Trying to Conceive? 5 Things to Stop Doing This Year

For many of us, the start of a new year feels like the perfect time to take bold steps toward our dreams. If growing your family is one of your goals, now may be the right time to focus on changes that can significantly boost your chances of success.

Instead of adding new habits, let’s explore what might be worth leaving behind. Here are five things to avoid in the new year if you’re trying to conceive.

1. Vaping and Smoking

Smoking and vaping are some of the biggest threats to fertility. Women who smoke are 80% more likely to experience early menopause, while men who smoke face reduced sperm counts and increased abnormal sperm.

Marijuana use also impacts fertility. Studies show men who smoke marijuana often have slower, less effective sperm, and women may experience irregular periods or higher miscarriage risks. If you’re trying to conceive, quitting smoking and vaping can dramatically improve your chances.

2. Non-Fertility-Friendly Lubricants

Not all lubricants are sperm-friendly. Many standard lubricants, as well as saliva and olive oil, can reduce sperm motility by 60-100%. For better results, opt for sperm-safe options like Pre-Seed or natural alternatives such as canola oil.

3. Excess Alcohol

Heavy drinking (more than two drinks per day) can harm male fertility by lowering sperm counts and testosterone levels. For women, while the link to fertility is less clear, it’s best to reduce alcohol consumption while trying to conceive as well as in pregnancy to avoid alcohol related birth defects.

4. Taking Testosterone

Men taking testosterone or androgens may unknowingly harm their fertility. External testosterone signals the body to stop producing its own, potentially leading to permanent cessation of sperm production. If you have low testosterone but want to preserve fertility, consult a reproductive urologist for safer alternatives.

5. Delaying a Fertility Check-Up

One of the most common mistakes is delaying a fertility evaluation. Fertility declines with age, and timely intervention can make a significant difference.

Age is a critical factor in fertility treatment success for both men and women, with female age being particularly influential. While medical advances—including pre-implantation genetic testing, supplements, and donor eggs—have improved outcomes, there's no way to reverse aging's natural effects on egg quality or quantity.

IVF is the most effective infertility treatment, but success rates drop dramatically with age—from 60–90% at age 30 to just 1–10% by age 42, depending on egg count. This stark difference underscores why early action is crucial.

Women under 35 should seek an evaluation after 12 months of trying, while those 35 and older should do so after 6 months. If you have conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, consider a check-up as soon as you’re ready to start trying.

Final Thoughts

Trying to conceive can feel both exciting and challenging. Begin by taking prenatal vitamins with at least 800mcg of folic acid and using ovulation predictor kits. Remember, it’s normal for conception to take several months.

If things don’t happen as quickly as you’d hoped, know that infertility affects 1 in 6 people and is a medical condition—not something you caused. Seeking help from a fertility specialist is a proactive step toward your goal of growing your family. You’re not alone, and there’s support available every step of the way.

Whatever your fertility journey, know that you are not alone. Sending you love.

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