It's a known fact that couples in northern countries are less likely to conceive during winter and more likely to conceive in summer, but many people don't understand the crucial factor that impacts these odds. One might assume it's because couples have less intercourse during the winter season than in the summer, but the reality of the situation is actually more scientific than these assumptions. According to a recent study published in the European Journal of Endocrinology, vitamin D is one of the most important variables that impact fertility among couples.
Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that has a tremendous impact on most of the cells in your body, and has proven to have an influence on various heart conditions. Although its impact on other areas of the body is more widely understood and accepted, new research suggests that proper intake of vitamin D can significantly improve Houston fertility in both men and women. Although winters in Houston don't typically get very cold, this is still important information for couples who are currently receiving Houston fertility treatment at a Houston fertility clinic.
The main source of vitamin D is, of course, the sun, but including certain foods in your diet can also increase your intake of this important nutrient. These foods include mushrooms, salmon, tuna fish, sardines, and eggs. Whole milk is also an excellent source of vitamin D. For men and women undergoing Houston IVF treatment, integrating more vitamin D into your diet and getting plenty of sunlight exposure is especially important to improve the efficacy of the treatment at your Houston fertility clinic.
The study mentioned earlier from the European Journal of Endocrinology revealed that, in a certain experiment with a population of women, vitamin D impacted IVF outcomes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis. Additionally, women who maintained healthy levels of vitamin D also had higher levels of progesterone and estrogen, which both work to regulate the menstrual cycle and improve odds for successful conception. Women who are currently receiving Houston IVF treatment may want to increase their own levels of vitamin D to improve conception odds.
For the male population, vitamin D plays a key role in the development of the nucleus of the sperm cell and in the quality and count of the sperm. In addition to these important benefits, vitamin D also increases testosterone levels, which could increase the libido as well. The researchers who published the study have suggested that vitamin D be more commonly used as a treatment method for male and female reproductive disorders. For men and women undergoing treatment at a Houston IVF facility, this information may be worth sharing with a professional at the facility to determine appropriate action for your unique needs.
Although the results of this study were certainly groundbreaking, it actually wasn't the first study to note a correlation between vitamin D intake and fertility. An earlier study from Australian fertility specialist Dr. Anne Clark revealed that approximately one-third of a population of 800 infertile men had vitamin D levels below the expected amount, which is much lower than the ideal amount for proper nutrition. Of this population, 100 of the men agreed to apply several lifestyle changes to improve fertility, including quitting smoking, limiting caffeine and alcohol, losing weight, and taking daily vitamins and antioxidants. Eleven of the men in this group were able to achieve pregnancy without the aid of IVF treatment.
If you or someone you know is considering Houston fertility treatment, or is already receiving treatment at a Houston fertility clinic, be sure to talk to a health care professional about increasing your levels of vitamin D to improve fertility in a healthy and effective manner.
