CosBeauty Magazine #84

wellness
nutritional value,’ says Dr. Teirney.
‘A well-balanced diet for both
partners is essential. This means
lean sources of proteins with each
meal, wholefoods and plenty of
fresh fruits and vegetables. Try
to eat organically wherever
possible, to avoid the introduction
of chemicals from pesticides and
fertilisers into the body.’
Francois says: ‘Semen quality
improves with healthy diet and a
healthy weight in a male, while diets
high in saturated fat seem to do the
opposite. Positive effects on fertility
for women are seen when her diet
includes lots of folic acid, vitamin
B12 and Omega 3 fatty acids.’
Track Your Cycle
Couples who track the menstrual
cycle of the female will be more
aware of when ovulation occurs and
know when to cleverly time sexual
intercourse, thereby improving their
chances of conception.
‘There are lots of ways to do this
that are really quite easy,’ reveal Dr.
Teirney. ‘Monitoring your basal body
temperature using a digital highspeed
thermometer is the first step, as
women typically notice a small drop
in temperature – about 0.2 degrees
Celsius, when they are ovulating.
‘Following this, a urine test can
detect Luteinising Hormone (LH).
A surge in LH indicates ovulation is
about to occur, typically within the
next 24-36 hours.’
‘I always advise women to check
their cervical secretions, too, as they
can be a good marker of fertile times.
In less fertile times, the secretion
will be minimal. When fertile, the
secretions are clear and slightly wet
and when most fertile, secretions are
clear, thin, slippery and stretchy.’
Oher indicators include one-sided
lower pelvic pain on either side of the
body, an amplified libido, intensified
sense of smell and taste, enlarged,
tender breasts, fluid retention, acne
and bloating.
Look at Taking
Supplements
Both the World Health Organization
(WHO) and the Royal Australian
and New Zealand College of
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
(RANZCOG) recommend all women
thinking about or trying to conceive
should take a vitamin supplement
containing folic acid and iodine.
‘The suggested dose is 500 mcg of
folic acid and 150 mcg of iodine,’
says Dr. Teirney. ‘For men, studies
have emphasised the importance of
antioxidants to maintain healthy
sperm and reproductive health.’
DON’T
Smoke
It’s no secret smoking causes all
kinds of health issues, but one you
may not have considered is that
of fertility. ‘The carcinogens and
toxins in cigarettes cause oxidative
stress to the body, which will
absolutely affect the health and
function of the reproductive organs
in both partners in the relationship,’
reveals Dr. Teirney.
‘The health of the egg will be less
ideal, and the sperm will be less vital,
less able to reach its destination and
perform as nature intended.’
Having trouble quitting? Call
the Quit Line on 13 78 48.
‘Hypnotherapy has also been shown
to be helpful in supporting people
through the process of stopping
smoking,’ says Francois.
Take Illicit drugs
Never mind that they’re illegal –
illicit drugs can certainly play a
part in preventing pregnancy, with
even small doses of ‘softer’ drugs
like marijuana having a detrimental
impact on both sperm and egg health.
‘Illicit drugs not only impair
the health of reproductive organs,’
says Dr. Teirney, ‘but they can also
reduce the sex drive of both partners
in the relationship. For men, using
illicit drugs can sometimes even
cause impotence.’
Obviously, it’s wise to sidestep
these altogether. If you’re having
trouble with addiction, speak to the
Alcohol and Drug Foundation on
1300 85 85 84.
Neglect Exercise
A sedentary lifestyle causes general
health and wellbeing to suffer, which
of course includes fertility health of
both partners. Conversely, enjoying
regular exercise can boost your