We are happy to share a guest blog post from Women’s Health Associates.
One in every four couples struggles with infertility, and many of those couples choose fertility treatments to help with conception. While fertility treatments can help, such as in vitro fertilization, many people do not believe that there are other things that can be done to increase their likelihood of pregnancy. Those experiencing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and low sperm count and who are receiving fertility treatments can actually improve their success rates by taking certain supplements.
Most obgyn doctors already suggest preconception care when seeking help with the reproduction, and women are generally recommended to take a prenatal supplement and folic acid to help with conception. However, by taking additional vitamins and supplements, both men and women are able to improve their reproductive health by increasing sperm count and motility and improving ovulation and egg health.
Vitamins that have been shown to increase the likelihood of conception include CoQ10, vitamin E, fatty acids, zinc, and selenium. However, vitamin C is one of the most beneficial vitamins for both men and women to take.
For women, vitamin C boosts the immune system which helps protect and strengthen eggs. The vitamin also helps nourish the lining of both the ovaries and fallopian tubes. With a healthier lining, the fallopian tubes are able to better transport eggs and the ovaries are less likely to develop cysts. Vitamin C is also able to help a woman’s body maintain optimal estrogen levels, as well as maintain a healthy mucus environment in a woman’s vagina and uterus making them more hospitable environment to sperm.
For men, vitamin C is able to keep sperm counts high, with certain studies even demonstrating a 100 percent increase in sperm for men taking vitamin C supplements. Increasing vitamin C has also been shown to increase overall sperm health by reducing DNA damage, abnormalities, and agglutination which causes immobility. Most physicians already recommend vitamin C for men anyway as a lack of the vitamin, in addition to infertility, has been linked to testicular cancer.
Conception isn’t always a possibility for every couple; however, properly managing your health can increase the likelihood of pregnancy. Both men and women should make sure to take adequate care of their bodies including taking vitamins and supplements. Always be sure to help to speak with a physician before taking additional supplements as they will be able to create a regimen more suited to your needs.
If you are looking for an obgyn doctor in Columbia, Missouri, please visit Women’s Health Associates, Inc. they provide all aspects of obstetrical and gynecologic care in a friendly, caring, and confidential environment.
If you are lucky enough to conceive, you may not be done taking supplements! Because pregnant women have amplified iron needs due to a greatly increased blood volume, iron deficiency is common during pregnancy. Consult with your doctor about iron supplements to ensure you’ve got appropriate iron stores for you and your growing baby!
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