Unexplained Infertility: How Diet & Exercise Could Boost Your Chances Of Conceiving - ReUnite Rx (2025)

Is There Really No Explanation For Your Infertility?

Statistics show that more than 16% of couples struggle with conceiving after at least 12 months of trying. For some, there is a clear underlying reason, but for about 30% of cases, the diagnosis is unexplained infertility. To receive this diagnosis, a fertility specialist first performs comprehensive blood and physical tests. Some will analyze sperm and eggs to look for potential reasons for infertility. If the tests reveal no hormone challenges or physical conditions, the conclusion is unexplained. Receiving no clear explanation for infertility can be frustrating. However, doctors believe there is merit in making simple lifestyle changes first to boost the chances of conceiving.

Can these lifestyle changes tame your troubles?

Unexplained infertility can sometimes mean that the body requires more balance, which can be achieved by making some lifestyle changes. Improving diet and increasing exercise are simple ways to improve overall health and possibly reproductive health, too. A healthier diet ensures the body receives the vitamins and nutrients needed for sperm and egg production. Exercise is also proven to improve general health markers, which can set the stage for higher conception rates. Making smart, consistent choices can also reveal the underlying reasons for infertility. This helps doctors with a more precise diagnosis and treatment plan.

Eat your way to a positive pregnancy test

The standard American diet often lacks the vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health. Reproductive health is no exception. Doctors recommend dietary changes for couples who are struggling to conceive. Perhaps the most potent option is a whole-food diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. For instance, studies show that the Mediterranean diet, which encompasses these foods, may improve fertility for men and women. This diet may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can impact fertility. Adding more antioxidant-rich foods like berries, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens may improve sperm and egg quality.

Achieving a fertility-friendly BMI with exercise

Along with diet, exercise can help improve reproductive health. Couples with unexplained infertility will see some value in adding a consistent exercise routine. More than 1 in 3 men and 1 in 4 women are medically overweight. Numerous studies also show the link between fertility and obesity. While fertility markers may look healthy, achieving a lower body mass index (BMI) may boost the chances of conceiving. Consider low-impact exercises like walking, biking, or swimming, which can help with weight loss. Incorporate weekly resistance training, such as weightlifting or calisthenics. These exercises increase muscle mass, regulate hormones, and set the stage for improved conception rates.

Ditch the toxic takeout

Taking away the takeaway may help improve the chances of conceiving. Processed foods, junk food, and fast food may contain harmful ingredients that slowly sap fertility. These foods are high in calories, carbohydrates, and trans fats, which leads to weight gain, insulin resistance, and hormone imbalances. These foods can also contain hidden chemicals like phthalates and endocrine disruptors while being devoid of vitamins and minerals. Men and women can experience challenges conceiving despite showing no apparent signs of reduced fertility. Ditching fast food for healthier homemade options or reducing intake for special occasions may be necessary for reproductive health.

Find the right exercise balance

While exercise has multiple health benefits, there are dangers to overtraining, especially concerning fertility. Women who participate in intense daily exercise or endurance training will experience hormone disruptions leading to missed periods. As a result, women in some disciplines may have trouble conceiving. While less uncommon, men can also experience fertility challenges when overtraining. The increased stress can raise cortisol levels and inflammation, leading to sperm damage. When looking to conceive, finding the right balance of exercise is essential.

You may still need ART

Making changes to diet and exercise can help. Many cases see success after several months of consistent lifestyle changes. Some couples need additional help, so assisted reproductive technology (ART) may be necessary. ART consists of medical techniques that handle eggs, sperm, or embryos outside the body to increase the chances of pregnancy. Common examples include in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ISCI), which all have positive outcomes. A fertility clinic will discuss the best treatment options based on age, health, and underlying factors potentially causing unexplained infertility.

Don’t sleep on diet and exercise for unexplained fertility

With unexplained infertility, there is no apparent reason why a couple cannot conceive. The couple may have excellent reproductive health on the surface. However, there may be some underlying factors delaying conception. Making lifestyle changes such as improving diet and incorporating exercise can help. The body can achieve homeostasis, so conceiving becomes easier. Stick to a whole-food diet and moderate exercise while reducing stress. If all else fails, consider ART or other forms of fertility treatment to take pregnancy over the line.

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