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Most of us have good ideas about what it takes to be a good parent. Most people who are planning to be parents one day also plan to make changes to their lifestyle when that time comes -- after all, many things about our pre-parenthood lifestyle simply don't mix with children in the home.
If you think that children may be in your future, it's actually just as important to review your current lifestyle choices -- what you do now can have big impact on whether or not you can conceive later.
Because of how we view sex, talking openly or listening to others teach us about our bodies can be hard to do. Often, we end up as adults knowing just a little more than we started with as pre-adolescents. Unfortunately, that usually means that a lot of misinformation and myths surround our knowledge and resulting behavior.
Understanding the details of your reproductive system mechanics and functioning becomes crucial if you are having trouble conceiving. Knowing what is considered "normal" or "average" and what is not will signal you if there's a problem beforehand. As with most things, the earlier you deal with a problem, the more successful you will be.
Sure, you think you already know, but you'd be surprised at all the tiny, but powerful, details involved in conception. A lot of times, folks first learn about these details when they're already having trouble getting pregnant. What you know before trying to conceive can only help things later.
Did you know that it's estimated that 1 in 4 people will have acquired at least one STI by the time they're age 24 years? If you want to be fertile when the time is right for you, don't risk it all now by taking chances.
Until the time is right for you to get pregnant, it is very wise to use contraception. The kind you choose to use now may impact your future plans.
First and foremost, don't forget that hormonal contraceptives (the pill, Norplant, Depo Provera) and diaphragms cannot provide protection from STIs. Also, there may be some truth to the concerns that hormonal contraceptives may cause delays in conception even after you have stopped using them.
Next, IUDs (intrauterine devices) are generally not recommended if future conception is a goal, due to the incidence of uterine scarring related to their use. Newer, safer IUDs are available now, but there will always be a slight inherent risk from implanting anything within the uterine cavity.
Generally, the best protection (for both current and future fertility) is regular condom use, even if you are also using hormonal contraception.
Nobody likes to hear it, but yes, "clean living" is one of the best promoters of fertility. What do we mean by clean living?
In short, take care of your body and it will take care of you -- and hopefully, in the future, your planned offspring.
© Tracy Morris
