Causes & Treatment
Your fertility-friendly summer – 4 expert tips to come back strong
Laurel Fertility Care | 30 Jun 2022
From fertility treatments to tests, to trying and the two-week wait, taking a break when TTC can be a good thing. The mind-body connection is a powerful tool, so recognizing stress and when/how to apply the brakes will be a key part of your MO.
With summer in full swing, we caught up with the expert team at Laurel Fertility Care, the boutique IVF and fertility clinic based close to San Francisco, Fresno, Modesto and Oakland, California.
Here are their tips for pausing fertility treatments without compromising your goals, using the warmer months to boost your wellbeing for optimal fertility.
Taking a fertility treatment break this summer?
If you’re TTC (trying to conceive) and looking to take a break from fertility treatments, summertime naturally provides a good opportunity. Travel plans and family vacations fill up our calendars, and the idea of squeezing in clinic visits and staying on top of medications can be less than thrilling.
Planning to take a bit of time off, and come back strong after the summer? This guide is for you. And remember, you can enjoy your summer plans while being mindful of your fertility goals. In fact, the two go very much hand in hand.
1.Keep up your exercise routine
Summertime is a great time to be outside. Whatever your activity of choice is – hiking, biking, swimming, walking, running, yoga – keep it up! An active lifestyle is important to incorporate into your routine for overall health, which we know has a direct impact on your fertility.
Build these top 5 fertility-boosting exercises into your summer routine, making the most of some time outdoors. All are perfect as a bit of you time, or an opportunity to connect with a friend of partner.
2. Regroup and review
While you’re taking a break from fertility treatments, you might get the headspace for a fresh look at your treatment plans and options.
For example, has your doctor suggested moving from IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) to IVF (Invitro Fertilization)? Is using a third-party donor something you’re ready to consider? Are there holistic approaches to infertility you’d like to try?
Stepping back from your usual day-to-day during treatment gives you the opportunity to think about your experience so far, take a look at your insurance benefits and finances, do some research, and pull together a strong plan to take forward in the fall.
3. Invest in yourself, and your squad
Cancelling plans, bottling things up, neglecting self-care rituals – all of these are common during fertility treatment, especially when you’re juggling a few things at once.
But your relationship with yourself, your partner (if you have one) and your loved ones is at the heart of your TTC journey. While taking a break from treatment, use the time to shift your focus and invest in the support network which matters to you.
It could also be a great time to find a group or speak to a mental health expert you’ve been meaning to try. And when it’s time to start trying again, you’ll be glad you took the time invest in and open up to family, friends, your partner and support systems.
4. Fuel your body (and avoid known toxins)
It can be tempting to fully disconnect from your TTC habits during a summer break. But we really recommend maintaining consistency in your diet and healthy lifestyle choices, even if you’re not actively undergoing treatment.
The foods you eat, along with other lifestyle factors and your stress levels, can boost fertility several months down the line, through their impact on your gut, blood flow, hormone levels and overall health.
A quick word on alcohol
As far as alcohol goes, our fertility specialists always advise refraining from consuming it in excess while trying to conceive. If you do choose to indulge while you chill out on the beach, do so in moderation, don’t dwell on your decision, and enjoy your summer!
Ready to switch up your TTC plans? Contact the team at Laurel Fertility Care and get a consultation in place, for whenever you’re ready.
