Infertility issues can be devastating to women trying to conceive. Visiting a gynecologist can help you get to the bottom of any health issues that could be preventing you from getting pregnant, but there are also steps you can take yourself to promote fertility. The following are a few steps you can take to increase your chance of conceiving a child.

Stay Healthy

Weighing too much or too little can both lead to infertility problems. Accordingly, keeping a healthy weight is often the first step to increasing your chance of getting pregnant. Estrogen production is linked to body weight, so those who are at a reasonable weight are the most likely to conceive. Being overweight causes more estrogen to be produced, which disrupts the ovulation cycle. Conversely, being underweight means you’ll produce less estrogen, which can result in menstruation stopping altogether.

Stop Smoking and Drinking Alcohol

Both smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are associated with fertility issues. For instance, research shows that people who smoke more than ten cigarettes on a daily basis have a decreased chance of becoming pregnant. Smoking affects your ovaries, which reduces the number of eggs you produce. Regarding alcohol, you may experience lower estrogen levels and problems with ovulation as a result.

Keep Stress to a Minimum

Stress can also have a negative impact on fertility. One study found that pregnancy was most likely to occur when couples reported feeling happy and relaxed. While easier said than done, there are steps you can take to reduce stress in your life. Taking up meditation or yoga can be beneficial as can taking some time for yourself each day to do something you enjoy. If you find that you’re stressed on a regular basis, consider seeing a counselor for help.

If you’re experiencing infertility problems, Cincinnati Gynecology, William M. Jamieson, M.D. wants to help. As a respected provider of women’s health care in Cincinnati, OH, Dr. Jamieson has more than two decades of experience treating patients. Along with infertility help, his office also offers treatment for endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, STDs, and menstruation issues. Patients in need of birth control, or those experiencing problems related to menopause, can also find help. Schedule an appointment by calling (513) 241-7744, or visit the office online to access new patient forms.