Some factors regarding your fertility might be beyond your control, but many lifestyle choices in your control have an effect on your fertility. We’ve all heard plenty of advice about what to do when you’re trying to get pregnant, but sometimes what you don’t do is just as important!
Here are seven things we recommend that patients avoid while trying to get pregnant:
1. Smoking
Smoking can affect the ability of a fertilized egg to implant, the quality of the eggs themselves and can often times negatively the impact the growing embryo after pregnancy is achieved.
The toxins from smoking may hinder a woman’s reproductive capability, damaging natural cell growth and development. They are also known to have negative effects on regular menstruation, creating a smaller window of opportunity for women to get pregnant in.
2. Alcohol
Because the amount of alcohol that it is safe for an individual to consume during and before pregnancy is unknown, our fertility specialists advise that those trying to conceive refrain from consuming alcohol in excess.
3. Recreational drugs and some prescription medications
It is always advised to discuss any and all medication use with your physician, regardless of whether or not you are trying to conceive. There are a number of medications, however, that have been linked to troubles with conception. Our reproductive specialists are here to help guide you through the process of weaning off of certain medications that may affect your fertility treatments and achieving pregnancy.
Some medications that are advised to avoid are acne medications, clotting medications, medications for hypertension, and medications for epilepsy. Additionally, it is advised that anti-inflammatory steroids are avoided unless otherwise specified by your physician. Recreational drugs such as marijuana have also been known to affect sperm motility (the sperm’s ability to move) and pregnancy.
It’s best to consult one of our fertility specialists about any other drugs or prescription medications that you have questions about.
4. Excessive red meat and saturated fats
Excessive intake of red meats has been shown to affect embryo implantation and pregnancy.
Laurel Fertility Care providers often recommend that patients decrease the amount of red meat they consume while trying to achieve pregnancy. Limiting the amount of red meat earn can help to lower the level of oxidation in the body which helps prepare the body to achieve a successful pregnancy.
Additionally, we recommend avoiding foods that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol. They can increase unhealthy weight gain and the risk for miscarriage early on in the pregnancy. Low-fat dairy, high-mercury fish, and deli meats should all also be avoided to maintain a healthy weight with limited fat intake.
5. BPA exposure
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in some plastics, food packaging, and canned goods. It’s considered an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the hormones that support ovulation, sperm production, and implantation. When you’re trying to conceive, even small hormonal disruptions can matter—especially if cycles are already irregular or conception has taken longer than expected.
Studies suggest BPA exposure may be linked to changes in egg quality and estrogen levels. Reducing exposure doesn’t have to be overwhelming: choosing BPA-free containers, avoiding heating food in plastic, and opting for fresh or frozen foods can make a meaningful difference.
If you’re unsure whether environmental factors like BPA are affecting your fertility, a fertility evaluation can help clarify what’s happening hormonally and guide next steps with confidence.
6. Not tracking ovulation
It’s common to assume ovulation happens at the same time each cycle—but that’s not always the case. Without tracking ovulation, many people miss their most fertile days, which can significantly reduce the chance of pregnancy in any given month.
Ovulation predictor kits, cycle tracking apps, or basal body temperature can help identify when ovulation is actually occurring. Tracking can also reveal patterns like delayed or irregular ovulation, which may signal an underlying issue worth exploring.
If you’ve been tracking ovulation consistently without success, that information becomes valuable data for a fertility specialist—helping them recommend testing or treatment options that are truly tailored to your body.
7. Chronic stress
High amounts of stress can have adverse effects on your health whether you are trying to conceive or not, but stress can cause hormonal shifts that may impact your ovulation and fertility. While we understand that avoiding stress altogether isn’t very realistic, we encourage you to consider new ways to help better manage stress like yoga, journaling, acupuncture or meditation.
Laurel Fertility Care has partnered with Infertility Unfiltered to offer support series to all of our patients at no cost. We know that having a support system or a group of people who understand your situation can be extremely comforting and stress-relieving. In these support groups, Infertility Unfiltered’s experts cover important topics like self care, emotional stress, grief, friendships, forgiveness, shame and more.
If you’ve been trying for 6–12 months without success, our specialists can help you understand why.
FAQs
Q: What are environmental factors that can affect fertility?
A: Exposure to BPA, pesticides, and certain chemicals may influence egg and sperm quality. Reducing exposure or choosing cleaner household and personal-care products can help.
Q: When should I see a doctor if avoiding these things isn’t helping?
A: If you’ve made lifestyle changes and still haven’t conceived after 6–12 months (or sooner if you’re over 35), it may be time to speak with a fertility specialist. Early evaluation leads to clearer answers and more treatment options.
