management techniques and ensuring good quality sleep are crucial to regulate stress hormones 2.

  6. Sunlight and Outdoor Activity: Outdoor activities and sun exposure contribute positively to overall health, which can indirectly impact fertility 7.

  7. Spiritual Health: Focusing on psychological and spiritual wellness can affect overall health and thus fertility. This might include personal belief systems and mental health practices 7.

  8. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Avoiding exposure to STIs is crucial as they can affect fertility in both males and females 2.

  9. Body Composition: Having a healthy body composition, avoiding obesity, and maintaining a healthy body fat percentage are also particularly relevant to fertility 1.

Remember, lifestyle factors are closely tied together, and their combined effect can influence fertility significantly. It's advised to consult healthcare professionals for personalized guidance on fertility-related issues.

RELATED QUESTIONS