Although these are all natural fertility boosters, please check with your doctor before trying any herbal supplements or beginning an exercise routine.

1. Stop smoking - Smoking damages eggs, reducing the chances of getting pregnant during any given cycle, and smokers may hit menopause several years earlier than their non-smoking peers. Smoking also negatively impacts hormone levels, further reducing fertility.

2. Limit caffeine consumption - Several studies have shown reduced fertility for women who consume more than 300 mg of caffeine each day. Fortunately, the threshold is high enough that you can still indulge in that morning cup o’ joe, since the average 8-ounce cup of coffee only has 100 to 130 mg of caffeine. Don’t forget, though, that black tea, green tea, chocolate, and some sodas also contain caffeine.

3. Get to a healthy weight - Obesity can inhibit ovulation and wreak havoc with hormones. It also puts women at risk for a variety of health problems (such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure) that negatively impact fertility and can create complications during pregnancy. On the other hand, being even slightly underweight can dramatically reduce your fertility. Women who are underweight are less likely to ovulate. Some will stop menstruating completely. Others will menstruate irregularly.

4. Try acupuncture - Some researchers speculate that acupuncture may positively impact hormonal levels or increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. Since acupuncture can induce a relaxation response, it may be counteracting the stress that often accompanies infertility.

5. Walk - Walking may help boost fertility by increasing circulation to the pelvis and the reproductive organs, since some research has linked decreased blood-flow to the ovaries with ovarian aging.

6. Take care of your mental health - Women with severe clinical depression are much less likely to eat well, exercise, and otherwise take care of themselves…..and women who are less healthy are less likely to get pregnant.

7. Eat a balanced diet - A balanced, whole-foods diet will help you maintain a normal BMI, a critical component in maximizing fertility. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids promote fertility, since essential fats are required for hormone balance and healthy cell function.

8. Limit alcohol consumption

9. Try evening primrose oil - EPO helps to promote favorable cervical mucus.

10. Take vitex (also known as chasteberry) - This herb is one which helps promote fertility by stabilizing the menstrual cycle and bringing on ovulation.

11. Take your prenatal vitmains

12. Chart your fertility cycle - Sometimes the issue of not getting pregnant is pure timing. Charting your fertility for a few months can help improve your chances of getting pregnant by showing you what days are best for conception.

13. Try black cohosh - This herb is said to improve hormone functioning due to its phyto-estrogens.

14. Have a lot of sex - Studies show that many couples seeking fertility treatments simply just don’t have enough sex.

15. Strike a pose - Yoga can help with relaxation and for general mental and physical health which is the optimal state to be in for getting pregnant.

What are some fertility “boosters” that have worked for you?

Friday Fifteen