WomenSeek Natural Ways To Complete Their Families (NAPSA)—Thejoys of parenthood may be easier to achieve than many couples realize. Although each year more than 7 million Americans are affected by infertil- ity, there are many waysto increase your chances of becoming pregnant. In the U.S. today, several fac- tors can affect fertility, including having children at a later age and chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Dr. Charles Holding your baby in your arms may soon be within your reach. cian in Michigan explains: “In tion predictors. their chance of conceiving by following some basic nutritional low sperm count andhostile vagi- Barker, a family practice physi- many cases, couples can improve and behavioral advice. Living a healthy and fertile lifestyle in combination with the use of a simple at-home conception kit can help you get pregnant.” Before assuming the worst about your fertility, check out these cost-effective tips for improving yourfertility at any age: Stay Aware—Your repro- ductive health isn’t an isolated issue and there are a numberof preventative factors that can lower fertility such as excessive cell phone usage, certain antide- Believe in Your Body— Tilted cervix, low sperm motility, nal environment are common problems that can be overcome without medical procedures. Check out low-cost at-home tech- niques that can help such ascervical cap insemination, which has similar success rates to intrauter- ine insemination (IUI). * You’re Not Alone. Get Connected—Infertility affects 12 percent of women of childbearing age in the United States. For professional resources and moretips, take a look at www.webmd.com, www.conceptionkit.com or speak pressants, vitamin D deficiency to a specialty pharmacist—see www.designrx.net. Timing is Everything— The chances of conceiving greatly improve when you work with your body’s natural cycles, so keep men and women,find an infertility support group or join one online, such as Resolve, The and lack of sunlight. track of your cycle and pinpoint the most fertile time with ovula- For encouragement from other National Infertility Support group, at www.resolve.org.
