NPR Comic Highlights 7 Lifestyle Habits That May Boost Fertility

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, healthy heterosexual couples in their 20s to early 30s who have regular, unprotected sex have a 25% to 30% chance of getting pregnant in any given month. Sekhon, who is a reproductive endocrinologist, explained that many factors shape those odds, including medical history, genetics, hormone balance, timing, and luck. "Trying to get pregnant is like playing a slot machine," she said. "You can pull the lever by timing your attempts around ovulation, but whether things line up and you hit the jackpot are not in your control."

The comic stresses that certain lifestyle choices can support fertility, such as getting regular exercise, while cutting out cannabis, nicotine, and alcohol may hinder it. The piece presents these as seven evidence-backed ways that may improve fertility, though it does not list the specific habits in the text excerpt.

The comic is part of a 26-minute episode of NPR's Life Kit podcast hosted by reporter Andee Tagle. The episode was produced by Sylvie Douglis, with editing by Malaka Gharib and CJ Riculan. NPR encourages listeners to send voicemails or emails and to follow the program on social media.