By Chris D. Meletis, N.D. The change of seasons between spring and summer is a natural transition for all couples to follow the trends of nature. We think of spring and summer as times of renewal and times to enhance fertility. As we leave winter behind us, we can imagine ourselves as a bear awakening from hibernation. Just as the avid gardener prepares the soil in spring with nutrients and clears the area for fledging seedlings, this is the perfect time of year for couples to prepare their bodies for optimal “receptive” fertility. Although we associate spring with fertility, research has shown that sperm are healthier and have better motility in the winter and early spring.1 That means that since sperm might not be at their most effective in the summer, it’s especially important to enhance fertility in any way you can. Consequently, here are some tips for how to get pregnant in the spring and summer. Purify The Body to Enhance Fertility Indoor living during the autumn and winter can expose us to higher indoor air pollution and toxins. Chemicals in air, water, food, and personal care products have all been linked to decreasing sperm count, inability to ovulate, and impaired implantation.2 Thus, working on cleansing your body is a strong consideration. Make sure that you’re having one to three bowel movements per day to allow hormones and toxins to leave your body rather than reabsorbing harmful agents. Many antioxidants can also support fertility detox. Relax The Mind Psychological stress is thought to affect fertility. Research suggests that interventions that reduce stress in women trying to conceive led to significant increases in pregnancy rates.3 Fertility issues themselves are also very stressful, leading to a vicious circle of stress, which in turn can impact a couple’s ability to get pregnant. Spring and summer is the perfect time of year to participate in an activity that many people find peaceful: connecting with nature. This is an ideal way to become more grounded in what is otherwise a chaotic life. The Japanese refer to time spent outdoors in nature as “forest bathing.” This also allows you to get more fresh air and spend less time in an indoor polluted environment. Choose Foods to Enhance Fertility Diet is extremely important before and during pregnancy. Research suggests higher intakes of fruit, avoiding fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages, and a diet lower in glycemic load, can help couples conceive faster.4 Fresh fruits and vegetables are a key component of a Mediterranean diet, which has been shown to improve ovulatory health.4 At this time of year, it’s much easier to obtain locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables. These foods contain antioxidants that are known to be natural fertility boosters. Be sure to choose organic produce, to avoid many toxins that interfere with sperm health and the ability to get pregnant. Get Active Another way to enhance fertility in the spring and summer is to exercise, ideally outside. Sedentary behavior and not getting enough exercise are risk factors for fertility issues in both men and women.5 Exercise also increases circulation and balances hormones and helps the GI tract stay regular so that you’re eliminating toxins. Weight loss is another benefit of exercise, since obesity can reduce fertility.6 Exercising outdoors can replenish your vitamin D levels, since our bodies make this critical vitamin during exposure to the sun. Healthy vitamin D levels are necessary for both female and male fertility.6 Enhancing Fertility In The Spring And Summer Take advantage of this relaxed time of year to enhance fertility and fulfill your dream of conceiving a child. Summer vacations are a good time to spend extra time with your partner trying to conceive and even participating in fertility-boosting activities together such as exercise or cooking a meal rich in vegetables and fruit. By next spring you might even have given birth to a new baby. Dr. Chris Meletis Dr. Chris Meletis is an educator, international author and lecturer. His personal mission is “Changing World’s Health One Person at a Time.” Dr Meletis has authored 18 books and over 200 national scientific articles in journals including Natural Health, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Life Extension, Natural Pharmacy, and PubMed.gov articles. Dr. Meletis served as Dean of Naturopathic Medicine and Chief Medical Officer for 7 years for the National College of Naturopathic Medicine (now the National University of Natural Medicine). He was awarded the 2003 Physician of the Year by the American Association of Naturopathic Physician of the Year by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. He has a deep passion for helping the underprivileged and spearheaded the creation of 16 free natural medicine healthcare clinics in the Portland metropolitan area of Oregon. References Levitas E, Lunenfeld E, Weisz N, Friger M, Har-Vardi I. Seasonal variations of human sperm cells among 6455 semen samples: a plausible explanation of a seasonal birth pattern. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2013;208(5):406.e401-406. Pizzorno J. Environmental Toxins and Infertility. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2018;17(2):8-11. Rooney KL, Domar AD. The relationship between stress and infertility. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2018;20(1):41-47. Grieger JA. Preconception diet, fertility, and later health in pregnancy. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2020;32(3):227-232. Foucaut AM, Faure C, Julia C, Czernichow S, Levy R, Dupont C. Sedentary behavior, physical inactivity and body composition in relation to idiopathic infertility among men and women. PLoS One. 2019;14(4):e0210770. Bosdou JK, Konstantinidou E, Anagnostis P, Kolibianakis EM, Goulis DG. Vitamin D and Obesity: Two Interacting Players in the Field of Infertility. Nutrients. 2019;11(7).
