Men should avoid the following because they can lower sperm count by as much as 40% each:
*Long bike rides
*Sitting in the hot tub
*Keeping a cell phone, pager or similar electronic device in your pocket or on your waist

Women should avoid:
*Drinking milk and soy milk-- increases infertility in women
*Eating peas and spinach--some cultures use those foods for contraceptive purposes!
*Sitting in the hot tub
*Douche

Both men and women should avoid:
*Lubricants -- they kill sperm. If you need something use olive oil or egg whites
*Caffeine -- this can reduce your chance of conceiving up to 1/3 if either partner is consuming caffeine!
*Stress
*Alcohol
*Illegal drugs
*Being over-weight or under-weight
*Herbs
*Smoking

Men and Women should not avoid these:
*Vitamins -- women should be taking a good prenatal vitamin and men should be taking a vitamin that contains Vitamin C, E and Zinc
*Two cups of tea daily -- it can double your chances of conveiving due to it's antioxidants! Raspberry Leaf Tea and Green Tea are helpful for female fertility!
*Get plenty of sleep, at least 8 hours a night
*Relaxation -- yoga and relaxation techniques, listening to calming music, deep breathing, journalling, etc.
*Eat well balanced meals
*Exercise regularly (but avoid the bikes, men)
*Have sex -- it not only boosts your immune system but is essential for getting pregnant!
*Be grateful -- an attitude of gratitude will go a long way in helping your mental, emotional and physical health; count your blessings and don't get too focused and discouraged on what isn't happening yet.

Remember that for most couples under the age of 35 pregnancy will occur 85% of the time within the first year. In most cases, it takes months of "trying" before conceiving. Female fertility begins to decrease after age 27 and male fertility after age 35. Women are only fertile for about 12-24 hours each cycle, if you are tracking your ovulation you will want to have a good supply of sperm already waiting for the egg when it is released.

In order to help the sperm get to where they need to go it is best to follow these steps:
1. Avoid lubricants -- use olive oil or egg whites
2. Learn from the missionaries -- women should lay on their back during intercourse
3. After intercourse the woman should lay down for up to 30 minutes. Some people say it is more effective to lay on a SMALL pillow, don't use a large pillow or stand on your head -- that will put the sperm in the wrong place and they can't fertilize the egg.

For help in tracking your fertility:
Fertility Friend
Clues to Fertility
Frequently Asked Questions

Info on Female Infertility.
Inf on Male Infertility.

These tips will help increase fertility for most everyone, but for serious fertility problems you will of course want to see a medical doctor.

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