Enhancing Fertility: Strategies to Boost Ovulation Health

If you’re trying for a baby, your ovulation health is critical. The better you’re able to boost your ovulation health, the better your fertility, and the higher your chances of receiving that life-changing positive sign. 

Unfortunately, the internet is rife with information, much of it contradictory, and the rest confusing. 

Fortunately, we’re here to clear the clutter and narrow down all those fertility tips! First, learn the fundamentals of ovulation and how it works. Then use these tips to boost your ovulation health and enhance your fertility! 

Understanding Ovulation

About midway through the menstrual cycle, the Luteinizing hormone surges and your ovaries release a mature egg. It travels down the fallopian tube where it meets sperm during sex. If the sperm successfully makes contact and gets into the egg, you get pregnant. 

Your lifestyle choices have a huge effect on your fertility and uterine environment. In general, a happy and healthy body has better reproductive health. But, of course, so many other factors also come into play, like your hormones and how regular you are. 

While there are conditions beyond our control that make pregnancy difficult, there are ways you can enhance your fertility and help your body during this period. 

Lifestyle Factors Affecting Ovulation Health

Your lifestyle has a huge impact on your reproductive health, specifically, your weight, your exercise routines, and how you eat. 

First, being both underweight and overweight can throw your hormonal balance out of whack, leading to irregular menstrual cycles. 

It’s important to keep your Body Mass Index (BMI) within a normal range. However, because the BMI index does not account for different body types and builds, it’s important to consult your doctor or nutritionist on a good weight range.

Second, a diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs is your best bet. Incorporate brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat products, as well as lean proteins like fish and beans. 

Don’t shy away from healthy fats like avocados and nuts, and make sure to get your daily fill of fruits and vegetables. Fortunately, there are tons of great food recipes to get you started. 

Last, exercise helps us maintain a healthy weight and reduces stress, both of which are vital for ovulation health. But keep in mind that too much exercise can lead to menstrual irregularities, so go for a mix of strength and cardio and keep the intensity moderate. 

Tracking Ovulation

By tracking ovulation, you can pinpoint your most fertile days and schedule some alone time with your partner accordingly. As for how to track your ovulation, you can use the BTT method or OKPs. 

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) is a method where you track your temperature every morning before getting out of bed. If your temperature is a little higher than normal, then it’s time to get down to business.

For something a little more scientific and specific, use Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs). These kits detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that comes with ovulation. You know you’re ovulating when you have a surge. 

However, if you experience no LH surge, it might indicate an underlying issue, so visit your doctor ASAP. 

Stress Management and Ovulation

Stress is a curse on the delicate hormonal balance necessary for regular ovulation. High levels of stress interfere with the signals that regulate your menstrual cycle, turning everything into chaos. 

Because of this, you have to take your mental health seriously. Utilize stress-reducing practices like mindfulness meditation, tai chi, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation.  

Hormonal Balance

Common hormonal imbalances can seriously affect your hormonal health. Two of the biggest culprits are Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which causes irregular ovulation and high levels of androgens. And Thyroid disorders, which disrupt menstrual cycles and ovulation.

Fortunately, you can manage the symptoms and side effects by making a few adjustments. 

First, eat low-carb meals rich in antioxidants and avoid processed foods and sugars. Regular and moderate exercise, like long walks or swimming, are also a must. Lastly, aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support hormonal regulation.

Supplements and Vitamins

Besides diet, supplements are another great way to kickstart your ovulation health. There are a few supplements and vitamins that have become fertility staples and are readily available in local drug stores. 

A common fertility supplement is folate, an essential ingredient for cell division and embryo development. Vitamin D is linked to improved ovarian function and works wonders for ovulation health.

The supplement NMN is known to assist in reproductive health, and it also boosts energy productivity.

Then we have Omega 3. Most commonly found in fish oil, these fatty acids help manage hormonal balance and reduce inflammation.

As great as supplements are, you should always consult your doctor about which supplements you need and which might be unnecessary or even counterproductive. 

Medical Interventions and Support

It’s an unfortunate reality, but lifestyle changes might not be enough to give you the edge you need. This is likely because of an underlying medical condition, in which case it’s best to consult a doctor. 

If you struggle with chronic irregular periods, conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or thyroid disorders, or you’re over 35, seek help from a medical professional. 

Your doctor will likely recommend a dedicated fertility treatment like Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid), Gonadotropins injectables, or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). These treatments are more common than you would expect and can be just the nudge you need, so don’t hesitate to get treatment.