Increase your chances of conception

Understanding the factors that influence fertility in Asia are critical to starting your family faster while saving money.

Asians face specific lifestyle issues, environmental health risks, and underlying health conditions that can influence fertility. Here’s a short summary of our top tips for Asian intended parents, and intended parents living in Asia.

Know Your Options

Fertility declines with age, and understanding success rates for your age group can help set realistic expectations. Consulting with a fertility specialist early can provide personalized advice, considering common concerns such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is prevalent among South Asian women, and low ovarian reserve, which can be more common among East Asian women.

Maintain Good Health

A good diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices are essential for fertility - for both men and women. Particularly for couples seeking to start a family through IVF with donor eggs and partner sperm, may need to change these lifestyle factors to improve the chances of success. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and legumes will support fertility. Yet many countries in Asia have highly processed food environments, and fresh fruits and vegetables may contain high levels of pesticides. These factors have contributed to increasing levels of obesity, diabetes and hypertension in some Asian populations, while others may have fertility negatively affected by environmental pollutants. Still other Asian populations have high rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, particularly among men. Regular check-ups and adherence to treatment protocols can help to manage existing health conditions. Exercise can also boost reproductive health. 

Avoid Environmental Pollution

According to the World Health Organization, almost all monitored cities in Asia exceed the recommended limits for PM2.5 and PM10​. These particles are small enough to be inhaled and can cause many serious health problems, including negative impacts on fertility. Intended parents, especially those in urban areas, should limit exposure to air pollution and industrial chemicals, and take steps to improve your indoor air quality.

Reduce Stress

Reducing stress is vital for both mental and physical health during your fertility journey. Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness, or visit an acupuncture practitioner. Seeking support from friends, family, or a culturally competent counselor can also help manage the emotional challenges of the fertility process.