Combating Infertility with Food

Written by: Caitlin Harley; SLU Dietetic Intern

Infertility is a topic that is often discussed when a couple is having complications when trying to conceive, thus they are unable to conceive after 1 year of trying or after 6 months of trying after the age of 35 years old. Infertility affects between 20-30% of the female population and it is known for about 15% of men experience infertility. There are several factors that affect fertility.

For women and men, some of the major factors that contribute to infertility is…

• Their age – conception starts to decrease between the ages of 25-30 years old
• Smoking, Coffee, and Alcohol Abuse – All three of these decrease fertility in women due to decline in ovarian reserves, decreases oocyte maturation, and increased risk of pregnancy loss
• Stress – anxiety and depression can be linked to infertile and can alter oocyte maturation in women
• Body Weight/Obesity – In men, it shown that it can lead to decreased testosterone and fewer spermatozoa, decreased sperm motility, and decrease sperm quality. In women, there is a higher miscarriage rate, premature births, and decreased oocyte maturation.
• Environmental Factors – reduced fertility and recurrent miscarriages

To decrease the risk of infertility, there are foods facilitating an increase in fertility! These foods are…

• Fiber-Rich Complex Carbohydrates – an increase amount of fiber in the day has been associated with more frequent ovulatory cycles and decrease risk of anovulatory infertility
• Full Fat Dairy – lower risk of infertility and ovulatory infertility in women
• Plant Based Protein – swapping out animal protein for plant protein
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids – In women, it can help oocyte quality and increase ability to embryo develop. In men, omega-6s can be linked to increase sperm motility, count, and morphology.
• Antioxidants – reduces oxidative stress leading to a reduction of reproductive complications and in men reduced sperm damage

With a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, dairy, and complex carbohydrates, it can lead to an increase in fertility if a couple is struggling to conceive for longer than a year or after 6 months being greater than 35 years old. There are lifestyle modifications that can be made such as weight loss, decreasing alcohol consumption, being more active, and trying to reduce stress when able to that can increase fertility as well. By taking these steps in the right direction, you can combat infertility with food choices and lifestyle modifications.

Sources:

Agarwal, A., Mulgund, A., Hamada, A., & Chyatte, M. R. (2015). A unique view on male infertility around the globe. Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E, 13, 37. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-015-0032-1

Ferramosca, A., & Zara, V. (2022). Diet and Male Fertility: The Impact of Nutrients and Antioxidants on Sperm Energetic Metabolism. International journal of molecular sciences, 23(5), 2542. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23052542

Silvestris, E., Lovero, D., & Palmirotta, R. (2019). Nutrition and Female Fertility: An Interdependent Correlation. Frontiers in endocrinology, 10, 346. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2019.00346