They may be an array of reasons why a couple fails to conceive after months or years of unprotected sex. If a medical issue is the reason, then understandably, it has to be addressed before proceeding to try and conceive. However, in many cases, no medical issues are detected and there seem to be no reason for the failure to conceive.

In cases like these, it could be just a matter of detrimental habits or lifestyle issues which get in the way of a pregnancy. This means that a few changes in your everyday life may increase your chances of conceiving! The following are eight ways you can make some positive changes to your lifestyle and attitude too, which may help in your efforts to get pregnant.

Stop obsessing on the right time

When you’re trying to conceive, you may fall into the habit of obsessing about ‘the right time to do it’. Putting too much emphasize into one’s fertile time not only takes the fun out of sex, but it stresses you out too! Our advice is to just have sex as often as you want. Women in general are able to get pregnant even in the pre-ovulatory phase, so just spread the time for your bedroom actions a little wider. Besides, if couples are only trying to conceive following the luteinising hormone surge (LH surge), they may limit their chances of getting pregnant. Having sexual intercourse several days before and after the LH surge could significantly improve the odds.

Go on a healthier, baby-friendly diet.

It is believed that fresh organic food will help you absorb key antioxidants and nutrients that are beneficial when trying to conceive. Organic foods also lets you reduce the intake of pesticides, which have a negative impact of fertility

Foods with zinc improve the maturity and health of eggs. You will find that turkey, chicken breasts and nuts are all rich in zinc. Selenium is essential for sperm formation and testosterone and it can be found in Brazil nuts, fish, eggs and mushrooms.

Yogurt, eggs, fresh salmon, kiwis, oranges, cabbages and asparagus boost vitamins B12 and C, which increase sperm count. Vitamin E, good for sperm mobility, is found in almonds, avocados and tomatoes.

Limit your alcohol consumption (or better still, abstain!)

While a glass of wine may help get you in the mood, do keep in mind that alcohol can have a negative effect on the reproductive system and damage one’s fertility. Even small amounts can affect the menstrual cycle and reduce the chance of conceiving. Drinking also lowers testosterone levels and sperm quality and quantity in men. Men trying for children should stay within a reasonable limit (3-4 units a day – a pint and a half of beer). If a woman trying to conceive chooses to drink, she should have no more than 1-2 units once or twice a week (two units equals to a 175ml glass of wine).

Put out those ciggies at once!

It is no secret that smokers are more likely to have fertility problems. The heavier of a smoker you are, the bigger the risk of having fertility problems. When you smoke, more than 7,000 chemicals spread through your body. Needless to say this is detrimental to your health in every way. Is it no surprise that smoking can easily hinder ovulation, damage eggs and reduce sperm motility. Hoping to hear the pitter patter of little feet in your home? Stop smoking now!

Maintain an ideal body weight

Being over or underweight can compromise fertility. A body mass index of 30 or over or less than 19 can slow down conception. Reducing a high BMI by 10% will have a huge effect on your chances of becoming pregnant, as well as improving the effectiveness of fertility treatments if you were to need them. A healthy, balanced diet together with regular exercise should help you get to your ideal weight and in turn increase your chances of conceiving!

Stay well hydrated

Water is the elixir of our life. It is the basis of our blood, which in turn feeds every part of our bodies. A dehydrated body is an unhealthy, tired body which will not function well and needless to say, will be of no help if you’re trying to conceive. As well as helping our reproductive system to work, water helps to increase cervical mucus, which helps sperm swim freely through the cervix to the egg.

Discontinue the Pill in time

It may take up to six months for full fertility to be restored after stopping the contraceptive pill. This means you will have to come off the pill at least six months before trying to conceive. If you wish to, try using alternative means of birth control in the meantime.

Stop stressing out about getting pregnant!

In times of stress, fertility can temporarily shut down, according to studies on fertility and why some women fail to get pregnant. Stress is capable of ceasing ovulation and disrupting hormone levels. Try deep breathing, yoga, meditation, massage or regular walks. Taking a break can also help. Ever wondered why many people struggle with fertility suddenly conceived while on vacation?

Enough said!