For many families the inability to conceive is a heartbreaking reality. Mr. Right and I spent many months thinking this was our reality. I spent most of my young adult years with amenorrhea (lack of periods), so attempting to use an ovulation calendar or the fertility apps seemed daunting. I tried it all. Read books, logged symptoms, cried, prayed, you name it, I tried it!
Fortunately, I was able to discuss our fears of not getting pregnant with my OB. She was able to prescribe Provera to jump start my cycle and voila I was pregnant a month later. Imagine my shock. We had spent so many months trying to do it on our own with no luck and just like that, our lives were about to change forever. Honestly, I thought it would take months and we would be right on ‘schedule’.
I was terrified, excited…so many emotions.
If you want to make God laugh, tell him what your plan is!
My story is not always how it works out for other families. I have many friends that have struggled and continue to struggle with growing their families. It breaks my heart. As women, we often put the blame on ourselves….
- What is wrong with my body?
- What am I doing wrong?
- What testing do I need to do or medicines do I need to take?
The list could go on…but I am hear to tell you that it is not always the woman with the inability to conceive. You heard that right …
SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS. Maybe it is not you ladies, just maybe it is your man! Male infertility accounts for 30% of all infertility cases. Check out this article for more info, including home sperm test and supplements https://americanpregnancy.org/infertility/male-infertility/
And the silver lining here is that there are simple ways to find out if your male partner has underlying issues before you put your body through the ringer!
I learned a lot about my body and the role nutrition plays into balancing hormones and increasing fertility success. Diet is important, regardless of gender. What you eat is imperative to how your body functions.
Check out this article from Harvard on the benefits of consuming a nutrient dense diet and fertility. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fertility-and-diet-is-there-a-connection-2018053113949
There is so much nonsense about food these days that it can become very confusing so let’s keep it simple.
- Eat healthy fats : Healthy Fats are not the enemy!!
- Dark Chocolate : You read that right. I am not talking about the bag of M&M’s calling your name or that Snickers bar that is filled with a bunch of junk. Find organic dark chocolate and develop a taste for it. If you can develop a taste for alcohol, you can do this too!
- Avocados: I cannot stress enough the benefits of avocados. High in fiber and more potassium than bananas! Super beneficial to cardiovascular health. JUST EAT THEM!
- Whole EGGS : Organic & pasture raised only.
- Fatty Wild Caught Fish: salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines and herring are great sources with very little to no mercury; If you do not eat fish, try a Cod Fish Oil supplement. It’s imperative to brain development.
- Chia Seeds: Plant power food! Add a tablespoon or two to smoothies, soups, spaghetti etc. They have virtually no flavor but super high in fat and fiber!
- Limit Processed Foods/Fast Foods
- Ditch sugar sweetened beverages
- Sodas
- Energy drinks
- Gatorade/Powerade
- Lattes, Frapps
- Sweet Tea (I am from the South, I get it but you gotta let it go)
- Alcohol
- Drink WATER
In a nutshell, infertility in males and females is common. Diet plays a key role in your fertility so be smart about what you put into your body and how you are treating yourself. You deserve the best, so give yourself the best.
~KB~
