Optimising Fertility

Dr. Sudharani Bairraju 28 July 2026

Fertility is defined as a woman's ability to conceive. Factors to be considered for a good fertility outcome are:

Age is of utmost importance for good fertility outcome. (Not to postpone pregnancy beyond 30 yrs) Considering pregnancy before the age of 30. The peak fertile period is when a woman is in her 20s.
If planning to postpone pregnancy, the couple is recommended to consult a fertility specialist once so that basic fertility tests for both partners are carried out to ensure a good ovarian reserve and a normal sperm.
Maintain a healthy life style with good diet and regular exercise, maintaining a normal BMI.
To keep oneself stress free. Yoga and meditation helps in reducing stress.
To get timely help and advice from doctors in case of any menstrual disturbance or coital problems so that problem if any will be identified and treated accordingly.
To take care of any medical conditions with regular follow up with concerned doctors and keep it under control.
To consult a doctor in case of inability to conceive with one year (6 months if >35 yrs) unprotected intercourse.

Factors Influencing Fertility Positively

Good Antioxidant Rich Diet

Any coloured vegetable or fruit is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress reaction and thereby reduce production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS is known to have a detrimental effect on sperm and egg.

Green leafy vegetables

Spinach, Kale, Amaranthus, coriander, mint, lettuce, all microgreens.

Fresh Vegetables

Broccoli, carrots, potatoes, beet roots, avocadoes, tomatoes, cabbage, asparagus, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin, squash, artichokes, beans.

Fruits

Bael fruit, Banana, Pomegranate, Amla, grapes, blue berries, strawberries, raspberries.

Nuts

Walnuts are richest source of antioxidants, other like almonds, pistachios and hazelnuts in moderate amounts.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise helps in removing the oxygen free radicals and improves the quality of the egg and sperm.

Adequate Sleep and Rest

Adequate sleep and rest are as important as diet and exercise. A relaxed mind and body produces feel good hormones called endorphins which in turn reduces the stress hormone, cortisol.

Continue Working and Socialising

Continue working so that your mind is active and occupied and diverts your mind from thinking about pregnancy. Socialising with colleagues and friends helps in maintaining a good hormonal milieu in uterus and ovaries.

Factors Having Negative Impact on Fertility

Overweight / Obesity

Obese men and women have 2-3 times increased risk of infertility. Excess fat causes increased insulin resistance which in turn disturbs the production of normal physiological hormones for egg and sperm production. In women, it results in irregular periods, irregular egg development and release. In men, it results in reduced count, motility and abnormal sperm forms in the semen. Obesity also causes erectile dysfunction.

Smoking

Smoking is known to cause reduced ovarian reserve and early menopause. Studies have shown a lowered implantation rates increased miscarriage rates in smoking women. In men, it causes deterioration of sperm quality, increased sperm DNA fragmentation.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption causes irregularities in ovarian hormones, poor quality of the egg and embryo and lowered implantation and pregnancy rates. Increased risk of miscarriage because of poor embryo quality and poor quality of uterine lining. In men, it has negative effect on all semen parameters but also known to cause reduced libido, erectile dysfunctions.

Stress

The hormones released during stress causes reduction in production of sex hormones which are responsible for egg and sperm formation. In females it leads to altered menstrual cycles and infrequent egg release. In males stress is responsible for poor sperm concentration, motility and increased abnormal forms. Higher level of stress hormones also reduces the blood flow to the testes resulting in reduced male hormone (testosterone) which worsens the sperm quality.

To book a consultation with Dr. Sudharani Bairraju at Birthright Fertility by Rainbow Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, call 07337390606 / 080 69237022.

Written by Dr. Sudharani Bairraju, MBBS (Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupathi, 1997), DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology (St Theresa's General Hospital, Hyderabad, 2007), Postgraduate Certification in Clinical Embryology, Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgeries, Fellowship in Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Infertility (IVF) Specialist and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Birthright Fertility by Rainbow Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. Phone: 07337390606 / 080 69237022.