COMIC: Trying for a child? These way of life habits might increase your fertility odds

So you are making an attempt for a child. Congratulations!

By now, you in all probability know that it isn’t at all times straightforward to get pregnant. Healthy, heterosexual {couples} of their 20s to early 30s having common, unprotected intercourse have a 25% to 30% probability of getting pregnant in any given month, according to the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists.

Many components issue into these odds, says reproductive endocrinologist Lucky Sekhon. That consists of medical historical past, genetics, hormone steadiness, timing and simply pure luck.

“Trying to get pregnant is like playing a slot machine,” she says. “You can pull the lever by timing your attempts around ovulation, but whether things line up and you hit the jackpot are not in your control.”

However, there are some way of life adjustments each women and men could make that may assist increase your odds. That means making decisions that assist fertility, not hinder it — like getting common train or chopping out hashish, nicotine and alcohol.

Here are seven evidence-backed ways in which might enhance fertility. For a deeper dive on this matter, listen to our 26-minute episode hosted by Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle.

For a deeper dive on this matter, listen to our 26-minute episode hosted by Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle.

This comedian was reported and written by Andee Tagle and illustrated by LA Johnson.

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This comedian was edited by Malaka Gharib and CJ Riculan. The producer for the audio episode is Sylvie Douglis. We’d love to listen to from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or e-mail us at LifeKit@npr.org.

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