Nutrition and fertility

The nutritional status of both partners prior to conception can affect every single aspect of fertility and pre-natal health. A good diet full of the right nutrients is so important, not only to your fertility, but to the pregnancy that follows too. Getting your diet and lifestyle working in harmony with your body, rather than against it, can really make a difference.

But it's often not just a case of eating well generally; the specifics can matter too. Iron, for example, a mineral found in foods such as dried apricots, vegetables and beans, has been shown to be particularly important for fertility. Inadequate levels of antioxidants can also impair fertility by resulting in DNA damage to both the egg and the sperm. If your diet contains too many environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals, trans-fats, refined sugars or excess additives, or if it is depleted in nutrients, this can significantly affect your fertility too.

Couples Preparing for Conception

Each partner's nutritional status can be extremely important to the prospects for conception and pregnancy. Anyone trying to conceive should think about having a three month nutritional ‘preparation’ period. This is approximately the time it takes for the follicles to develop and to release an egg at ovulation. Whilst a woman cannot make any more eggs, the environment in which the egg develops will be crucial to its quality. Sperm also takes three months to develop.

Older Prospective Parents; Anti-Aging for Eggs and Sperm

More and more couples are having babies later in life. As a person gets older, the aging process damages all the cells of the body, including a woman's eggs. Unstable molecules called free radicals cause cellular destruction and high levels speed up the process of ageing.

Our nutritionists have devised a specialised nutritional programme to help slow down age related damage to eggs and sperm which includes all the protein, essential fatty acids and vitamins and minerals that can help to build strong eggs and sperm and to protect them from accelerated wear and tear.

Weight Problems, Under and Over

Weight problems are now known to be a risk factor for infertility, IVF failure, and miscarriage as well as problems in pregnancy generally. Being underweight can affect your health and fertility just as much as being overweight. Studies have shown that even small changes in body weight may be associated with alterations in the menstrual cycle and with adverse affects on a woman's ability to conceive. The quality of your oestrogen also depends on how much body fat you have.

Our nutritionists are experienced in working with women who would benefit from adjusting their weight in order to help them conceive successfully and to enjoy a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Helping to manage the symptoms of PCOS is a speciality of the clinic and we have a great deal of experience in this area. Weight loss is, of course, often fundamental, but so is blood sugar balance and keeping insulin levels controlled. This is especially important as high insulin levels may affect egg quality. Hormone control and a good healthy liver are also essential.

We can formulate a diet plan with you, based on sound principles and regular monitoring and support to help you keep on track.

Click here to book an appointment with one of our Nutritional Therapists