Though many couples are quick to jump to the worst conclusions as reasons for why they are unable to get pregnant as quickly as they originally hoped, Laurence Jacobs MD of Fertility Centers of Illinois says that while it is important to test for the many number of reasons why you and your spouse may be suffering from infertility, it is equally important to examine your lifestyle. In many ways, he explains, the areas of your life that are toxic to your health will also be toxic to your ability to conceive. One of the most crucial aspects to look at is your current diet and exercise routines. In females in particular, the pituitary gland controls the ovaries by creating certain hormones. In a woman who is obese or a woman who suffers from Polycystic ovary syndrome—which is also associated with weight problems—there is a subsequent condition that causes the body to develop problems with insulin. This, in turn, can interfere with ovulation and have a negative effect on egg quality. Therefore, Dr. Jacobs explains, if you can get your insulin levels under control, it will give you a higher chance for a successful and safe pregnancy. There are three techniques that may be used in combination with one another for you to lower your insulin levels prior to starting any fertility treatments. The first, Dr. Jacobs explains, is weight loss. Even a 10% weight loss has a very positive effect on your reproduction system. The second method is to increase your current exercise routine so that you are better utilizing the glucose in your body. Lastly, Dr. Jacobs says, there are medications such as Metformin that are used to help the body better manage insulin production. In the ideal scenario, he explains, if a woman can lose weight, it will help her chances of becoming pregnant a great deal. Not only will weight loss increase her chances of a natural pregnancy, he adds, but it will also help the body react more positively to in vitro fertilization therapy and fertility medications. To help patients at Fertility Centers of Illinois, a Chicago fertility clinic, shed pounds and achieve their desired results, Dr. Jacobs goes beyond just telling them to lose weight; he shows them how. By participating in his unique weight loss program known as “Fit and Fertile,” which combines practical exercise options with sensible, healthy changes in diet, patients have been able to shed excess fat, increase lean muscle tissue, and dramatically improve their ability to conceive. For more on the everyday alterations in your lifestyle that could increase your chances of becoming pregnant, speak with a fertility specialist as soon as possible. You may also find that you can benefit from working with a nutritionist who specializes in fertility and who can help you create a menu for healthy weight loss. The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
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