Azoospermia is the medical term used when there are no sperm in your ejaculate. It can be either obstructive, where a blockage prevents it from entering; or non-obstructive due to decreased production by testis (in most cases).

What Is The Best Treatment For Azoospermia?

The best treatment to cure azoospermia is proven Homeopathy treatment from Welling Clinics. The treatment has helped over 2500 men from 108 countries to natural father a child.

Treatment for Azoospermia is possible through Homeopathy treatment if it’s non-obstructive azoospermia. At Welling Homeopathy Clinics, we have each treatment cycle lasting for 6 months, and we have a maximum success rate between one – three cycles. Azoospermia is a complex illness and needs a detailed assessment by our specialist including tests that can help us customize the treatment for azoospermia for you.

Fortunately, we also have online consultations for men who cannot visit us personally at our clinics in Mumbai. More than 5000 men have benefitted from our advice and we cannot wait to help you father a child at the earliest.

Does having azoospermia mean that the testis makes no sperm?

Not always. While the testis can be making sperm, it might not produce enough for you to see in your ejaculate.

Can I still get my partner pregnant if I have a zero sperm count?

Yes, you can. When you’re diagnosed with azoospermia, the first step is to see your fertility specialist. They’ll help you understand why this happened and what treatment options may work best for getting all-clear again in time! A male fertility specialist will advise you on the cause of your azoospermia and what treatment options are available to help you conceive.

It is important NOT to give up until you are certain that a fully trained male fertility specialist feels that NO sperm is present. Even when no sperm is found in the ejaculate, about 50% of the time there is sperm in the testicles that can be retrieved and used for IVF. At Welling Clinic, we have helped men to increase their sperm count naturally, even in zero sperm count.

Are there different types of azoospermia?

There are two main types of azoospermia:

Obstructive azoospermia: This type of azoospermia means that there is a blockage or missing connection in the epididymis, vas deferens, or elsewhere along your reproductive tract. You might be producing sperm but it’s getting blocked from the exit so there is no measurable amount of semen.

Nonobstructive azoospermia: This type of azoospermia means you have poor or no sperm production due to defects in the structure or function of the testicles or other causes.

Should azoospermic men undergo a diagnostic testis biopsy?

In the past, almost all men with azoospermia underwent a biopsy to distinguish obstructive from non-obstructive causes and to try to get an even more specific diagnosis. However, in modern practice, a biopsy is rarely performed alone. In most cases, we can predict with high accuracy whether or not a man has an obstructive cause of azoospermia.

Since we have started performing testicular dissections to search for sperm, we have learned that different areas of the testis might show different patterns of nonobstructive azoospermia. For example, one area might show decreased production of mature sperm (hypo spermatogenesis or maturation arrest), while another area might show the complete absence of sperm precursor cells (Sertoli-cell-only syndrome).

Thus, in the modern era, doing a diagnostic biopsy does not often change the ultimate management for men with nonobstructive azoospermia. For those men, we offer microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE), which gives the best chance of finding sperm that can be used for assisted reproductive techniques (ART).

Sometimes, at the time of the micro test, we will send a tiny specimen for pathological evaluation to rule out a precursor to malignancy called intratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN).

Source: hopkinsmedicine.org

How is azoospermia diagnosed?

Azoospermia is a condition in which there is no sperm. It can be diagnosed when two separate occasions show that your sample has none.It’s examined under high-powered microscopes following centrifugal spins to get rid of any excess fluid or cells from the reproductive system as much as possible before testing for this problem with an analysis tool such as: microscope slide samples stained according to microscopic standards set by own laboratory’s techniques; thin layer chromatography systems used widely across the industry today employing standard reference materials provided free annually through collaborating manufacturers’ Basic Science Support Program

As part of the diagnosis, your specialist will take your medical history, including asking you about the following:

• Fertility success or failure in the past (your ability to have children).
• Childhood illnesses.
• Injuries or surgeries in the pelvic area (these could cause duct blockage or poor blood supply to the testicles).
• Urinary or reproductive tract infections.
• Your current and past medications.
• Any abuse of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs.
• fevers or exposure to heat, including frequent saunas or steam baths (heat kills sperm cells).
• Family history of birth defects, mental retardation, reproductive failure or cystic fibrosis.
• Your healthcare provider will also conduct a physical examination, and will check:
• Your entire body in terms of signs of/lack of maturation of your body and reproductive organs.
• Your penis and scrotum, checking for the presence of your vas deferens, tenderness or swelling of your epididymis, size of the testicles, the presence or absence of a varicocele, and any blockage of the ejaculatory duct (via exam through the rectum) as evidenced by enlarged seminal vesicles.
• Your healthcare provider may also order the following tests:
• Measurement of testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.
• Genetic testing.
• X-rays or ultrasound of the reproductive organs to see if there are any problems with the shape and size, and to see if there are tumors, blockages or an inadequate blood supply.
• Imaging of the brain to identify disorders of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
• Biopsy (tissue sampling) of the testes. A normal biopsy would mean a blockage is probable at some point in the sperm transport system. Sometimes, any sperm found in the testes is frozen for future analysis or can be used in assisted pregnancy.

Symptoms of azoospermia

Azoospermia itself a lack of sperm in the semen doesn’t have any specific symptoms.

Couples trying to conceive will experience infertility if the male partner has a zero sperm count. A couple is said to be dealing with infertility if they don’t get pregnant after one year of unprotected intercourse. Infertility is frequently the only sign that something is wrong.

With that said, some causes of azoospermia can lead to noticeable signs and symptoms.

Signs or symptoms that may indicate you’re at risk for azoospermia include:

• Low ejaculate volume or “dry” orgasm (no or little semen)
• Cloudy urine after sex
• Painful urination
• Pelvic pain
• Swollen testicles
• Small or undescended testicles
• Smaller than normal penis
• Delayed or abnormal puberty
• Difficulty with erections or ejaculation
• Low sex drive
• Reduced male hair growth
• Enlarged breasts
• Muscle loss

It is possible to have none of these symptoms, however, and still have azoospermia.

Obstructive Azoospermia Treatments

Vasectomy Reversal: Most men who’ve had a vasectomy in the past can still conceive by having a vasectomy reversal (vasovasostomy or vasoepididymostomy).

Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction (microTESE ): TESE is a procedure in which testicular tissue with sperm is extracted either with a small incision or a needle. The sperm that is removed can be used for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Transurethral Resection of the Ejaculatory Ducts (TURED): Men who have ejaculatory duct obstruction can have a TURED, a small surgical procedure performed with a camera to remove this blockage and help sperm flow to the natural channels.

Circumcision: Men who have a narrow foreskin (phimosis) that prevents the ejaculate from coming out of the penis can have circumcision to remove the foreskin.

Surgical Correction for Scarring: Some men have scarring from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can cause sperm to get blocked inside the ducts. We can often treat scarring endoscopically. Your doctor will insert a scope through your urethra in the operating room while you are under general anaesthesia and use an electrified loop to open up the blockage.

Non-Obstructive Azoospermia Treatments

Regardless of what’s causing your non-obstructive azoospermia, we approach treatment the same way. We start with a semen analysis and male endocrine profile (blood work). Then we use one or more of the following treatments:

Drugs/Medications: If you have low bioavailable testosterone,* we usually start you on clomiphene citrate or Clomid. You remain on this drug for four months, and we repeat another semen analysis.

One in nine men will have their sperm return to the ejaculate after taking medication to return their testosterone to the normal range. Some men’s sperm don’t return to their ejaculate after taking medication.

However, taking medication to normalize testosterone doubles the chances of finding sperm during a surgical sperm extraction procedure called microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (microTESE).

Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction (microTESE) : We recommend microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) for men who have adequate testosterone* during diagnostic testing. We also recommend microTESE for men who’ve taken medications to correct their testosterone for at least four months but still aren’t releasing any sperm during ejaculation.

During microTESE procedures, doctors can find sperm approximately 50–65 percent of the time.

Source: healthcare.utah.edu

Why Welling Homeopathy Treatment for Azoospermia?

There are a number of things that may be keeping you from getting pregnant. We have shortlisted few frequently asked questions by our patients and found reputed websites to answer them for you.

Having helped over 50,o00 couples get pregnant naturally with our ‘Homeopathy Assisted Reproduction Therapy“, we know the common questions a lady can have.

If you have a similar problem of difficulty getting pregnant naturally, meet our specialist or consult online to get pregnant naturally without going in for artificial treatments. We deliver medicines to over 100 countries.

What is female infertility?

Infertility is a disease in which the ability to get pregnant and give birth to a child is impaired or limited in some way. For heterosexual couples (man and woman), this is usually diagnosed after one year of trying to get pregnant (but maybe diagnosed sooner depending on other factors). For heterosexual couples, one-third of the causes of infertility are due to a male problem, one-third are due to female problems, and one-third are due to combination or unknown reasons. When the cause of the infertility is found to come from the female partner, it’s considered female infertility or “female factor” infertility.

Source: my.clevelandclinic.org

What causes female infertility?

There are many possible causes of infertility. However, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause, and some couples have “unexplained” infertility or “multifactorial” infertility (multiple causes, often both male and female factors). Some possible causes of female factor infertility can include:

Problems with the uterus: This includes polyps fibroids, septum, or adhesions inside the cavity of the uterus. Polyps and fibroids can form on their own at any time, whereas other abnormalities (like a septum) are present at birth. Adhesions can form after a surgery like dilation and curettage (D&C) Problems with the fallopian tubes: The most common cause of “tubal factor” infertility is a pelvic inflammatory disease, usually caused by chlamydia-gonorrhea Problems with ovulation: There are many reasons why a woman may not ovulate (release an egg) regularly. Hormonal imbalances, a past eating disorder, substance abuse, thyroid conditions, severe stress, and pituitary tumors are all examples of things that can affect ovulation.

Problems with egg number and quality: Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and this supply can “run out” early before menopause. In addition, some eggs will have the wrong number of chromosomes and cannot fertilize or grow into a healthy fetus. Some of these chromosomal issues (such as “balanced translocation”) may affect all of the eggs. Others are random but become more common as a woman gets older.

Source: my.clevelandclinic.org

What Causes Female Infertility?

There are a number of things that may be keeping you from getting pregnant:

Damage to your fallopian tubes. These structures carry eggs from your ovaries, which produce eggs, to the uterus, where the baby develops. They can get damaged when scars form after pelvic infections, endometriosis, and pelvic surgery. That can prevent sperm from reaching an egg in the tube. The egg and sperm meet in the tube. This is where the egg is fertilized and then moves down to the uterus to implant..

Hormonal problems. You may not be getting pregnant because your body isn’t going through the usual hormone changes that lead to the release of an egg from the ovary and the thickening of the lining of the uterus.

Cervical issues. Some women have a condition that prevents sperm from passing through the cervical canal.

Uterine trouble. You may have polyps and fibroids that interfere with getting pregnant.

Uterine polyps occur when too many cells grow in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus.

Fibroids grow in the wall of the uterus. Other abnormalities of the uterus can also interfere, infertility. For about 20% of couples who have infertility problems, the exact causes are never pinpointed.

Source: webmd.com

What causes female infertility?

The most common causes of female infertility include problems with ovulation, damage to fallopian tubes or uterus, or problems with the cervix. Age can contribute to infertility because as a woman ages, her fertility naturally tends to decrease.

Ovulation problems may be caused by one or more of the following:

A hormone imbalance

A tumor or cyst

Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia Alcohol drug use

Thyroid gland problems

Excess weight Stress exercise

that causes a significant loss of body fat menstrual cycles Damage to the fallopian tubes or uterus can be caused by one or more of the following:

A previous infection

Polyps in the uterus Endometriosis fibroids

Scar tissue or adhesions

Chronic medical illness ectopic (tubal) pregnancy birth defect

DES syndrome (The medication DES, given to women to prevent miscarriage or premature birth can result in fertility problems for their children.) cervical mucus can also cause female infertility. Abnormal cervical mucus can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or make it more difficult for the sperm to penetrate the egg.

Source: americanpregnancy.org

How is female infertility diagnosed?

Potential female infertility is assessed as part of a thorough physical exam. The exam will include a medical history regarding potential factors that could contribute to infertility.

Healthcare providers may use one or more of the following tests/exams to evaluate fertility:

urine blood test to check for infections or a hormone problem, including thyroid function

Pelvic exam and breast exam

A sample of cervical mucus and tissue to determine if ovulation is occurring

Laparoscope inserted into the abdomen to view the condition of organs and to look for blockage, adhesions or scar tissue.

HSG, which is an x-ray used in conjunction with a colored liquid inserted into the fallopian tubes making it easier for the technician to check for blockage.

Hysteroscopy uses a tiny telescope with a fiber light to look for uterine abnormalities.

Ultrasound to look at the uterus and ovaries. May be done vaginally or abdominally.

Sonohystogram combines ultrasound and saline injected into the uterus to look for abnormalities or problems.

Tracking your ovulation through fertility awareness will also help your healthcare provider assess your fertility status.

Source: americanpregnancy.org

Can infertility in women be prevented?

There is usually nothing that can be done to prevent female infertility caused by genetic problems or illness.

However, there are several things that women can do to decrease the possibility of infertility:

Avoid illicit drugs

Avoid heavy or frequent alcohol use

Adopt good personal hygiene and health practices

Have annual check-ups with your GYN once you are sexually active

Source: americanpregnancy.org

What causes infertility in men?

Infertility in men is most often caused by:

A problem called varicocele (VAIR-ih-koh-seel). This happens when the veins on a man’s testicle(s) are too large. This heats the testicles. The heat can affect the number or shape of the sperm.

Other factors that cause a man to make too few sperm or none at all.

Movement of the sperm. This may be caused by the shape of the sperm. Sometimes injuries or other damage to the reproductive system block the sperm.

Sometimes a man is born with the problems that affect his sperm. Other times problems start later in life due to illness or injury. For example, cystic fibrosis often causes infertility in men.

Source: womenshealth.gov

What causes infertility in women?

Most cases of female infertility are caused by problems with ovulation. Without ovulation, there are no eggs to be fertilized. Some signs that a woman is not ovulating normally include irregular or absent menstrual periods.

Ovulation problems are often caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormone imbalance problem which can interfere with normal ovulation. PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility. Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is another cause of ovulation problems. POI occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop working normally before she is 40. POI is not the same as early menopause.

Less common causes of fertility problems in women include:

Physical problems with the uterus Uterine fibroids

, which are non-cancerous clumps of tissue and muscle on the walls of the uterus.

Source: womenshealth.gov

What things increase a woman’s risk of infertility?

Many things can change a woman’s ability to have a baby. These include:

Age

Smoking

Excess alcohol use

Stress

Poor diet

Athletic training

Being overweight or underweight

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Source: womenshealth.gov

How will doctors find out if a woman and her partner have fertility problems?

Doctors will do an infertility checkup. This involves a physical exam. The doctor will also ask for both partners’ health and sexual histories. Sometimes this can find the problem. However, most of the time, the doctor will need to do more tests.

In men, doctors usually begin by testing the semen. They look at the number, shape, and movement of the sperm. Sometimes doctors also suggest testing the level of a man’s hormones.

In women, the first step is to find out if she is ovulating each month. There are a few ways to do this. A woman can track her ovulation at home by:

Writing down changes in her morning body temperature for several months

Writing down how her cervical mucus looks for several months

Using a home ovulation test kit (available at drug or grocery stores)

Doctors can also check ovulation with blood tests. Or they can do an ultrasound of the ovaries. If ovulation is normal, there are other fertility tests available.

Some common tests of fertility in women include:

Hysterosalpingography (HIS-tur-oh-sal-ping-GOGH-ru-fee): This is an x-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Doctors inject a special dye into the uterus through the vagina. This dye shows up in the x-ray. Doctors can then watch to see if the dye moves freely through the uterus and fallopian tubes. This can help them find physical blocks that may be causing infertility. Blocks in the system can keep the egg from moving from the fallopian tube to the uterus. A block could also keep the sperm from reaching the egg.

Laparoscopy (lap-uh-ROS-kuh-pee): A minor surgery to see inside the abdomen. The doctor does this with a small tool with a light called a laparoscope (LAP-uh-roh-skohp). She or he makes a small cut in the lower abdomen and inserts the laparoscope. With the laparoscope, the doctor can check the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus for disease and physical problems. Doctors can usually find scarring and endometriosis Finding the cause of infertility can be a long and emotional process. It may take time to complete all the needed tests. So don’t worry if the problem is not found right away.

Source: womenshealth.gov

What causes female infertility?

About 25% of women with infertility have infrequent or absent ovulation. These women usually have irregular periods or no periods at all. Ovulation can be disrupted by changes in the way certain hormones are released from the hypothalamus (a part of your brain, releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone [GnRH]) and the pituitary gland (a gland near the base of your brain, releasing luteinizing hormone [LH]). LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) signal an egg to develop and be released from the ovary.

Problems that interfere with normal LH and FSH release include:

exercising too much extreme stress

Other hormonal conditions that interfere with ovulation or affect fertility are:

polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) an overactive underactive diabetes

early menopause Cushing’s syndrome

(a disorder that causes very high levels of cortisol, sometimes called “the stress hormone”) A woman’s ability to get pregnant can also be affected by her age, since the number and quality of her eggs gradually decrease beginning around age 35. Other factors include:

sexually transmitted diseases, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, that can cause tubal blockages

excessive caffeine, any smoking or alcohol, or recreational drugs like cocaine and marijuana

certain medications like antidepressants, tranquilizers, calcium channel blockers, narcotics, and anti-cancer drugs

chronic medical conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, sickle cell disease, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis B or C

Source: hormone.org

What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an infertility treatment that is often called artificial insemination. In this procedure, the woman is injected with specially prepared sperm. Sometimes the woman is also treated with medicines that stimulate ovulation before IUI.

IUI is often used to treat:

Mild male factor infertility

Women who have problems with their cervical mucus

Couples with unexplained infertility

Source: womenshealth.gov

What is assisted reproductive technology (ART)?

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a group of different methods used to help infertile couples. ART works by removing eggs from a woman’s body. The eggs are then mixed with sperm to make embryos. The embryos are then put back in the woman’s body.

Source: womenshealth.go

Want to know more about our ‘Homeopathy Assisted Reproduction Therapy“, Want to get pregnant naturally? Talk to us today.

Endometrial thickness can grow with natural steps or if you want quickly, it can grow with specially formulated Homeopathy Treatment for Endometrial thickness. The Homeopathy medicines are carefully chosen by the specialist at Welling Homeopathy Clinics for you. If you want to increase the endometrial thickness naturally, visit a Welling Clinic near you or chat with our online experts regarding endometrial thickness.

Increase endometrial thickness fast, conceive naturally, meet our specialist for a personal consultation.

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What is Endometrial Thickness?

Each month, as part of the menstrual cycle, the body prepares the endometrium to host an embryo. Endometrial thickness increases and decreases during the process. One of the key aspects in that regard is the endometrium and the thickness of its wall. 

What Is The Normal Endometrial Thickness?

The endometrial layer in itself is pretty thin. Towards the end of each menstrual cycle, when the upper layer has shed completely, the layer that remains is barely about 1 mm thick. As the next ovulation cycle begins, the cells start creating the new functional layer above it.

The thickness of the layer usually varies from person to person, but the normal range of endometrial thickness for conceiving is considered to be around 8 mm which needs to go up to around 15 mm to be able to hold the fertilized egg securely.

The normal thickness of the endometrium changes throughout a person’s life, from childhood, through to sexual maturity, fertile years, and after menopause.

In imaging tests of young females who have not yet begun menstruating, the endometrium is present but smaller than it will be later in life.

What Happens Before Pregnancy?

Endometrial thickness is important in pregnancy. Healthcare experts link the best chances for a healthy, full-term pregnancy to an endometrium that is neither too thin nor too thick. This allows the embryo to implant successfully and receives the nutrition it needs. The endometrium gets thicker as the pregnancy progresses.

How to measure the Endometrial Thickness?

Ultrasound is the most common way to measure the thickness of the endometrium. It is the method that healthcare providers use first, especially if an individual has reported abnormal vaginal bleeding.

When ultrasound is not suitable, often due to the position of a person’s uterus or other health conditions, doctors use MRI.

What Are The Causes Of Low Endometrial Thickness?

Estrogen-Related Issues

Reduced levels of estrogen could sometimes prevent the growth of cells, which in turn inhibits the thickening of the endometrium.

Poor Blood Flow

If the uterus does not receive an adequate supply of blood, it may have trouble creating an endometrium that is thick enough for conception. The lack of adequate blood flow may be due to a tilted uterus, uterine fibroids or even a sedentary lifestyle.

Improper Functioning of Progesterone

When the progesterone hormone does not function in the manner it needs to, the endometrium does not thicken.

Side-Effects of Fertility Drugs

In a cruel twist of irony, certain drugs that are used to boost fertility and trigger ovulation might inadvertently cause a side-effect that results in the thinning of the endometrial layer.

Stressful Lifestyle

The absence of enough rest and sleep could result in stress, which can prevent the optimal growth of the endometrium.

For those who wish to conceive, you’d be happy to know that there are ways to increase the thickness of the endometrium.

How to Increase Endometrial Thickness Naturally?

Many natural ways are told by various people in the world to increase endometrial thickening. But nothing works every time, nor works in a time-bound manner like a Homeopathy treatment for endometrial thickening.  At our Homeopathic infertility clinic, we have helped more than 7200 women improve there endometrial thickening, helping them conceive naturally. The treatment can help you too, to conceive naturally, if started early.

Get started today, meet our specialists for a detailed evaluation to know if the treatment can help you too. You can also chat from this page to know more about the treatment for endometrial thickness.

Pregnancy is the most wonderful time for a women and probably the most memorable time of her life. At Welling, we want to make it more special and healthiest period of your life.  Most women know they need to see a doctor and make lifestyle changes while pregnant or even before she gets pregnant. These steps will help you prepare yourself and your body for pregnancy and give you a better chance of having a healthy baby.

You can meet our specialist for a detailed evaluation for pre-pregnancy check-ups or if you are facing difficulty getting pregnant. We specialise in helping couples deliver a healthy baby, by helping you get pregnant, naturally.

See Your Specialist

See your doctor before you get pregnant. Even if you feel you are healthy and ready for a pregnancy, your doctor can do plenty ahead of time to help you prepare.

• Your doctor will discuss your current health, your health history, and your family’s health history. Some health problems in your family can be passed on to your children. Your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselor.
• You may need blood tests, or you may need to get caught up on vaccines before you are pregnant.
• Your doctor will talk with you about medicines, herbs, and supplements you may be taking. They can affect an unborn baby. Your provider may recommend medicine changes before you get pregnant.
• Long-term health problems, such as asthma or diabetes, should be stable before you get pregnant.
• If you are obese, your provider will recommend losing weight before pregnancy. Doing so will reduce your risk of complications in pregnancy.
• At this stage and during pregnancy, its best to abstain from any allopathic medicines except if its emergency or life-threatening for mother or baby. Try the safe and all-natural Homeopathy treatment, developed especially for healthy pregnancy for baby and mother at Welling Homeopathy.

Stop Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs. Limit Caffeine

If you smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs, you should stop before you get pregnant. They can:

• Make it harder for you to get pregnant
• Increase the chance that you will miscarry (lose the baby before it is born).

If you need help quitting smoking, alcohol, or drugs, talk to your doctor or midwife.

Alcohol can harm a growing fetus (unborn baby), even in small amounts. Drinking alcohol while you are pregnant can cause long-term problems for your baby, such as intellectual disability, behavioral issues, learning disabilities, and facial and heart defects.

Smoking is bad for unborn babies and puts your child at greater risk of health problems later in life.

• Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have a baby with a lower birth weight.
• Smoking also makes it harder for you to recover from your pregnancy.

Drugs that are not prescribed by a doctor (including street drugs) can be dangerous for you to take at any point in your life.

You should also cut down on caffeine when you are trying to get pregnant. Women who daily consume more than 2 cups (500 mL) of coffee or 5 cans (2 L) of soda that contains caffeine may have a harder time getting pregnant and a greater chance of miscarriage.

Limit unnecessary medicines or supplements. Discuss with your doctor both prescribed and over-the-counter medicines and supplements you take before you try to conceive. Most medicines have some risks, but many have unknown risks and have not been thoroughly studied for safety. If medicines or supplements are not absolutely necessary, DO NOT take them.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Maintain or strive for a healthy body weight.

A balanced diet is always good for you. Follow a healthy diet before you get pregnant. A few simple guidelines are:

• Reduce empty calories, artificial sweeteners, and caffeine.
• Eat foods that are high in protein.
• Fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products will make you healthier before you get pregnant.

Also limit the amount of fish that you eat. Seafood contains mercury, which can cause birth defects if eaten in large amounts. Pregnant women should:

• Eat no more than 12 ounces (oz), or 340 g, of fish a week
• Avoid large ocean fish, such as shark and tilefish.
• Limit tuna intake to 1 can (85 g) of white tuna or 1 tuna steak per week, or 2 cans (170 g) of light tuna per week.

If you are underweight or overweight, it is best to try to reach your ideal weight before you get pregnant.

• Being overweight during pregnancy may increase your chances of problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects, and needing a cesarean birth (C-section).
• It is not a good idea to try to lose weight during pregnancy. But it is very good idea to attain a healthy pregnancy body weight before conceiving.

Take Vitamins and Folic Acid

Take a vitamin and mineral supplement that includes at least 0.4 milligrams (400 micrograms) of folic acid.

• Folic acid reduces the risk of birth defects, especially problems with the baby’s spine.
• Start taking a vitamin with folic acid before you want to get pregnant.
• Avoid high doses of any vitamin, especially vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins can cause birth defects if you take more than the normal recommended daily amounts.

Exercise

Exercising before you get pregnant may help your body deal with all of the changes that you will go through during the pregnancy and labor.

Most women who already exercise can safely maintain their current exercise program throughout the most of their pregnancy.

And most women, even if they are not currently exercising, should start on an exercise program of 30 minutes of brisk exercise 5 days per week, both before conceiving and throughout pregnancy.

The amount of exercise you are able to do during pregnancy should be based on your overall health and how active you are before you get pregnant. Talk to your doctor about what kind of exercise, and how much, is good for you.

Stress, Rest, and Relaxation