As a newborn and maternity photographer here in Connecticut, I spend a lot of time talking with families about pregnancy, babies, and the journey that leads to both. While I’ve never personally struggled with infertility, fertility has always been a topic close to my heart.
Back in 2007, I made a decision that would stay with me forever. I became an egg donor.
Not once. Not twice. Three times.
Of course, the extra money was appealing to a college student. But what truly motivated me was the opportunity to help families who desperately wanted a baby and couldn’t conceive on their own.
The process wasn’t easy. Daily injections became part of my routine. My stomach was bruised and swollen. After the egg retrieval procedures, I looked several months pregnant and could barely move around comfortably. During one cycle, I came so close to missing my own college graduation because the swelling and discomfort made walking incredibly difficult.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely.
The chance to help someone build their family made every needle, every appointment, and every uncomfortable day worth it.
Sometimes I wonder if any of those eggs became babies. Maybe they’re teenagers now. Maybe they’re graduating from high school. Maybe they’re making their parents laugh at the dinner table every night. I may never know, but I like to think I played a tiny role in helping someone’s dream come true.
Because of that experience, fertility has always mattered to me.
Today, I wanted to share 7 surprising things that can impact fertility. While age and genetics certainly play a role, there are several lesser-known factors that may affect your chances of conceiving.
As always, if you’re experiencing fertility concerns, please talk with your doctor. This article is meant to be informative and supportive, but it’s never a substitute for personalized medical advice.
1. Stress Might Be Affecting More Than Your Mood
Let’s be honest.
Trying to conceive can be stressful all by itself.
Between tracking cycles, Googling symptoms, taking pregnancy tests, and answering questions from well-meaning family members, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Research suggests that high stress levels may interfere with ovulation and overall fertility. While “just relax” is probably the least helpful advice someone trying to conceive can hear, finding healthy ways to manage stress may benefit both your mental health and your fertility journey.
Whether that’s yoga, therapy, walking on the beach, journaling, or simply making time for things you enjoy, your mind deserves care, too.
2. Sleep Is More Important Than Most People Realize
I know. Sleep is easier said than done.
Especially if you’re balancing work, family responsibilities, or a packed schedule.
But quality sleep plays a major role in hormone regulation. When your sleep suffers, your body’s delicate hormonal balance can suffer too.
One of the simplest things I’ve done to improve my own sleep is keeping my phone out of the bedroom and making sure the room stays cool and dark. It isn’t groundbreaking advice, but it makes a difference.
3. Your Diet Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect, But It Does Matter
Listen, I’m not the food police.
And I love a drive-thru French fry as much as the next person.
But what we eat can affect hormone balance, energy levels, and overall reproductive health.
Rather than focusing on restrictions, I prefer thinking about what I can add.
More fruits.
More vegetables.
More water.
More whole foods.
One of my favorite tricks is keeping frozen fruits and vegetables on hand. They’re convenient, affordable, and don’t go bad before I remember they’re in the fridge.
Small changes can add up over time.
4. Vitamin D Could Be Playing a Bigger Role Than You Think
Living in Connecticut means we aren’t exactly swimming in sunshine for half the year.
Vitamin D helps support many functions throughout the body, including hormone regulation and reproductive health.
If you’re trying to conceive, it may be worth asking your doctor to check your levels during routine bloodwork.
And while a beach day sounds like excellent medical advice, supplementation may be necessary for some people depending on their levels and individual needs.
5. Environmental Toxins Are Everywhere
This one surprised me when I first started learning about it.
Many everyday products contain chemicals that may affect fertility, including certain plastics, pesticides, and household cleaners.
Now, before you panic and throw everything in your house away, remember that nobody is perfect.
The goal isn’t perfection.
It’s awareness.
Simple changes like using glass food containers, washing produce thoroughly, choosing cleaner household products when possible, and reducing unnecessary chemical exposure can all be positive steps.
6. Your Dental Health Matters Too
As if we needed another reason to floss.
Studies have found connections between gum disease, inflammation, and fertility challenges.
The bacteria associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation throughout the body.
If it’s been a while since your last dental cleaning, consider scheduling one. Your future self and your dentist will both appreciate it.
7. More Exercise Isn’t Always Better
I know some of you are reading this while wearing your favorite leggings and planning tomorrow’s workout.
Exercise is fantastic.
But extremely intense exercise without adequate recovery can sometimes interfere with hormone balance and menstrual cycles.
The key is moderation.
Walking, strength training, yoga, cycling, swimming, and other moderate activities can support overall health without placing excessive stress on the body.
Your body isn’t a machine. It needs recovery just as much as movement.
Final Thoughts
Fertility is complicated.
Sometimes people do everything “right” and still face challenges. Sometimes conception happens quickly. Sometimes the journey is much longer than expected.
If you’re currently trying to grow your family, I hope this article gave you a few helpful things to consider and discuss with your healthcare provider.
Most importantly, know that you’re not alone.
As someone who has spent over 15 years photographing newborns, maternity sessions, and growing families throughout Connecticut, I’ve had the privilege of meeting parents with all kinds of stories. Some conceived easily. Some walked incredibly difficult roads to parenthood.
Every journey is different.
And every baby is worth the wait.
If you’re dreaming about the day you’ll finally hold your little one in your arms, I’m cheering for you.
And when that day arrives, I’d be honored to help you document every beautiful moment.
