Infertility issues are so complicated, and the hardest part is that not everyone talks about what happens in the privacy of their homes and relationships. Although it may seem like only a few people struggle with conception, it’s actually far more than you realize.

Many couples have a more difficult time conceiving than they initially anticipated, and may need to wait months, years, or even seek the advice of a specialist to help them along the way. However, despite these challenges, there are ways to improve your fertility levels. Here are a few suggestions to help you move in the right direction.

1. Get An Expert’s Help

It’s never a bad idea to consult an expert when trying to conceive, especially if nothing seems to be working. Sometimes struggling to conceive can be solved with a simple remedy, and sometimes further investigation is warranted. However, no decisions can be made until you consult with a specialist at a reproductive clinic.

If, for example, the potential father has had a vasectomy, it’s important to understand sperm storage after vasectomy and how this may or may not apply to your situation. While having these types of conversations with your doctor may not be necessary for everyone, it may be a good place to start if you’ve been trying for a while with no success.

2. More Antioxidants 

Increasing your body’s antioxidant levels may improve your chances of becoming pregnant. It is possible to increase fertility in both sexes by eating foods rich in folate, vitamin C, lutein, and zinc.

Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals already present in your system. Since free radicals can harm reproductive cells, including sperm and egg cells, reducing their numbers improves fertility. Eating more whole foods like fruits, veggies, grains, and nuts will be a tremendous benefit.

3. Fewer Carbs 

Cutting the number of carbs you eat is another way that you might be able to make yourself more fertile. When you eat fewer carbs, especially processed ones, it is easier to stick to a health regimen, and your hormones (and thus your menstruation) will be less affected, making it easier to get pregnant. When you have regular periods, it’s easier to figure out when you’re most likely to ovulate and get pregnant.

4. De-Stress 

When you are under a lot of stress, you are less likely to get pregnant. Hormones are to blame. During times of stress, your body makes a lot of cortisol, the “stress hormone.” When there is too much of this in the body, it can stop ovulation or make it less likely to happen. (PS: If you’ve ever missed your period because you were really stressed out, this is why.)

In order to increase your chances of getting pregnant, try to relax and de-stress as much as possible. This is easier said than done, of course, but if you want to start a family, try to work on destressing (together).