Trying to conceive can be a trying and often confusing process. As couples look to increase their chances of success, they often turn to fertility supplements. But do these supplements really help? This comprehensive guide provides a thorough overview of fertility supplements, breaking down the science behind their effectiveness, as well as the potential risks involved.
We’ll explore the most popular available online supplements, explain how they work, and discuss their potential for helping couples achieve their goals of starting a family. With this information, you can make an informed decision about whether or not supplements are right for you. So let’s dive in and get started on this journey to understanding fertility supplements.
What are fertility supplements and how do they work?
Fertility supplements are a group of nutrients and vitamins that have been shown to improve the chances of conception. There are many different types of supplements, each addressing a specific issue that may be affecting your fertility, including anxiety, stress, ovulation, low hormones, and more.
Fertility supplements can be beneficial to many couples trying to conceive or taking fertility treatment like IVF procedure, due to the fact that they can be used on the short-term, are relatively inexpensive, and pose no risks when taken in the right amounts. Understanding how supplements work can help you determine if they’re right for you. Supplements work by improving the health of the body, which ultimately leads to better reproductive health and higher chances of conception.
Fertility supplement ingredients and their effects
There are many different ingredients found in fertility supplements. Understanding the main ingredients and their effects can help you determine if it’s the right path for you. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ingredients found in fertility supplements and their effects:
Folic acid
This B vitamin helps with the development of the fetus’s neural tube, which is the precursor to the brain and spinal cord. Folic acid is also important for your own health, as it helps keep your body healthy by acting as an anti-inflammatory and a mood stabilizer.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and the production of your baby’s brain and spinal cord. B12 also helps keep your own body healthy by improving your mood, energy levels, and circulation.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 helps break down amino acids in your body, which are the building blocks of proteins. It’s essential for your own health as well, as it keeps your body healthy by acting as an anti-inflammatory, improves brain function and hormones, and helps with sleep.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which is important for keeping your body healthy so that it can properly create new cells. It also helps with blood flow, which is important for helping your baby grow and develop properly.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory that keeps your own body healthy, but it also keeps your baby healthy. It plays a role in the development of your baby’s nervous system and is important for your overall health as well. Vitamin E has also been shown to improve fertility in women by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in many different bodily functions. It’s important for both your and your baby’s health, as it keeps your immune system healthy and helps with your baby’s growth and development. Zinc is also an anti-inflammatory and helps with blood flow.
Selenium
Selenium is an antioxidant that’s important for your body’s own health and it plays a role in your baby’s development. It has also been shown to improve fertility in women by reducing oxidative stress.
Antioxidants
Many fertility supplements contain antioxidants, which have been shown to improve egg health and overall fertility.
Potential risks of taking fertility supplements
There are no known risks associated with taking fertility supplements when done so appropriately. However, there’s a chance that you may experience an adverse reaction if you take an excessive amount of a certain fertility supplement or take them in combination with other medications. If you are taking fertility supplements and experience any of the following, you should stop taking them and notify your doctor: feeling dizzy, disoriented, or lightheaded; having a headache; having trouble sleeping; experiencing blurred vision; feeling nauseous; having diarrhea; experiencing muscle spasms; and/or having a rash or itching.
There are also a few fertility supplements that may be harmful to your baby if you are pregnant. Vitamin B6, when taken in high doses, has been shown to cause birth defects. When taking fertility supplements, it’s important to always consult a doctor to ensure that you’re utilizing them properly, as well as taking them in low doses and with other supplements to lower the risk of side effects.
Alternatives to fertility supplements
There are many alternative ways to support reproductive health without the use of supplements. Here are a few ways that you can improve your fertility without having to take a supplement:
Adopt a healthy diet: Consuming a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients has been shown to improve reproductive health. Many foods that are high in vitamins and minerals can help you achieve this, such as leafy greens, fish, eggs, avocados, and nuts.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can improve fertility by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, lowering stress levels, and improving your overall health. It can also be helpful for regulating your menstrual cycle, which can help to ease the stress of trying to conceive.
Practice relaxation techniques: Learning how to relax can be beneficial to your fertility. Stress has been shown to negatively impact your fertility, so practicing relaxation techniques, like meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises, can help to reduce your stress levels and improve your fertility.
Conclusion
During the journey towards parenthood, it can be easy to become consumed by trying to find a solution to your fertility struggles. While supplements can be helpful during this process, it’s important to remember that they are not a magic cure-all. They are meant to be used in conjunction with other fertility methods, such as seeing your doctor for help with charting and getting your partner examined.
Supplements should be used in low doses and with other fertility methods to help increase your chances of success and reduce the risk of adverse effects. It’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to getting pregnant.
