Biohacker’s Comprehensive Guide to Optimizing Fertility

Fertility refers to the ability of an individual, whether male or female, to conceive a child and successfully bring about a pregnancy. It is a measure of reproductive potential. In simple terms, fertility is the ability to have babies or reproduce. For women, fertility is typically associated with the ability to release a healthy egg from the ovaries during ovulation, which can then be fertilized by sperm to initiate a pregnancy. Factors such as regular menstrual cycles, the quality of eggs, and the health of the reproductive organs all play a role in female fertility. In men, fertility is related to the production of healthy sperm that can effectively fertilize a woman's egg. Sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape) are important aspects of male fertility.

This article was written by Anna Lindfors (MA Psychologist & sexologist; the creator of Biohacking Love & Relationships online course) 

 

Back to basics: What are fertility and infertility?

Understanding fertility is essential for individuals and couples planning to have children or trying to conceive. It can help guide decisions about family planning and inform discussions with healthcare professionals when seeking assistance with reproductive issues.

Infertility is when a person or a couple has trouble getting pregnant, even after trying for a while. It is not just a problem for women; it can also affect men. Infertility can be emotionally challenging for individuals and couples trying to conceive. 

Image: Human reproductive system (from Biohacking Love & Relationships Online Course)

Various lifestyle choices can impact fertility in both men and women. These include smoking tobacco, using other tobacco products, using marijuana, heavy drinking, and using illegal drugs. Prolonged exposure to high mental stress, elevated temperatures, chemicals, radiation, or intense electromagnetic or microwave emissions can reduce a woman's fertility. Excessive exercise is known to affect ovulation and fertility in women. Additionally, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) should be taken seriously, as they can cause fallopian tube blockage.

For women, infertility means being unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to full term. Age is the main factor that affects a woman's fertility. As more women choose to have children later in life, their fertility potential has decreased. Women are born with all the eggs they will have in their lifetime, and the age of the eggs also advances with them. At birth, there are around 1-2 million eggs. By puberty, the number decreases to approximately 300,000-500,000. At 37 years old, there are about 25,000 eggs left, and by age 51, only 1,000 eggs remain. Women have their highest fertility in their 20s, with a 25-30% chance of getting pregnant each month. In their early 30s, fertility declines and accelerates after age 37. By the 40s, the chance of getting pregnant drops to 5%.

In men, infertility can be caused by low sperm count, poor sperm movement, or low-quality sperm. Hormonal imbalances, testicular issues, genetic conditions, infections, unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking or heavy drinking, and some medications can also affect male fertility.

There are concerning findings regarding male fertility. In 2017, researchers conducted a study that analyzed data from 185 studies involving 42,935 men who provided semen samples from 1973 to 2011. They found a significant decline of about 60% in sperm count in Western countries. This is a significant concern for those who want to have children.

How to biohack fertility?

Female fertility hacks

Promoting female fertility involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits and seeking appropriate medical care. Here are some strategies to promote female fertility:

1. Maintain a healthy weight: Both overweight and underweight conditions can affect fertility. Aim for a balanced weight by following a nutritious diet and engaging in regular physical activity.
2. Eat a fertility-friendly diet: Consume a well-balanced diet rich in vegetables, berries, fruits, lean proteins such as grass-fed meat and fish, and enough healthy fats (such as extra-virgin olive oil). Avoid processed foods, sugars, processed oils, processed grains & soy and processed milk products, as these will increase low-level inflammation in the body.
3. Take prenatal vitamins: Take a prenatal vitamin that includes folate (not folic acid!) at least three months before attempting to conceive. The bioactive form of folate (such as 5-MTHF) helps prevent certain congenital disabilities and supports early fetal development.
4. Manage stress levels: High levels of stress can negatively impact fertility. Practice stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or engage in activities you enjoy to reduce stress.
5. Regular (cycle-based) exercise: Engage in moderate exercise regularly. Physical activity can help regulate hormones and promote overall well-being. However, avoid excessive exercise, as it may disrupt ovulation.
6. Understand your menstrual cycle and hormones: Track your menstrual cycle to identify your fertile window. Knowing when you are most likely to ovulate can increase the chances of conception. Use methods like tracking basal body temperature (included in many health trackers, such as the Oura ing), monitoring cervical mucus, or using ovulation predictor kits.
7. Hormone tracking: Use advanced fertility trackings tools such as fertility apps, wearable devices, or hormone testing kits to monitor hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle. This information can help identify ovulation and optimize timing for conception.
8. Minimize alcohol and caffeine intake: Excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption have been associated with decreased fertility. Limit the intake of alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks.
9. Avoid smoking: Smoking can significantly impair fertility. Quit smoking and avoid using illicit substances to optimize your chances of conceiving.
10. Manage underlying health conditions: Certain medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or endometriosis can negatively affect fertility. Seek medical advice and treatment for any existing health conditions. Visit healthcare provider for regular check-ups and discuss plans for pregnancy. They can assess overall health and provide guidance specific to your situation.
11. Genetic testing: Genetic testing can provide insights into specific genetic markers related to fertility. Understanding your genetic predispositions can help you make informed decisions and personalize your approach.
12. Acupuncture and alternative therapies: Some people find that complementary therapies like acupuncture, herbal remedies, or traditional medicine practices help support their fertility journey.
13. Prioritize sexual health: Regular sexual activity, especially during the fertile window of the menstrual cycle, can increase the chances of conception. Maintain a healthy sexual relationship with your partner and communicate openly about fertility goals. 
14. Personalized fertility treatments: In-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have advanced significantly. Consider working with a fertility specialist to explore options tailored to your unique circumstances.

If you are concerned about age-related fertility decline, consider freezing your eggs (oocyte cryopreservation) at a younger age to improve future chances of conception potentially.

Male fertility hacks

Promoting male fertility involves various lifestyle choices and practices that can support sperm health and overall reproductive function. Here are some strategies that may help promote male fertility:

1. Optimize nutrition: A well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals is beneficial for male fertility. Include foods high in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Adequate intake of vitamins C, D and E, zinc, selenium, and folate may also support sperm health.
2. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can support overall health, including reproductive health e.g., boosting testosterone levels. Engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. Avoid excessive endurance exercise or extreme workouts, as they may temporarily affect sperm production.
3. Avoid excessive heat: High temperatures can affect sperm production. To promote optimal sperm health, avoid prolonged exposure to hot tubs, saunas, tight clothing, and activities that generate excessive heat in the groin area.
4. Manage weight: Maintaining a healthy weight within a normal BMI range (18.5-24.9) may positively influence fertility. Both obesity and being underweight can negatively affect sperm production and quality. Strive to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
5. Limit alcohol and smoking: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking have been associated with reduced sperm quality and fertility. Limit alcohol intake and avoid tobacco use to optimize reproductive health.
6. Limit exposure to environmental toxins: Reduce exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals that may negatively impact fertility. This includes minimizing exposure to pesticides, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and certain household cleaning products.
7. Manage chronic health conditions: Certain chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and hormonal imbalances, can affect male fertility. Work with healthcare professionals to manage and optimize the treatment of any existing health conditions.
8. Limit exposure to radiation and electromagnetic fields: Prolonged exposure to radiation, such as from X-rays or certain occupational environments, as well as electromagnetic fields from electronic devices, may have an impact on sperm health. Minimize exposure where possible.
9. Prioritize sexual health: Regular sexual activity, especially during the fertile window of the menstrual cycle, can increase the chances of conception. Maintain a healthy sexual relationship with your partner and communicate openly about fertility goals.
10. Consider fertility testing: If you're experiencing difficulties in conceiving or have concerns about fertility, consider seeking a comprehensive fertility evaluation. A healthcare professional or reproductive specialist can assess factors such as sperm count, motility, and morphology to identify any potential issues and provide appropriate guidance.

Learn how to optimize hormones to promote fertility + improve your connection with your partner from the Biohacking Love & Relationships online course.

To conclude:

While there is ongoing research in fertility, it is essential to note that fertility is a complex process influenced by various factors, including genetics and individual circumstances.

While biohacking may offer potential avenues for optimizing fertility, consulting with healthcare professionals, fertility specialists, or reproductive endocrinologists is crucial. They can provide expert guidance based on your individual needs and circumstances. Additionally, fertility is a complex process influenced by various factors, and success cannot be guaranteed through any specific biohacking method.

About the author:

Anna Lindfors is a biohacking Sexologist & Psychologist specializing in Sexological Therapy. Through her profession, Anna sees how prevalent challenges with sexuality are. Her passion is to help you reconnect with your vitality and bring back pleasure to ALL areas of life.

Anna began her journey to become a sexologist by navigating through her challenges. Being diagnosed with endometriosis at age 20, chronic pain and hormonal treatments shifted her from celebrating womanhood into problem-fixing mode. She empowered all aspects of her by biohacking Endo into remission and reconnecting with her sensuality and femininity.

"Sexuality is our core, which is why unlocking your sexuality is so powerful and elevates your entire life."

Anna collected a team of experts and created the 6-week Biohacking Love & Relationships online course to help individuals and couples reconnect with the most critical aspect of their health: pleasure. Join the course here.