Emma Cannon, fertility, pregnancy and integrated women’s health expert, registered acupuncturist and author, gives her 5 top tips to help you understand, optimize and preserve fertility...
1. Protect yourself from STD’s: it is estimated that a quarter of all fertility problems are caused
by the effects of STD's. For example- Chlamydia can lie completely undetected with no symptoms and end up blocking fallopian tubes if not diagnosed and treated early on. It is important to use barrier methods such as condoms until you are with a partner
that you might want to have children with. This is the best way to protect yourself from STD's. Regular tests will mean that if you have contracted anything then you can get early treatment which might help a condition develop into something more serious and
harder to treat
2. Don't smoke: Smoking accounts for 13% of the worlds infertility and ages you by 10 years in terms of fertility - it’s very easy when you are young to think that it
won’t have an impact later on but it will. Smokers are 30 per cent less fertile than non-smokers, and three times more likely to take more than a year to get pregnant. Ovarian function can be affected, interfering with the release of an egg and the womb lining
can become thinner over time. Smokers go into the menopause on average 3 years sooner than non-smokers and have lower fertilisation rates in IVF.
3. Consider Acupuncture: Acupuncture has a regulating effect on the body, gentle improving pelvic blood flow, improving endometrial quality and moving stagnation in
the pelvic region. For that reason it is the number one choice of treatment for fertility. Research has shown it to be effective in improving IVF outcome, stimulating ovulation in women who are not ovulating and improving menstrual pain. Acupuncture is also
deeply relaxing and releases ‘feel-good’ endorphins. I recommend it for women and men who want to optimise their fertility, and also for couples going through IVF and for management of gynaecological conditions.
4. Eat Well & Keep a balanced weight: Keep your body fat in check - not too low not too high - Both under and overweight issues have shown that they may impact on fertility
later on. Try to incorporate regular exercise that you enjoy into your life and take a careful look at your diet. Avoid processed foods and sugar as much as possible and eat food as close to it’s natural state as you can. Obese women may have too much oestrogen
due to too much body fat, which can contribute to fertility problems. Equally low body fat can cause ovulation to stop. Include some healthy fats in the diet cold pressed oils, oily fish, plenty of variety of vegetables and pulses. Limit alcohol.
5. Understanding Your Gynecology: Understand your body and your cycles. Our menstrual cycle is
the only outward sign we have of our fertility, it is like a wise friend being there and telling us when things are out of kilter and when things are running well. By engaging and understanding our cycle we can tell a lot about our general health and fertility.
Know your family history, particularly your mother’s gynecology and age of menopause. If your mum had menopause at 45 there is a chance your fertility might be similar. Or if she has fibroids or miscarriages it gives you another layer of information.
Emma Cannon will be speaking at The Fertility Show London 3-4 November on the topic ‘Fertile; how lifestyle changes may improve fertility’ on Saturday from 11.45-12.30. Book tickets at
fertilityshow.co.uk/london
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