1. Quit Smoking

It is universally acknowledged and undisputed that smoking is harmful to health and detrimental to fertility. Smokers are more likely to experience difficulties in conceiving compared to non-smokers, as cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals harmful to reproduction. Smoking can lead to erectile dysfunction and increase DNA damage to egg cells and sperm. Research also indicates a link between heavy smoking in men and an increased risk of cancer in their offspring during childhood.

The good news is that the effects of smoking on fertility are not irreversible and can be mitigated to some extent. Quitting smoking can enhance the chances of conception and improve the likelihood of having healthy offspring.

2. Quit Alcohol

There is no standard answer to the question, “How much alcohol is safe to drink when preparing for or during pregnancy?” Therefore, it is advisable for women to stop drinking alcohol altogether. For men, alcohol can lead to erectile dysfunction and impair sperm quality. Men should try to limit their alcohol consumption, avoid daily drinking even in small amounts, and definitely avoid heavy drinking.

3. Limit Caffeine

Many people mistakenly believe that caffeine is only found in coffee, but it is also present in tea, energy drinks, sodas, and even chocolate. Although there is no definitive evidence that caffeine affects fertility, some studies suggest that excessive caffeine consumption can make it harder to conceive and increase the risk of miscarriage.

Both men and women should limit their daily caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams, which is roughly equivalent to 1-2 cups of coffee or 2-3 cups of tea. Since caffeine can be addictive, it is recommended to gradually reduce its intake to minimize withdrawal symptoms.