Homemade dry fruits powder is incredibly versatile and can be easily incorporated into various recipes. Sprinkle it onto your morning oatmeal or yogurt, add it to smoothies or shakes, or even use it as a seasoning for savory dishes. The possibilities are endless! 

Not only does homemade dry fruits powder offer a convenient way to increase your nutrient intake, but it also helps to support overall health and well-being. From improving digestion and enhancing immunity to promoting healthy skin and hair, this natural supplement provides a wealth of benefits.

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Nutritional benefits of homemade dry fruits powder

Homemade dry fruits powder, often referred to as dry fruits or nuts powder, is a nutritious and versatile food item that can be added to various dishes or consumed on its own. It is typically made by grinding a variety of dried fruits and nuts into a fine powder. The nutritional benefits of homemade dry fruits powder can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but in general, it offers several advantages:

Nutrient-Dense:

Dry fruits powder is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can be a convenient way to incorporate a wide range of these nutrients into your diet.

Fiber Rich:

Dried fruits and nuts are a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can contribute to feelings of fullness, aiding in weight management.

Vitamins Rich:

Dried fruits are often high in vitamins such as vitamin C (found in dried fruits like apricots and raisins), vitamin K (found in dried prunes), and various B vitamins. Nuts like almonds are also a source of vitamin E.

Full of Minerals:

Nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, are rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, while dried fruits like dates provide iron and potassium.

Contains Healthy Fats:

Nuts are a source of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fats are beneficial for heart health and overall well-being.

Filled with Antioxidants:

Dried fruits and nuts are known to be packed with antioxidants that can help protect your cells from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Good source of Energy:

The combination of carbohydrates, fats, and protein in dry fruits powder can provide a quick and sustained source of energy, making it a great snack option for active individuals.

Protein Rich:

Nuts, such as almonds and cashews, are good sources of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body function.

Helps in Weight Management:

When consumed in moderation, dry fruits powder can aid in weight management due to its satiety-promoting effects and nutrient density.

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Convenience:

Homemade dry fruits powder is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, including smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, baked goods, and more, making it a convenient way to add nutrition to your meals.

However, it’s important to remember that dry fruits and nuts are calorie-dense, so portion control is essential, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. Additionally, some dried fruits may contain added sugars, so it’s advisable to use unsweetened varieties if you’re concerned about added sugars in your diet.

Homemade dry fruits powder vs store-bought options

Below are the few points by which you can compare homemade vs store bought powder

Homemade Dry Fruits Powder:

• Customization: You have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to tailor the blend to your preferences and dietary needs.
• Freshness: You can use fresh, high-quality dried fruits and nuts, ensuring maximum nutrient retention.
• No additives: You can avoid preservatives, artificial colors, and added sugars commonly found in some store-bought options.
• Cost-effective: Making your own dry fruits powder can be more budget-friendly, especially when buying ingredients in bulk.
• Nutrient preservation: Grinding your own mixture allows you to minimize exposure to air, preserving the nutritional content.

Store-Bought Dry Fruits Powder:

• Convenience: Ready-made options are convenient and time-saving for those with busy lifestyles.
• Consistency: Store-bought products offer a standardized blend, ensuring a consistent taste and nutritional profile.
• Variety: A wide range of pre-made options with different flavors and ingredient combinations is available.
• Packaging: Often come in resealable pouches or containers for longer shelf life.
• Longer shelf life: Store-bought products may have longer shelf stability due to additional preservatives.

How to make homemade dry fruits powder

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make homemade dry fruits powder, including a list of ingredients and the method:

Ingredients:

• Almonds – 1/4 cups
• Walnuts – 1/4 cups
• Cashew – 1/4 cups
• Pistachios – 1/4 cups
• Pumpkin seeds ( Optional ) – 1/4 Cups
• Cardamom Powder ( Optional ) – 1/2 teaspoon
• Nutmeg powder ( Optional ) – 1/2 teaspoon
• Turmeric Powder ( Optional ) – 1/2 teaspoon for added antioxidant
• Few strands of saffron -( Optional )

Recipe

• Dry roast all the nuts and seeds separately in a pan and let them cool properly.
• Once cooled down, put them in a food processor to make a fine powder.
• Note that do not put the food processor on highest speed and do not grind them continuously for more then 10 sec, as nuts have tendency to leave oil when grind them in powder on high speed for longer time.
• Once grinned well, mix all the nuts powder together along with the other ingredients like cardamom powder, Nutmeg Powder, Turmeric Powder, and saffron.
• After mixing well, strain It with the strainer to remove the big pieces and grind them again and mix.
• Mix all of them together and put that in a air tight container.
• Homemade dry fruit powder is ready to use.

Ideas for using homemade dry fruits powder

Incorporating homemade dry fruits powder into your daily diet is a great way to boost your nutrition and enjoy the health benefits it offers. Here are several ways to use it:

• Smoothies
• Yogurt or Oatmeal
• Baking
• Desserts
• Hot or Cold Cereals
• Milk or Milk Alternatives
• Dips and Sauces

Potential health risks and precautions

While dry fruit powder can be a nutritious addition to a child’s diet, it’s important to be aware of potential health risks and take precautions to ensure their safety. Here are some considerations:

• Dry fruit powder is typically fine and powdery, which may pose a choking hazard, especially for younger children. 
• Many dry fruit powders contain nuts or are processed in facilities that handle nuts. If your child has a nut allergy, be extremely cautious and select nut-free options
• Dry fruit powder is calorie-dense due to its concentrated nutrients and can contribute to excessive calorie intake if not consumed in moderation.
• The natural sugars in dried fruits can contribute to tooth decay. Encourage your child to brush their teeth after consuming dry fruit powder or to rinse their mouth with water.
• While dry fruit powder contains some fiber, it lacks the same amount as whole dried fruits and nuts. Ensure your child’s diet includes a variety of whole fruits and nuts to maintain a balanced intake of dietary fiber.
• Introduce dry fruit powder gradually, especially if your child is not accustomed to it. Start with small portions and age-appropriate varieties.
• If your child has specific medical conditions or dietary restrictions, consult with a pediatrician or registered dietitian before introducing dry fruit powder into their diet.

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Frequently asked questions about homemade dry fruits powder

Is dry fruit powder healthy?

Yes, dry fruit powder is generally considered healthy due to its nutrient-rich content, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats. However, portion control is important, as it is calorie-dense.

How can I store homemade dry fruits powder?

Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For longer shelf life, you can refrigerate it.

What are some ways to incorporate dry fruits powder into my diet?

You can add it to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, baking recipes, salads, desserts, and as a topping for various dishes. See previous responses for more ideas.

Is homemade dry fruits powder suitable for children?

It can be a nutritious addition to a child’s diet, but make sure to introduce it gradually, especially if they have nut allergies. Be mindful of portion sizes for young children.

Can I use dry fruit powder for weight loss?

While it’s a nutritious snack, it’s calorie-dense. Use it in moderation and be mindful of your overall calorie intake if you’re using it for weight loss.

How long does homemade dry fruits powder last?

When stored properly, it can last for several weeks to a few months, depending on the freshness of the ingredients used.

Can I customize the ingredients in my dry fruits powder?

Yes, you can customize the blend by choosing your favorite dried fruits and nuts, as well as adjusting the quantities to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Is store-bought dry fruits powder the same as homemade?

Store-bought options may vary in terms of ingredients, additives, and quality. Homemade dry fruits powder allows you to have more control over the ingredients.

Can I use dry fruits powder as a replacement for fresh fruits and nuts?

While it’s a convenient way to consume a variety of nutrients, it’s not a complete replacement for whole fresh fruits and nuts, as it lacks some of the fiber and other components found in whole foods.

The post How to Make Your Own homemade Dry Fruits Powder: Ideas to include in diet appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

In order to get pregnant, all the factors need to be just right. For many women it’s an easy process and they get pregnant without any effort. But for some women, they try so hard, but there are no positive results.

There are some factors and tips to consider, when trying to conceive. You can check below to avoid some of these mistakes that are made commonly by the people, when trying to conceive.

1.   Not keeping track of your cycle

Almost every woman has a cycle, but most of them not know about how it works.  This is the biggest mistake woman do and best tip is to keep track of your cycle when trying to conceive. There is no use of any plan, if you don’t know about your fertile days and when you ovulate. That is why you should start tracking your cycle as soon as you start planning for pregnancy.

2.   You are not having enough sex

 Some people may think that they should have sex only between fertile windows. But it’s easy to miss the fertile period if you limit sex only when you’re ovulating because many women think they’re ovulating but sometimes they are not. The another tip is to try to have sex every other day or every third day and having sex every other day during fertile days is a good plan, and it will increase the chances of getting pregnant when you are trying to get pregnant.

3.   Having too much sex

Yes, that’s also true. This can also be mistake. Some people say, having sex daily will improve your chances of getting pregnant, but in fact that’s not true. Having sex daily can decrease sperm quality. So try to have sex only every other day when trying to conceive during the fertile days also.

4.   Neglecting Healthy lifestyle and Routine visit to the doctor

Are you on a healthy lifestyle and having your routine checkup done on time? If no, then you should do this as soon as you decide to conceive. When people are trying to conceive, they only focus on their reproductive health and they neglect their overall health. But it’s important to pay attention to your overall health in general because issues like weight, smoking, stress, and medications can affect fertility in a way. Before trying to conceive, it’s a good tip for both the partner to have a medical checkup to discuss any issues that may affect your chances of getting pregnant.

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5.   Neglecting age related issues

Age is a big factor when planning for pregnancy. When you turn 35, you enter in a age which can cause many problems. As your age increases, there is a risk of having trouble-conceiving- and having-a healthy pregnancy. According to doctors, a woman’s ability to conceive decreases by about 50 percent between the ages of 20 and 40.

6.   Not involving your man and thinking only women is the problem

When you plan for pregnancy, both partner’s health matters. Both man and woman should be fertile, and healthy enough for conceiving. A lot of couples focus their fertility checkup on the woman only. But research shows, there are 40% chance of a man having fertility problem. So, if you haven’t conceived after a year of trying and are under 35, you should both go to the doctor. Your partner should do a semen analysis to rule out any issues on his side.

7.   Going to the doctor so soon before even trying

Sometime people are so stressed about pregnancy; they visit to doctors so soon. When you’re under 35, it’s very common for it to take up to a year to conceive when trying for baby. It’s also completely normal to feel stressed after a few months—but if you don’t have any health problems, you should wait for sometime before taking the help of a fertility specialist. But if you’re over 35, you should go to a specialist if you are not conceiving after trying for 6 months.

8.   Consider Expert opinion too late

It’s completely normal for a healthy and under 35 woman to take a whole year to get pregnant. but there are some exceptions also. If your periods are irregular, having problematic cycle, heavy bleeding and any other underline health issue, then it’s important to visit your health care specialist as soon as possible.  If you have any medical history and history of miscarriages then early is better.

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9.   Thinking about sex position a lot

Many people give you tips that few positions are more suitable when trying to conceiving. Some people even say that women need to keep their hip elevated to allow the movement of sperm. But the fact is after ejaculation; sperm swims into cervical mucus and enters the fallopian tubes. And this is just a process of few minutes and position is not so important. So, just go ahead with your favorite position and don’t take any stress of position when trying to conceive.

10.   Using lubricants

Some women use lubricants for vaginal dryness and to improve pleasure during sex. But all lubricants are not sperm friendly; they can sometimes cause delay when trying to conceiving. Many lubricants are not sperm friendly and can reduce the chances of getting pregnant. Woman’s vagina produces a natural lubricant that works as a pathway for the sperms to reach the target. External lubricants are not so safe when trying to conceive.

11.   Too much stress about fertility

Stress is the root cause of many other problems. You have heard it many times that you should reduce stress to live a healthy life. Stress is also an important factor in fertility. It can reduce the chances of conceiving. You should be relaxed and try to make it easy and less complicated for both partners. You can also try some kind of yoga, meditation, and light exercise. A simple tip is to stay stress free when trying to conceive.

12.   Taking too much medicines

Some medicines can make an impact on fertility pregnancy. When you are trying to conceive, it is always advised that you should avoid taking unnecessary medicines. Always ask your health care specialist for the medicines that you are taking. If you have any underline health issue, for which you are taking any medication, check with your doctor about the possible side effects they can cause while trying to get pregnant.

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13.   Irregular cycle

Ideally woman monthly cycle is 28 day, with plus or minus 5 days. Irregular cycle can cause delay in pregnancy and can be caused by any hormonal issues or any medical problem. Women with irregular periods are more likely to have a medical condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects hormone levels of women, which can cause fertility problems. In such situation, it is always a good idea to take advice from your doctor.

The post 13 Mistakes you should avoid and tips for trying to conceive appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

A healthy sperm count is necessary for fertility. A low sperm count is considered to be anything between 10 and 20 million sperm per milliliter. Twenty million sperm per milliliter may be adequate for pregnancy if the sperm are healthy.

If you’ve been trying to have a baby and it’s just not happening then you might have a low sperm count. It’s actually one of the most common causes of male infertility. While infertility is not always treatable, there are some things you can do to boost your chances of conceiving. Fertility can sometimes be improved with a healthy diet, supplements, and other lifestyle strategies.

Causes of low sperm count

Any number of things can lead to low sperm count, including previous medical problems, age, and your environment. Your lifestyle factors in, too, so if you smoke or use recreational drugs, they can affect your fertility.

What causes low sperm count? Read to know about male fertility and infertility.

14 things to increase sperm count

Here are my top 14 recommendation in order to increase sperm count and boost male fertility. Sometime small changes in lifestyle can do wonders for you.

1.    Exercise

Staying active and leading a healthy lifestyle can help to increase your sperm count. Exercising regularly can boost testosterone levels and improve fertility. Studies show that men who exercise regularly have higher testosterone levels and better semen quality than inactive men.

In the study, regular exercise increased sperm count and motility in 45 men with obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

2.    Lose weight if you are overweight

Losing weight if you’re overweight is one of the single-most effective things you can do to increase sperm count. Studies have shown that weight loss can significantly increase semen volume, concentration, and mobility, as well as the overall health of sperm.

3.    Eat well

Like any other organ in the human body, the reproductive system relies on the nutrients and vitamins supplied to it. Foods can influence the reproductive health of a person positively. It can increase the production of testosterone, thereby increasing sperm count as well as sperm motility and quality. Some of the foods that can help in increasing sperm count are:

• Eggs
• Spinach
• Bananas
• Dark chocolate
• Maca root
• Fenugreek seeds
• Walnuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Zinc rich food
• Asparagus

4.    Take your vitamins and supplements

Some types of vitamins, including vitamins D, C, E, and CoQ10, are important for sperm health. You can talk to your doctor regarding blood tests to check your vitamins levels and include supplements in your lifestyle to improve overall health and sperm quality.

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5.    Take enough sleep

Sleep quality can affect overall health as well as sperm health. It is always a good idea to take enough and proper sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours daily.

6.    Wear lose clothes

Keeping your sperm at an adequate temperature and allowing lots of air flow to the scrotum can help cultivate the right environment for healthy sperm. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing boxers, choose cotton briefs instead of synthetic ones. That will still help control air flow and temperature.

7.    Quit smoking

The researchers found that people who smoked moderate or heavy amounts of tobacco had a lower sperm quality than people who smoked tobacco less heavily.

8.    Avoid alcohol and drug use

Consumption of drugs such as marijuana and cocaine is directly related to decreased sperm count. Even excessive alcohol lowers the testosterone levels and sperm quality and quantity in men. It can even cause low libido and even impotency.

9.    Reduce stress

Stress causes your body to take defensive action and conserve energy. Because of that the body becomes less concerned with reproduction and focuses more on surviving, in times of distress. Have a healthy diet, exercise regularly and do something that you enjoy doing. All of this will help in managing stress.

10.    Avoid some prescription medications

Some prescription medications can potentially decrease healthy sperm production. Once the male stops taking the medication, however, their sperm count should return to normal or increase.

Medications that may temporarily reduce the production and development of sperm include:

• Some antibiotics
• anti-androgens
• anti-inflammatory
• antipsychotics
• opiates
• Antidepressants
• anabolic steroids, which may continue to affect sperm count for up to 1 year after stopping the medication
• exogenous or supplementary testosterone
• methadone

11.    Take vitamin D

Lower levels of Vitamin D have been directly linked with low sperm count. Taking Vitamin D and calcium supplements have shown to improve the sperm count. You can ask your doctor and buy these from anywhere without even prescription.

12.    Try supplementing with Vitamin C

Vitamin C is not only necessary for boosting your immunity, but it is good for your health in many ways. One of them is to increase your sperm count. Increasing the intake of Vitamin C can help to improve blood flow in the body and the ability to maintain an erection.

13.                Include ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, also called Indian ginseng has been used as a traditional remedy for several forms of sexual dysfunction. A 2013 study found that 46 men with low sperm count who took 675 milligrams of ashwagandha daily for 90 days increased their sperm count by 167 per cent.

14.    Take fenugreek seeds or supplement

Fenugreek seeds are not only packed with healthy nutrients, and these tiny seeds can also increase testosterone level and sperm count. The seeds can increase overall semen quality and sperm count. Add some fenugreek seeds in a glass of water and leave it overnight. Remove the seeds and drink the water first thing in the morning or you can try fenugreek seeds supplements.

The post How to increase sperm count? 14 things to boost male fertility appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

Low sperm count lessens chances of being able to fertilize your partner’s egg, hence reducing chances of pregnancy. Problems with sperm, including a low sperm count and problems with sperm quality, are quite common. They’re a factor in around 1 in 3 couples who are struggling to get pregnant.  However, it is also true that many men with a low sperm count are also able to have children.

Symptoms of low sperm count

Like causes there is no particular symptom of low sperm count. The main sign of low sperm count is the inability to conceive a child. There might be no other obvious signs or symptoms. In some men, an underlying problem such as an inherited chromosomal abnormality, a hormonal imbalance, dilated testicular veins or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm may cause signs and symptom which isn’t the same as having symptoms of low sperm count.

Some of the symptoms of these problems which causes low sperm count include:

• Low sex drive or difficulty maintaining an erection.
• Swelling or pain in or around the testicles
• Less facial or body hair
• Other sign of hormonal imbalance or chromosome abnormality.

How to increase sperm count? Read to know about 14 things to boost male fertility.

Causes of low sperm count

There are many causes of low sperm count which include all medical, environmental and lifestyle issues. If you ask what causes low sperm count there is no particular answer to this but here are some of the reasons that can cause low sperm count which are divided into two categories, one is medical causes and second is environmental and lifestyle causes.

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Medical causes of low sperm count

There are number of health condition and treatment which can cause low sperm count.

1.    Hormonal imbalance

The hypothalamus, pituitary and testicles produce hormones that are necessary to create sperm. Any imbalance to these hormones may affect sperm production. Imbalance in thyroid hormone can also cause low sperm count so make sure you keep checking your blood hormonal level to rule out any kind of imbalance.

2.    Sexually transmitted infections or other infections

Some infections can interfere with sperm production or sperm health or can cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm which include inflammation of the epididymis or testicles and some sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea or HIV.

3.    Varicocele

A varicocele is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. It can reduce the quality of sperm. It’s the most common reversible cause of male infertility.

4.    Issues with erections

Many health conditions including diabetes, blood pressure spinal injuries, and surgery of the bladder, prostate or urethra can cause issue with erection or retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen enters the bladder during orgasm instead of emerging out of the tip of the penis.

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5.    Chromosome defects

Inherited disorders such as Klinefelter’s syndrome — in which a male is born with two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome instead of one X and one Y — cause abnormal development of the male reproductive organs which can affect male fertility and can cause low sperm count.

6.    Autoimmune conditions

Sometime there is an issue with immune system in which immune system make anti-sperm antibodies that mistakenly identify sperm as harmful invaders and attempt to destroy them. Sometime Celiac disease which is an autoimmune digestive disorder can also cause male infertility.

7.    Genetics issues

Low sperm count can be because of genetics issues also. Some conditions like cystic fibrosis or being a genetic carrier of cystic fibrosis may block sperm from entering the semen which can cause low sperm count.

8.    Tumors

Cancers and nonmalignant tumors can affect the male reproductive organs directly. Any type of life saving treatment for these problems like surgery, radiation or chemotherapy can also affect male fertility and can also cause low sperm count.

9.    Certain medications

Men who have used anabolic steroids for extended periods of time may experience a low sperm count as a result. In many cases, these side effects are temporary, and fertility is restored after simply stopping the medication.

Similarly some other medications like testosterone replacement therapy, certain antifungal and antibiotic medications or some ulcer medications can cause low sperm count and affect male fertility.

10.    Past surgeries

Previous surgery to the male reproductive system, such as testicular surgery, bladder surgery, surgery for undescended testicles, inguinal hernia repair, and a vasectomy might prevent you from having sperm in your ejaculate. These surgeries can cause low sperm count or can block the normal flow of sperm, and/or lead to retrograde (backward) ejaculation.

Environmental and lifestyle causes

Some of the environmental factors and lifestyle habits can affect sperm quality and male fertility. However Most of them are easy to fix and change in certain lifestyle habit can show you improvement.

1.    Heavy metal or industrial chemical exposure

Exposure to lead or other heavy metals also can cause infertility. Exposure to some of industrial chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, organic solvents, painting materials on daily bases can cause low sperm count.

2.    Overheating testicles

A man’s testicles need to stay cooler than the rest of his body in order to manufacture sperm. This means that anything from frequently enjoying hot tubs and saunas to sitting with your computer on your lap may lower your sperm counts.

3. X-ray radiation

Exposure to radiation from X-rays or other sources may harm sperm production as well. It can take several years for sperm production to return to normal. With high doses of radiation, sperm production can be permanently reduced.

4.    Smoking and drinking

Smoking cigarettes has been proven to decrease fertility in men. It affects sperm volume, sperm count, and sperm motility, its ability to swim. Smoking also makes ART like IVF treatment less successful.

Drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels and cause decreased sperm production. Chronic alcohol abuse has been linked to infertility and can be a cause of low sperm count as well.

5.    Obesity or overweight

Almost 3 out of 4 men in the U.S. are overweight or obese, and 35 percent are obese. Low sperm count is associated with having more body fat and a higher BMI. Obesity lowers testosterone levels, which drive sperm production and can cause low sperm count or affect male fertility.

6.    Stress or depression

Stress is bad for everything and can be a cause of many health conditions. Severe or prolonged emotional stress might interfere with hormones needed to produce sperm. Being depressed may negatively affect sperm concentration.

7.    Wearing tight cloths

Wearing tight clots like tight boxers or jeans and sitting jobs can also cause low sperm count. Try to wear loose and comfortable cloths and avoid continues sitting.

8.    Drugs usage

Activities like heavy drug and alcohol use can cause low sperm count. Anabolic steroids taken to stimulate muscle strength and growth can cause the testicles to shrink and sperm production to decrease. Similarly use of cocaine or marijuana might reduce the number and quality of your sperm as well.

The post What causes low sperm count: Male fertility and infertility appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

Combination birth control pills, also known as the pill, are oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and a progestin. Combination birth control pills keep your ovaries from releasing an egg. They also cause changes in the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus (endometrial) to keep sperm from joining the egg.

Different types of combination birth control pills contain different doses of estrogen and progestin. Continuous-dosing or extended-cycle pills allow you to reduce the number of periods you have each year. You can check with your health care provider about the correct dosage of birth control pill for you.

15 most common Side effect of birth control pill

Even though birth control pills are very safe, using the combination pill can slightly increase your risk of health problems. Complications are very rare but it does depend on individual body and their lifestyle. The specific side effects vary widely among individuals, and different pills cause different side effects. Some of the most common side effects of birth control pills are:

1.    Spotting between period

During the first few months of using birth control pills, you may have some minor bleeding between periods. This is called breakthrough bleeding or spotting which is one of the most common side effect of birth control pill. It’s more common if you’re taking progestin-only pills.  It typically stops on its own, but report it to your healthcare provider if it happens, along with any other side effects.

2.    Changes in period

When you start taking birth control pills, you can feel some of the changes in your period as a side effect like light periods or missed period. This is because of the hormones they contain. Depending on the type of birth control, people can use the pill to safely skip a period.

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3.    Vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge is another very common side effect of birth control pill. You can feel increase or decrease in vaginal discharge or a change in the nature of the discharge. For some women pills can cause vaginal dryness also and all these changes can be because of hormone containing in pills.

These changes are not usually harmful, but alterations in color or odor could point to an infection. Check with your doctor if you feel like you are having an infection.

4.    Weight gain

Weight gain is a possible side effect of birth control pill. Birth control pills could lead to increases in fluid retention or water weight. They could also lead to increases in fat or muscle mass. However, some people may instead report weight loss when taking the pill. But there has not been enough research to confirm whether the hormones in birth control pills lead to weight gain or weight loss.

5.    Headache and Migraine

The hormone in birth control pill can cause you headache more frequently as a side effect. Birth control pill creates changes in hormone estrogen and progesterone which can trigger migraine in some women. However symptom depends on the dosage, type of pill and individual body.

6.    Breast tenderness

Taking birth control pills often causes the breasts to feel tender as a side effect, especially soon after a person starts taking them. Hormonal pills can also cause your breast to grow bigger. Wearing a supportive bra can help reduce breast tenderness.

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7.    Mood swings

Our hormones are responsible for changes related to mood. Hormonal pills are also a type of hormone which are given orally and can affect a person’s mood. These pill make changes in hormone which can affect a person’s mood and emotions.

8.    Melasma (Darkening of skin)

Some people can fell the darkening of skin due to these pills which is called melasma. Hormones are the primary cause of melasma – especially estrogen. Elevated levels of estrogen in the body increase pigment production, and hormonal birth control works by increasing the levels of estrogen in the body. That’s why melasma is commonly seen side effect with birth control pill.

9.    Low sex drive

These hormonal pills can affect your sex drive which is because of change in hormones due to the pill. Some people reported low sex drive and decreased libido while on birth control pill. It’s always a good idea to consult with your health care provider if you have any concern regarding this.

10.    Eye changes

The estrogen hormone in your birth control can cause eye inflammation. This can interfere with the eye’s oil-producing glands, resulting in dryness and blurred vision. Estrogen can also cause corneal thickening. This does not suggest a higher risk of eye disease, but it may mean that contact lenses no longer fit comfortably.

11.    Acne

Some forms of birth control pills can also cause or worsen acne, specially the pills which only contain progesterone. Even with the combination pills also you can notice an initial flare up as your body gets used to the new hormones.

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12.    Inflammations

Birth control pills can increase your risk of inflammation which can cause some health problems over time. Inflammations can also affect your body in the long run and can eventually lead to disease or conditions including certain cancers or arthritis. Increasing your cardiovascular health risk is also a side effect of birth control pills in long run. Always talk to your doctor who prescribes you these pills regarding all the side effects.

13.    Gallstones

Birth control pills in general could increase the risk of gallstones by increasing cholesterol levels in the bile and decreasing gallbladder movements. Some studies also found an increase in the development of gallbladder disease among women who were using oral contraceptives compared with those not taking these drugs. Both estrogen and progesterone have been shown to increase the risk of gallstones.

14.    Increased blood pressure

Birth control pills can increase your blood pressure from slightly to potentially dangerous. Birth control pill can also increase your risk of developing blood clot. Sometimes, if your blood pressure becomes too high while using the pill, you may need to switch to a new birth control method. If you feel any symptom of high blood pressure, it’s always better to consult with the doctor and check suitable option for you.

15.    Decreased testosterone

Mostly birth control pills contain the female hormone estrogen and progestin. They are often called combination pills. Many combined pills lower your testosterone. That’s the hormone that makes you want to have sex. Having less testosterone can decrease acne, but can also lower your libido. If you use non-hormonal contraception options, you won’t notice this effect.

Some of the serious side effects of birth control pill

Combination birth control pills increase the risk of certain conditions, which can be serious. Although these side effects are rare but there is always a possibility. They include:

• Liver disorder
• Heart-attacks
• Stroke
• Blood clot
• Severe headache
• Chest pain
• Blurred Vision or loss of vision
• Elevated triglycerides and pancreatitis
• Severe stomach pain

Birth control pills can lead to a higher risk for blood clots, heart attack, and stroke in women who smoke, especially if older than 35 years of age. Birth control pills should NOT be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke. The birth control pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Only a condom can protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

Who should not use birth control pills

It is always better to avoid birth control pill to avoid serious side effect if you have following conditions or check with your doctor about the best option for you.

• If you smoke or have heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions, you may not be an ideal candidate for birth control pills.
• Birth control pills can sometimes be slightly less effective for women with obesity.
• Known or suspected breast cancer or cancer of the lining of the uterus, cervix, or vagina or certain hormonally-sensitive cancers.
• Pregnant or think you are pregnant.
• Blood clots
• Liver disease or tumor
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes affecting your circulation.
• Mental depression
• If you are over 35 and smoke

When to see a doctor

If you are taking birth control pills and having any of the following side effect, check with your doctor as soon as possible.

• Fainting
• Severe leg pain or swelling
• Blurred vision or loss of vision
• Chest pain
• Severe abdominal pain
• Difficulty speaking
• Two or more missed period and symptoms of pregnancy.
• Severe headache or migraine
• Severe mood swings or depression
• Shortness of breath
• High blood pressure

The post 15 side effect of birth control pills that you should know appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant despite having frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year for most couples. Some people show symptoms of infertility and some not which is very common. Infertility may result from an issue with either you or your partner, or both of you with a combination of factors. Fertility problems have become a major issue in the modern world, with more than 10% of couples having to deal with this problem. But the good news is there are many effective treatments available to improve the chances of getting pregnant.

Causes of infertility

Having a baby and getting pregnant is such a complex process that you can’t tell a single cause of infertility. Everything needs to be in a correct order from ovulation to fertilization in order to have a successful pregnancy. Sometime there is no cause of infertility in both men and women.

Causes of infertility in women

Here are some of the common causes of infertility in women.

• Ovulation problems like PCOD
• Hyperprolactinemia
• Thyroid problems
• Uterine or cervical abnormalities
• Fallopian Tube blockage
• Endometriosis
• Early menopause
• Any type of cancer or tumor

11 best fertility supplements to consider for improving reproductive health

Causes of infertility in men

Some of the men’s infertility causes include:

• Abnormal sperm production or function
• premature ejaculation
• Blockage in testicles
• Too much smoking and alcohol
• Certain cancer and related to its treatment
• Genetic problem

10 Symptoms of infertility in women

The main and obvious symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant after trying for a year. It is very common for women to experience the symptoms of infertility but many women shows no direct symptoms until they try to conceive.

Sometime the symptoms of infertility can be because of other medical conditions. It is difficult to detect infertility directly with the symptoms but these symptoms can be a cause of fertility issue and can affect your fertility in long term.

Some of the women infertility symptoms include:

1.    Irregular periods

The length of menstrual cycle varies between individual. With the regular cycle, time between each period is almost same. With irregular periods, the cycle is so unpredictable that it’s impossible to know when the next one will come and it is difficult to detect ovulation. Irregular periods are caused by hormonal issues, thyroid issues or pcos – all of which can cause fertility issues.

2.    Hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalance can make conceiving more difficult even can lead to infertility. There are many signs of hormonal imbalance in women for example dry skin, facial hair growth, hair thinning, sudden weight gain, severe acne, nipple discharge constant fatigue, headache and edema etc.

14 Natural ways to increase fertility and get pregnant fast

3.    Long and heavy periods

Women who experience very heavy, painful periods may be showing signs of endometriosis or fibroids in the uterus which is a condition where tissues usually found in the womb are present elsewhere in the body. However, Endometriosis is one of the most common reasons of women’s infertility.

4.    No periods

When a women miss one or more period in a row that condition is defined as Amenorrhea, which can cause difficulty in conceiving. Temporary life stress or over exercising may cause you to occasionally skip a period however if you skip 2 or more period in a row, it’s a good idea to check with the doctor.

5.    Discharge for nipple

Prolactin is a hormonal in body that is responsible for nipple discharge. Prolactin is a hormonal that helps in ovulation too. If you are having discharge from nipple which is not related to breastfeeding, that can be because of prolactin and hormonal problems which are the reason of infertility. Hyperprolactinemia, a condition in which you have too much Prolactin can interfere with ovulation.

6.    Pain during sex

Painful sex for women is not normal, some women thinks that it’s just a part of life for them but its not. It may actually point to an underlying condition, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. So it’s important to check with your doctor if you are experiencing painful sex often.

7.    PCOS

PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) is one of the most common, but treatable, causes of infertility in women. In women with PCOS, the hormonal imbalance interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation). If you don’t ovulate, you can’t get pregnant. Check with your health care provider for the suitable treatment for you.

15 things to consider while trying to get pregnant

8.    Vaginal infection and itchiness

Vaginal itchiness and soreness with the white discharge can be vaginal infection which should be treated on time to prevent serious problem like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and mycoplasma can eventually lead to infertility. 

9.    Obesity

Obesity, also called corpulence or fatness, which can negatively affect your chances of conceiving. Women who are overweight have a lower probability of conceiving and are at a higher risk for issues during pregnancy than those without weight issues.

10.    Other medical conditions

Some medical conditions that can affect fertility in women are:

• Thyroid problems
• Fallopian Tube blockage
• Endometriosis
• Any type of cancer or tumor

7 Symptoms of infertility in men

Men’s infertility may go unnoticed until they tries to have a baby. Some of the symptoms if infertility in men includes:

1.    Hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalance can affect fertility in men also like women. Testosterone is a hormone that is responsible for male fertility, so problem with this hormone may lead to infertility. Other hormone like LH and FSH are responsible to make sperm. Any kind of hormonal imbalance can make it difficult to have a baby.

2.    Changes in sexual desire

Sexual desire is often associated with hormonal functions however any changes in that can be caused by hormonal issues which could indicate issues with fertility.

Are you Trying to get Pregnant? Increase the Chances of getting pregnant naturally

3.    Obesity

Obesity or overweight can also affect reproductive health in men like women. It can affect the sperm quality and can also cause sexual dysfunction.

4.    Erectile dysfunction

A man’s ability to maintain an erection is often linked to his hormone levels. Hormonal changes, psychological factors, or physical issues may make it difficult to get or keep an erection. However, If this becomes a regular occurrence, it may interfere with sexual intercourse or be a sign of an underlying issue.

5.    Problem with ejaculation

Having difficulty ejaculating or noticing changes in the ejaculate can also be sign of infertility.

6.    Pain in testicles

Swollen, painful, or tender testicles may be a sign of an underlying issue, such as an infection, that can also impact sperm quality and male fertility.

7.    Testicles health

Healthy testicles are an important aspect of male fertility. Small or firm testicles that feel “tight” may be another sign of hormone issues.

Other factors in women and men infertility

There are some of the external factors also that affect reproductive health like

• Age
• Genetics
• Smoking
• Poor diet
• Alcohol consumption
• Physical activity
• Certain medications
• History of sexually transmitted infections

When to see a doctor

On an average it can take up to 6 to 12 months.

1. Check with your doctor if you are trying from more than 12 months and your age is less than 35. But if your age is more than 35 then it is advised to wait only for 6 months. But still it’s not a standard time lines and don’t be stressed about these also because stress can also delay the process.
2. If you think that u can have some fertility issues then go to the doctor and check for fertility tests.
3. If you have any genetic or medical condition.

The post Symptoms of infertility in men and women: How to know if you are infertile? appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

Even if you’re not facing infertility but are trying to conceive or planning to start trying, it’s a great idea to take steps to boost you and your partner’s fertility using healthy, natural methods.

Here are 14 natural ways to increase fertility and get pregnant faster.

1.   Healthy body, healthy mind

If your body feels healthy, your mind will be healthy and stress free. Try to stay fit and in shape, if you are overweight, try to reduce it. Eat as much as healthy food that you can.

Eat food rich in antioxidants. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains are packed full of beneficial antioxidants like vitamins C and E, folate, beta carotene, and lutein. Eating more of these healthy foods shouldn’t hurt in the effort.

2.   Be active

Another way to stay fit is to be active and include exercise in your routine. Being overweight and underweight both can decrease fertility. Getting the right amount of exercise can do wonders for your mood, well-being and it can may even help in increasing fertility naturally. If you are struggling with PCOD or any other hormonal issues, exercise can help in that.

3.   Cut down caffeine intake and quit smoking and alcohol

Increase intake of caffeine can impact fertility. And if u smoke and drink alcohol then u should stop them to conceive fast and increase fertility. Anything that is bad for your health can affect your fertility. Try to avoid everything that is not necessary and can hurt your health.

4.   Meditation

Try mediation to give your mind break. Pregnancy is not an easy task. You can get anxious, stressed and studies shows that high level of stress can make it difficult to get pregnant. Try to balance out your lifestyle to reduce stress.

5.   Include natural supplements

There are certain natural supplements available that can increase fertility. Always check with your doctor about natural supplements suitable for you.

Some of them are below

• Royal jelly: Royal jelly, which is also made by bees, is packed with amino acids, lipids, sugars, vitamins, fatty acids, iron, and calcium.
• Maca: Maca comes from a plant grown in central Peru. Some animal studies found it improved fertility, but results from human studies are mixed.
• Bee propolis: A study of women with endometriosis found that taking bee propolis twice a day resulted in 40% more chances of becoming pregnant after 9 months.
• Bee pollen: Bee pollen has been linked to improved immunity, fertility, and overall nutrition. One animal study found that consuming bee pollen was linked to improved sperm quality and male fertility.

11 best supplements to consider for improving women fertility

6.   Consume healthy fat and high fat dairy

A great method to increase fertility naturally as well as your overall well-being is to eat a whole foods diet and include healthy fats.

High intakes of low-fat dairy foods may increase the risk of infertility, whereas high fat dairy foods may decrease it. Try to replace at least one serving of low-fat dairy with high fat dairy serving.

7.   Look for your protein

Protein is an integral part of your diet, but you should try to consume protein sources other than meat to reduce the risk of infertility. Replacing some animal proteins (such as meat, fish, and eggs) with vegetable protein sources (such as beans, nuts, and seeds) can help to reduce the risk of infertility and helps in increasing fertility.

8.   Increase fiber and take a look at your carbs

Fibers are good for everybody’s diet. By increasing your fiber intake while trying to conceive can improve your chances of getting pregnant. Food that has high levels of fiber includes fruit and veggies, whole grains, and beans. Try to include them in your diet but make sure not go overload with them as it can impact negatively also.

Speaking about carbs: two things to notice in that, one is the type of carbs and other is the number of carbs that you are eating every day. You should avoid refine carbs in your diet and try to focus on low carbs diet in order to increase your fertility and improve hormonal level in women with PCOD.

15 Things to consider while trying to get pregnant

9.   Focus on good sleep

Having enough sleep is good for everyone. Doctors recommend women to get at least 8 to 9 hours sleep every day in order to balance out hormones in the body and to improve fertility.

10.   Focus on men fertility also

This is the mistake that most of the couple makes. They do everything to improve women health in order to ensure a healthy pregnancy but forget to focus on guys health. Men health is equally important for healthy pregnancy. Men should also opt for healthy eating, exercises, good sleep, low stress and can also try some natural supplements to ensure sperm quality and count.

11.   Come off the birth control pill as soon as possible

If you are thinking for pregnancy then you should come off the birth control pill at least a month before. And if u can stop the pill four months before trying, that will be best. It will give your body enough time to get adjusted and will improve your chances of getting pregnant fast.

12.   Drink lots of water

By drinking lots of water will help your body to eliminate toxins. You should drink good amounts of water if you are planning to have a baby. Water not only keeps the uterus healthy, but it also helps in increasing cervical mucus. Drink at least 8 glass of water a day and try to increase that up to 12 glasses.

13.   Go and relax in sun

Vitamin-D is very important nutrients for body. Many studies have shown the impact of Vitamin-D deficiency on female fertility. The best way to get Vitamin D into your system is by relaxing in the early morning sunlight for 10 minutes, or you can even eat vitamin D-rich foods such as egg yolk, cheese and cow milk. However, make sure not to take too much Vitamin D, as that can have an adverse impact as well.

Are you trying to get pregnant? Increase your chances of getting pregnant

14.   Food, Spices and Herbs that can help

Below are some foods, spices and herbs that can help in increasing fertility in both men and women

• Fennel and butter: This combination is ideal to improve fertility in women who are overweight or heavy. You may take ½ tbsp. fennel powder and mix it with 2 parts of pure butter and consume this mixture for three to four months.
• Chaste berry: Chaste berry is very beneficial for women who struggle with hormonal imbalance. Take a spoonful of dried chaste berry and infuse it for 10 minutes in boiling water. Drink this tea once a day for a few weeks to enhance fertility.
• Holy Basil: Holy basil has been used to cure various medical ailments and health conditions. Few leaves of holy basil can be chewed daily, followed by a glass of milk to improve your chances of getting pregnant, or you can take few holy Basil early in the morning with warm water.
• Rock salt: You can use rock salt to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Rock salt can be effective in fighting infertility in women, as rock salt has many essential minerals in it like calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron. You may take a spoonful of rock salt and soak it in a glass of water. You can have this early in the morning for few months.
• Nutmeg: Nutmeg has some heating properties that can help in female infertility. You may take equal amounts of nutmeg powder and sugar powder (approximately 3 grams each) and take it with one cup milk (preferably cow’s milk) during your periods.
• Garlic: Garlic is antioxidant which is good for improving fertility in both men and women. It improves sperm and egg quality. You may take 4 to 5 cloves of garlic and chew it. Drink a glass of warm milk after chewing the garlic cloves.
• Cinnamon: This spice helps in better functioning of the female ovaries and thus helps in coping with infertility. It is used in the treatment of PCOS. You can add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of warm water and drink this tea for a few months.
• Pomegranate: Pomegranates are packed with Vitamins C and K, as well as plenty of antioxidants, folate, and potassium. They help to increase female fertility and also help in thickening the uterine lining, which reduces the chances of miscarriage. Take equal amounts of the bark of the pomegranate tree and seeds, and make a powder. Take half a teaspoon of this powder daily for a few weeks. You can also consume pomegranate daily.
• Dates: Dates are very nutrients and power food that may help you in conceiving and also helpful during pregnancy. Grind 10-12 seedless dates with two spoons of coriander roots. You can add this paste to a cup of cow’s milk and boil it. Take this mixture for a week after your period gets over. This will help in improving fertility.
• Maca roots: This root can help in balancing the hormonal levels of the body and increasing sperm count and motility, thus improving fertility. You may take half a teaspoon of maca root powder with a cup of warm water or milk. During pregnancy you should not take this.

These home remedies can help in your overall health and in improving fertility. But it is always recommended to consult with your doctor first before adopting any of the above remedies.

I wish you luck in this journey of conception and hope for positive results. With the above 14 remedies you can make this journey easy. However, you should always consult your health care provider before any chances that u wants to make. It is always recommended to follow a healthy diet, reduce stress and some physical exercises to stay fit.

The post 14 Natural ways to increase fertility and get pregnant fast appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

Below are some of the most popular supplements for fertility, which you can consider when trying to get pregnant.

1.   Folic acid + Foliate

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, which is actually a group of b-vitamin known as B9. It’s a critical supplement for women who want to get pregnant. “Folate supplementation prior to conception can improve your chance for getting pregnant, improved success with fertility treatments, and reduced risk of neural tube defects in the baby”. Hence, it’s important for all women of reproductive age who may become pregnant to take a supplement of at least 400 mcg (micrograms) daily. Taking a multivitamin that contains folic acid is also correlated with less ovulation-related infertility. 

2.   Vitamin-D supplements

The best way to get natural vitamin-D is to get exposure of sun. These days vitamin-D deficiency is very common due to indoor lifestyle. Vitamin-D is essential for healthy development as well as plays a very important role in fertility.

Research has shown that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with infertility in both men and women, so it’s important to be tested for vitamin D deficiency. Check with your health care provider about the dosage that you need according to your test. vitamin-D supplement is very important for fertility in both men and women.

3.   Probiotics

Probiotics are used to improve digestive health. Expert says, most of the problem occurs due to poor digestion. Digestion also play an important role in both female and male fertility. Probiotics can help reduce Inflammation which improves fertility. Chronic inflammation is associated with a wide range of health concerns. When a woman experiences chronic inflammation, it can affect her cycles and immune system, which can make it more difficult to conceive. It is also important to check for your digestive health and incorporate a healthy life style in order to get a healthy pregnancy.

Symptoms of infertility in men and women : how to know if you are infertile?

4.   Magnesium

Like vitamins, minerals are also vital for healthy growth and development. Magnesium has sometimes been called “the hormone of pregnancy.” This element helps with ensuring the right amount of blood flow to the uterus. It is also crucial for the production of progesterone, which is important for a healthy menstrual cycle. This is why magnesium is an important supplement for fertility.

In addition to improving basic body functions, proper magnesium intake can prevent premature birth, help prevent certain birth defects, and reduce the chances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

So not only is magnesium important for increasing your chances of a successful pregnancy, it can also improve the health of your baby.

5.   Coq10

Coq10 is an enzyme, that your body produce on its own, helps in promoting healthy heart. And this is also another fertility supplement that’s effective for both men and women who are trying to conceive. “Studies show CoQ10 increases sperm count and improves morphology”. Recommended doses that men can take is 200mg of CoQ10 twice daily to enhance semen quality.

6.   Supplements of Omega-3s

Omega-3s fatty acid help ovarian follicles in releasing eggs. These are essential because our body can not produce them naturally. They help in increasing blood flow to the uterus, and balance out our body hormones. Mainly omega-3s can be found in fish oils.

15 things to consider while trying to get pregnant

7.   B-vitamins

Earlier as mentioned about folic acid, a form of vitamin B-9, is important before and during pregnancy. But other fertility supplement which is B vitamins play a role in too.

The entire group of B vitamins is thought to aid your ovaries in releasing an egg around ovulation. B6 in particular also increases levels of progesterone, which is necessary to maintain your pregnancy once you conceive.

8.   Vitamin-E supplement

Vitamin-E is very common in skincare products, because it works to repair cells, which also makes it effective as a fertility supplement. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that may promote sperm function in men and support general reproductive health. For women who are trying to conceive later in life, they may benefit from supplementing with Vitamin E so that they can support egg quality.

9.   Iron and Zinc

Low level of iron can make you anemic. Low level of iron before conception can contribute to lack of ovulation.  Iron deficiency can cause ovulatory infertility. A long-term study of women showed that supplementing with iron appeared to decrease the risk of ovulatory infertility.

Zinc is a must-have fertility supplement for men because it helps improve sperm motility and boosts the general quality of sperm. It’s equally important for female reproductive health. Men with low zinc levels can have low sperm counts and quality. If you see white spots on your nails, she cautions, you may have a zinc deficiency. Studies found that taking 66 mg of zinc every day along with 5 mg folic acid significantly increased sperm count.

13 home remedies for irregular period and fertility.

10.   Vitamin-C Supplements

This is an immunity boosting vitamin that helps in iron absorption and progesterone production. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce cellular damage throughout the body. For women Vitamin-C supplement helps to promote fertility and in men, it helps improve sperm health and motility.

11.   Selenium

Selenium is a mineral that plays an important role in reproductive health. It improves semen quality and reduce risk of miscarriage. It is Great for aiding sperm motility in guys and estrogen metabolism in ladies. The antioxidant powers of selenium are just as important for men as they are for women. “Low selenium in men can cause infertility by lowering sperm motility and semen quality”.

Risk factors associated with fertility supplements

Most of the vitamins and mineral can be purchased over the counter without prescription. But they are not always safe to take. They can interact with other medicines that you are already taking and it’s also possible to take in excessive doses to the point of harm.

To avoid overstepping these bounds, follow dosage instructions on a supplements label, and always consult your doctor before beginning a new vitamin or supplement. It is highly recommended to take a good quality of pre-natal vitamins.

14 natural ways to increase fertility and get pregnant fast

Note

When you are trying to conceive, they are so many factors to consider. But on other side there are so many other factors that you can’t control like your age, genetics, hormones some more. It is always recommended to check with your doctor first before self-medicating and boost your chances of healthy pregnancy.

The post 11 best fertility supplements to consider for improving women health appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

• Can I get pregnant?
• How will I calculate my ovulation date?
• Am I fertile enough?
• Should I be concerned about this?
• When to take a pregnancy test?
• Should I go to doctor before even trying for a year because usually it is said that on an average it can take a year to get pregnant.

and many other questions.

Don’t worry about that. Here I will try to answer each of the questions that can come in mind while trying for baby and if u have irregular period.

But before that

Let me tell me what irregular periods are in short:

A period is considered irregular if the gap between starting of your periods keeps changing. Your cycle is counted from the first day of your last period to the start of your next period. Mostly, each period last between four to seven days in women.

Your period is considered irregular if

• If your cycle is of less than 21 days or more than 35 days.
• Period last more than seven days
• You missed three or more period in a row
• The length of your cycle keeps changing since more than 6 months

You are getting less than 8 cycles in a year.

Can you get pregnant with irregular period?

The answer is simply yes, of course. Irregular periods don’t always mean infertility. It can be little harder to get pregnant but doesn’t mean infertility. Many women get pregnant with irregular period including me, and have normal pregnancy. Now I am also a mother of 3 year old.

Having irregular period doesn’t mean you are not ovulating. The only concern is that your ovulation is unpredictable and you can’t predict correctly when are you ovulating and when not.

All women, especially women with irregular periods, can ovulate at different points from cycle to cycle. That makes it impossible for a woman to know when she is most fertile. Irregular periods also can make it hard for a girl to know if she is pregnant, since she doesn’t know when to expect her period. So if you have irregular period and trying to get pregnant, this doesn’t mean you cannot get pregnant.

How can u track ovulation days with irregular period?

Another question that comes in mind while trying for a baby is how I can calculate ovulation with irregular period when trying to get pregnant. A girl having regular cycle ovulates 14 days before the date of next cycle. Like a girl with 28 days cycle ovulate on 14^th day and girl with 35 day cycle ovulate on 21^st day. But with irregular period cycle is unpredictable. But there are many other ways to calculate ovulation that I have mentioned below:

1.    Calendar  method:

Even though your periods are irregular it’s always good to maintain a calendar and keep tracking your cycle. This will give you an average idea of your cycle and there will be times when similar patterns are encountered, during the course of monthly cycles. And this data is also very important for your doctor if you further receive any treatment.

2.    Cervical mucus changes

This is another way to calculate ovulation. Your cervical mucus changes when you ovulate. Cervical mucus during the first few days after your menstrual cycle will be dry. Your cervical mucus will begin to increase.  During ovulation, the cervical mucus will be, slippery, clear, and stretchy like egg white consistency.

3.    Basal body temperature

Another method is to keep tracking your basal body temperature. Your body temperature fluctuates with the onset of ovulation. If you are tracking your basal body temperature, you will find a spike in temperature as ovulation occurs.  This lets you know that ovulation is occurring.

3.    Ovulation predication kits

Now a day’s many ovulation predictor kits and fertility monitors are available in the market. The concept behind using these predictor kits is to measure the Luteinizing Hormone or LH which is typically present in urine, one or two days prior to the ovulation timeline. The kits detect a substantial spike in LH levels and identify that ovulation is around the corner.

However, calculating exact ovulation date with irregular period is quite challenging. But all the methods above can make the task bit easier.

Are irregular periods means infertility?

As I already mentioned above that a woman can get pregnant with irregular period but it can take bit longer than a woman with regular cycle.

Irregular period is a sign of infertility but it doesn’t mean that every woman with irregular period is infertile. Yes, there are exceptions in every situation. I am also having irregular period but I am not infertile, now I have a very naughty 3 year old boy.

If you have sex without using contraception, you can get pregnant at any time during your menstrual cycle, even during or just after your period.

A Woman can get pregnant with an irregular periods. However, the ability to get pregnant decreases significantly. The disadvantage is ovulation becomes difficult to determine. The pregnancy success rate of a healthy woman with a regular cycle is 30%.  This decreases exponentially if periods are unpredictable.

One of the main causes of an irregular period is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is an imbalance in the hormones controlling the reproductive system. PCOS causes irregular ovulation, cysts on ovaries, bleeding, and infertility. Research shows PCOS cases double miscarriages and premature deliveries. There are many other causes of irregular period apart from PCOD.

Having an irregular cycle, including missing periods, can contribute to infertility. It means a woman may not be regularly ovulating. So it is always advisable to check with your doctor if you have irregular period and facing any difficulties in conceiving since more than one or two year.

Should you worry about irregular period and trying to get pregnant with this?

Irregular periods are not always a sign of problem but its best to check with your doctor to ensure about your health.

Irregular periods are concerning. If you are concern about getting pregnant than seeking advice from your OB/GYN doctors can help increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Missing periods can also be a sign of an underlying medical issue. There’s no need to panic. Take action early.

Lifestyle is another cause of irregular periods. Excessive exercise and dieting can create irregular periods or stop them entirely. High-performance athletes often suffer from irregular periods. Stress, weight gain, and weight loss have adverse effects on the body including your periods.

When to take a pregnancy test with irregular period?

Another problem with irregular period is you don’t know when your next cycle will start and you don’t know when to take a pregnancy test.

If you have irregular periods, try counting 36 days from the start of your last menstrual cycle or four weeks from the time you had sex. At this point, if you are pregnant, your levels of hCG should be high enough to detect the pregnancy.

If your test says you are not pregnant, but you still think you may be pregnant, wait a few more days and take another pregnancy test or you can go for a blood test as well.

Do irregular periods affect the health of a pregnancy?

They can and cannot. Its highly depend on the cause of your irregular cycle. If the cause is unknown to you and your doctor than you may not have increased risk of pregnancy but it’s always best to discuss with your doctor about the possible complications.

Most common cause of irregular cycle is PCOS and pregnancy with PCOS has higher chances of:

• Miscarriage
• Pre-mature birth
• Gestational diabetes

When should you visit to the doctor when trying to conceive with irregular menstrual cycle?

Trying for a baby with irregular period can be stressful but believe me stress can only do bad for you and your health. A woman with regular period can take a whole year to get pregnant but when you have irregular period it can take long time.

You should visit to doctor if:

• You think you are not ovulating
• Have very long cycle and trying to conceive since long time like more than a year
• Experiencing painful period
• You missed more than 3 period but not pregnant
• History of miscarriages
• you think you have fertility issue so it’s always better to rule out the cause of underline problem
• If you are suffering from PCOD and facing problem in conceiving
• Your age is more than 35 years.

When you are thinking about getting pregnant with irregular period, it is always advisable to check with your doctor as early as possible to check the cause of irregular cycle. So if there are any fertility related issues you can take action on time and can increase the chances of conceiving.

The primary sign of infertility is not getting pregnant after trying for a certain length of time. A doctor may diagnose infertility if a woman has not become pregnant after 1 year of trying.

If the woman is over the age of 35 years old, she may be infertile if she has not become pregnant after 6 months of trying.

The post Getting pregnant with irregular period? FAQs about irregular periods appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

By following below advice, you can

• Improve your chances of getting pregnant
• Improve your fertility
• You can save yourself from a problematic pregnancy to some sort.
• Improve overall health of your new member

The most important advice for a woman who wants to get pregnant is to get to know her body, specifically her menstrual cycle, so she can more accurately observe her fertile days and intercourse to get pregnant.

Things to check when trying to get pregnant

Here are my top 15 tips to consider while trying to get pregnant. The sooner you incorporate these changes, better it is.

1.     If you are overweight then work on your body

If you are fit then that’s good but if you are not then you should try to fix it. Pregnancy puts a lot of strain on your body so getting fit before getting pregnancy will help you a lot after conceiving. You should keep your body active, do exercises or yoga. Eat well, sleep well and avoid fried foods.

Research has shown that a woman who is overweight can take twice as long to become pregnant than a woman whose BMI is considered normal. And a woman who is underweight might take four times as long to conceive.

Having too much body fat produces excess estrogen, which can interfere with ovulation. Losing 5 to 10 percent of body weight before a woman starts trying to get pregnant could improve her fertility.  And Women who are too thin might not be getting regular periods or could stop ovulating.

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2.     If you smoke then quit as soon as possible

You have heard this many times, “smoking kills you slowly”. Smoking can affect the fertility in both man and women. It can damage the DNA of your baby. Smoking is one of the reasons of complicated pregnancy. If you can’t quit smoking by yourself then you should seek for help. 

3. Limit alcohol consumption while trying to get pregnant

As we all know large amount of alcohol is not good. However, doctors are not sure about the effect of small amount of alcohol. There is no such definition of small and large amount. Alcohol can react differently in different bodies. There is not much research on this topic that how it affects, so as of now safest option is to stop that or limit its consumption.

4. Go for a good prenatal vitamin

If you are thinking about getting pregnant in next few months then you should start investing in good multivitamins. Good multivitamins itself are packed with lots of nutrients crucial for healthy pregnancy. Like iron can help in anemia, calcium is good for healthy bones, and getting enough vitamin B before and in early pregnancy helps in reducing the brain and spine defects.

5.     Start taking Folic acid supplement

If you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s important that you take folic acid tablets for two to three months before you conceive. Folic acid is a vitamin (B9). It is found in certain foods and it can also be taken as tablets. Taking folic acid when planning a pregnancy will help your baby’s healthy growth and development.

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6.     Make a good sleep routine

Good sleep means healthy mind and healthy body. Try to take 7 to 8 hours sleep daily. Try to take naps whenever possible. As you know after having baby you can have multiple sleepless nights. So, it’s good to make a routine and improve your sleep habits.

7.     Incorporate exercise and do meditation

Being active by doing regular, moderate exercise before and after you conceive will help your fertility as well as benefiting your pregnancy and baby in the long term. Women who are physically active are more likely to have children than who are physically less active.

Do walking as much as possible and also keep in mind that heavy exercises are also not recommended. So be active but be careful also. Getting too much exercise or doing frequent strenuous workouts could interfere with ovulation. 

Doctors see a lot of menstrual disturbances in women who exercise heavily, and a lot of times these women need to cut back on their workouts if they want to become pregnant.

8.     Have sex every other day during fertile period when trying for pregnancy

Every woman has a fertile window of 6 days, 5 days before ovulation and 1 day after ovulation. During that fertile window every couple should have sex every other day while trying to get pregnant. There are lots of myths that one should have sex daily but research shows, it doesn’t make any difference whether you have sex every day or every other day. Other myth is that sex position matters, but actually it does not.

9.     Keep track of your menstrual cycle and fertile window

The key is to keep track of your cycle each month and check for your fertile window. There are so many ways for doing this. Some woman uses ovulation kits, basal body temperature check, cervical mucus change and so on. You can also maintain your calendar every month. There so many apps are also available but these app are not always accurate, so make sure to not rely only on these apps. By keeping track and having sex in most fertile days will increase your chances of getting pregnant.

10.     Be aware about age and fertility related issues

As we grow older many things happen in the body. Same happen to women, as they get older their fertility decreases and quality of egg also decreases. With age, there are increase risk of heath related issues also. The decline in the fertility doesn’t mean that one cannot get pregnant, it means it takes longer to get pregnant. In the beginning of 30s, there is slight decline in fertility and a sharper decline after 40s.

11.     Eat healthy food

Healthy diet is not a diet, it’s a lifestyle that is always suggested to follow. There is no strict diet to follow when trying to get pregnant. Try to eat variety of healthy foods to prepare your body for pregnancy.  Eat variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, healthy fat, whole grain and dairy. Also include supplements in your diet. Try to eat diet rich of protein, iron, calcium and other vitamin/minerals.

12.     Stay relax and keep away from stress

Stress is the root cause of many problems and it can give birth to many more. Try to stay calm, reduce stress by doing light yoga and meditation. Listen to music, it helps in relaxing brain. Read good books, go for walk, meet people, talk about your worries to your loved ones and get out of any kind of stress. Stress can really reduce your fertility. Stress can delay the process of getting pregnant.

13.     Avoid some foods when trying to get pregnant

It is advised to avoid certain type of food while trying to get pregnant and during pregnancy. Some of them are listed below.

• Raw egg, undercooked meat or raw shell fish
• Liver products
• Supplements that are not labeled for pregnancy
• Any unprescribed medication

Always eat washed fruits and vegetables to stay away from any kind of infections

14.     Check your vaginal health before trying to get pregnant

Vaginal dryness is very common among women. It is important to check with your doctor about your vaginal health before trying to get pregnant. When you are trying for baby, vaginal dryness can be worse because of frequent intercourse. Some people even try to use lubricants, but they can also be harmful for sperm, so be sure to use sperm-friendly lubricants.

 I can even relate myself to this. When I was trying to conceive, I was not aware about this and after 6 months of trying I went to my doctor and guess what, it was an infection. My doctor treated me for that infection and the very next month I got pregnant.  small things can make big changes. If you are between age 25 to 45, it is advised to have a vaginal screening test every three years. It is best to get the test before trying to get pregnant.

15.     Limit your caffeine intake

Research shows that consuming too much caffeine while you are trying to conceive can increase the risk of miscarriage. This rule applies to both man and women. If you’re planning to conceive, you and your partner should consider limiting your caffeine intake to 200mg a day.

Note

It is also important to consider your partner health for healthy pregnancy. If you are having any doubt regarding men health and low sperm count then it is important to check with your doctor and also consider his fertility. He can also take some steps and make changes to his lifestyle for a healthy pregnancy and healthy future of baby.  

When to seek medical help

Consider the points below to know when you should visit to your doctor and get an expert opinion.

1. Check with your doctor if you are trying from more than 12 months and your age is less than 35. But if your age is more than 35 then it is advised to wait only for 6 months. But still it’s not a standard time lines and don’t be stressed about these also because stress can also delay the process.
2. If you think that u can have some fertility issues then go to the doctor and check about for fertility tests.
3. For any genetic or medical condition
4. If you are having a history of miscarriages.

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