Lifestyle Recommendations for Improved Chances of Conception

We will assist you in achieving these recommendations through counseling, smoking cessation aids and dietary consults.

1. Stop smoking

Cigarette smoking reduces the monthly chance for natural conception in nearly all large studies.

In addition, cigarette smoking reduces the responsiveness of ovaries to gonadotropin (fertility medication) stimulation and chances for pregnancy after IVF.

Although cigarette smoking does not appear to lower sperm counts, both partners should quit to avoid second hand cigarette smoke exposure and to support one another in efforts to stop.

2. Women should try to adjust diet and exercise to maintain a body mass index of between 20 kg/m2 and 27 kg/m2. We can calculate your BMI for you. Below is a table that lists the desired weight in pounds for each height. Levels outside of this range are associated with less frequent ovulation and infertility.

3. Both partners should limit alcohol intake to no more than 4 drinks/week. Men with low sperm counts should stop all alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption of > 4 drinks/week by women has been associated with an increased time to conception. Alcohol consumption by men can reduce sperm counts. Once pregnant, all alcohol consumption by the woman should stop.

4. Female partner should limit caffeine intake to no more than 250 mg/day (approximately 2 cups of coffee a day). Caffeine intake higher than this has been associated with increased time to conceive. Once pregnant, caffeine intake of greater than 500 m/day (approximately 4 cups of coffee a day) has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.

5. Exercise for more than 60 minutes/day is associated with an increased prevalence of anovulation. Therefore, it is probably wise to use this as a limit while trying to conceive.