Laura García de Miguel, gynecologist: “It has a proven negative effect on fertility”

The start of a new year often becomes a turning point for rethinking habits or setting fresh goals. For many people, January offers the perfect excuse to start again, both personally and professionally. In this context, some couples or women also set themselves the goal of starting or growing a family.

Although fertility can be partly shaped by genetic factors, there are many other aspects that can be influenced and that have a positive impact on reproductive health. This is explained by Laura García de Miguel, a gynecologist at Grupo Tambre: “Maintaining a healthy diet, leading an active lifestyle, avoiding harmful habits, and looking after mental health are fundamental pillars of fertility care.”

“The change of year therefore presents itself as an ideal moment to introduce healthier routines that help bring us closer to such an important goal as starting a family,” she adds, before offering a series of recommendations that can improve reproductive quality for both women and men.

Healthier pregnancy habits

Her first piece of advice is key: “Diet plays a crucial role in our health. When it comes to fertility, maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is essential to protect hormonal health and reproductive cells. Weight is also a very relevant factor. Both being overweight and being significantly underweight can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation and reproductive quality.”

She also recommends staying active: “Regular physical activity not only has a positive impact on overall health, but can also influence reproductive health. An active lifestyle helps regulate hormones, control weight, and reduce stress – factors that are closely linked to fertility.”

“The consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and other toxic substances has a proven negative effect on fertility,” she adds. “In men, these habits can affect semen quality, reducing both motility and concentration. In women, heavy alcohol or tobacco use can disrupt hormone production and ovulation processes, making conception more difficult.”

Stress levels with pregnancy

Stress is one of the factors that indirectly affects the search for pregnancy. High stress levels can strain personal relationships, reduce sexual desire, or even lead people to abandon assisted reproduction treatments.“Incorporating relaxation techniques into daily life, or seeking psychological support if necessary, can be key to reducing high stress levels and, in turn, improving the chances of pregnancy,” she notes.

“The new year offers an opportunity to take care of yourself and take conscious steps toward the desire to grow your family. Gradually adopting healthy habits and seeking professional support when needed can make all the difference on the path to motherhood and fatherhood,” she concludes.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.