When a couple has regular and unprotected sexual life (about 1-3 times weekly) for over a year without good news of pregnancy, it may be a sign of infertility.
If the woman is over 35 years old and has been having regular unprotected sex life for 6 consecutive months without conceiving, this also meets the clinical definition of infertility.
In such cases, seeking for medical consultation as early as possible so that a doctor can conduct a proper evaluation and help developing a personalized precision treatment.
However, infertility does not indicate pregnancy is completely impossible.
This article will provide a detailed explanation of the common symptoms of infertility and the body types that may have more difficulty conceiving.
We’ll also share how you can effectively improve your physical condition and increase your chances of getting pregnant through dietary and lifestyle adjustment.
What are the body types less receptive to conception? Understand your fertility through everyday signals
If you want to know whether you might have a body type that makes conception more difficult, you can start by observing your everyday physical condition.
Below, we’ll break down three common traits associated with reduced fertility:
- ‘Yang’ deficiency constitution (body type): more reactive to temperature drop, Cold Hands and Feet
Women who experience poor peripheral circulation and has cold hands and feet whenever the temperature drops, or who feel especially cold during winter, are typically considered to have a ‘yang’ deficiency constitution.
During menstruation, they may feel a noticeable chill around the lower abdomen, often accompanied by menstrual cramps. This condition can generally be improved effectively through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or dietary adjustments.
- Liver ‘Qi’ stagnation constitution: Stress, High Pressure in Daily Life
Those who lead a highly stressed life—whether professionally or personally—may experience disruptions in overall health. This often leads to irregular menstrual cycles, more severe premenstrual symptoms, and a potential decline in both the quality and quantity of ovulation(eggs)
As a result, the probability of successful conception may be reduced.
- 'Blood stagnation' constitution (body type): poor metabolism and circulation
A dull complexion and dark-colored lips or tongue may indicate poor metabolism and sluggish blood circulation.
Women with this body type often experience irregular menstrual flow, heavy clotting, and may suffer from dizziness or painful periods during menstruation.
Such body type may be more prone to uterine fibroids or endometriosis. It is recommended to have a thorough examination and take appropriate treatment as early as possible.
What's the driving factors of infertility? Grouped by two lifestyle habits and medical conditions:
Common signs of infertility in women include irregular menstrual cycles, severe menstrual pain, hormonal imbalances, and sudden weight gain or loss. For men, infertility results from issues with semen or the vas deferens, and typically without obvious external symptoms.
Thus, both partners shall take a comprehensive infertility evaluation/diagnosis. Once the root cause is clearly identified, a doctor can help plan the most appropriate course of treatment
Lifestyle and habits
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High-Stress Living: Being in a stressful and anxious environment for extended periods can lead to hormonal imbalances, resulting in a decrease in both the quantity and quality of sperm and eggs.
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Habitual Smoking and Drinking: Studies have concluded that excessive intake of tobacco and alcohol has negative impact on the production and maturation of sperm and eggs and lowering the chances of conception as a result.
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Environmental Pollution: Prolonged exposure to heavily polluted environments or poor air quality can disrupt hormonal balance and deteriorate the quality of both sperm and eggs.
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Unhealthy Habits: Poor lifestyle habits such as lack of sleep, unbalanced nutrition, and insufficient physical activity may also impact fertility and decreasing the chances of getting pregnant.
Fertility related medical factors
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Pelvic Factors: conditions such as pelvic adhesions, blocked or adhered fallopian tubes can increase the difficulty of becoming pregnant.
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Uterine Factors: Structural issues like uterine abnormalities, cervical stenosis or atresia, endometriosis, as well as some conditions like uterine tumors or intrauterine adhesions, can all lead to infertility.
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Ovarian Factors: Irregular ovution cycles, low egg count, or ovulatory disorders — including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian tumors, or poor ovarian function — can all negatively affect the chances of conception
How to increase the likelihood of conception? 3 key habits to have higher fertility potential.
1. Balanced diet
Having a well-balanced intake of essential nutrients by eating more vegetables, fruits, and high-quality proteins, while reducing the consumption of processed and spicy/fiery foods. Maintaining a healthy diet and normal body weight helps create optimal conditions for conception.
2. Healthy lifestyle
Keeping regular physical activity and a consistent daily schedule. Trying to manage stress effectively and being even tempered. Avoid staying up late to help preserve the quality and quantity of sperm and eggs, which in turn elevate the probability of pregnancy.
3. Supplements
Taking appropriate amounts of supplements such as folic acid, inositol, vitamin C, and vitamin E which are essential nutrients but oftentimes missing in daily diet. These nutrients also help improve sperm and egg quality and elevate the probability of pregnancy as a result.
Opt for TFC Taipei Fertility Center’s Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic to help nurture a body type with higher chance of conception!
TFC Taipei Fertility Center is a flagship reproductive center in Asia, offering comprehensive outpatient services including Traditional Chinese Medicine, consultation on fertility related questions and personalized diet and nutrition suggestions. Our elite medical team, composed of experienced physicians, provides customized, one-stop services to help you develop a comprehensive pre-pregnancy and fertility plan.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic specializes in enhancing your pre-pregnancy and prenatal body condition to improve fertility . Based on each expectant mother's individual body type and lifestyle, we tailor personalized TCM treatment plans. These treatments are designed and intended to address the root causes progressively, gradually improving body condition, enhancing egg quality, and creating a more stable, optimal uterine environment for pregnancy.
Please come visit the TCM clinic at TFC Taipei Fertility Center— let us partner with you to welcome new life!