Get Pregnant Fast On A Sunny Beach Vacation

By Colette Bouchez

For decades – or longer – gynecologists and even some fertility experts  have been advising couples having problems getting pregnant to  “take a vacation “ !   This is, in fact, is often the first line of defense if a couple is suffering with “unexplained “ infertility – for example, when  there appears to be no physical reason standing in the way of pregnancy.

The goal behind the suggestion has always been primarily relaxation.  Indeed, a number of studies have shown that  stress , as well as the underlying stress hormones that are secreted when you are under stress can have a direct and immediate impact on fertility in both men and women.

But now, however, research shows there may be an even stronger scientific reason behind why so many couples do get pregnant when they go on vacation - particularly to a warm sunny climate.  The  connecting link between sunny vacations and pregnancy: None other than Vitamin D!

"One of the primary ways in which the body makes vitamin D is via exposure to sunlight. And now research shows that vitamin D appears to have a direct impact on ovarian function, as well as hormone production - and that can make a huge difference if you are trying to get pregnant," says Dr. Niels Lauersen, author of Getting Pregnant: What You Need To Know Now.

But Lauersen says it's not just women alone whose fertility may prosper from sunlight . Men are affected as well.

Indeed, in  one very early study on sunlight and male fertility,  a group of researchers measured levels of testosterone ( the male hormone key to sperm production)  in a group of men both before  and after exposure to sunlight.  They then exposed the men's chests to daily UVB light for five days – each day just long enough to cause a slight reddening of the skin.

At the end of five days they remeasured testosterone levels .  What did they find?  Exposure to the UVB light ( the same kind you get from the sun) caused a whopping 120% increase in testosterone production! 

More importantly,  they remeasured the levels again 8 days later – during which the men got no UVB exposure – and their testosterone levels once again dropped down to pre-testing level.    Since testosterone plays such a key role in sperm growth and development, it's easy to see how spending time in the sun may actually make some men more fertile.

Adding just a little more sun fuel  to this fire is  epidemiologic data showing that in  countries where the latitude is the highest and sun exposure varies dramatically during the year, researchers found conception rates were consistently higher in  late summer ( following a season in the sun) and birth rates highest the following spring!

Of course it's still very important to protect your skin from extended sun exposure.  Remember, it's sunlight and not sun burn that may increase fertility so wearing sunscreen should  still  be a vital part of your health protection strategy.  That said, recent research suggests that up to 20 minutes a day of unprotected sun exposure is a healthy way to increase vitamin D levels - and is not likely to cause you any serious harm, so keep that in mind when planning your time out doors.

So, will a vacation in the sun help you get pregnant?  There is no guarantee.  But, if you combine the romance of the moonlight with the power of vitamin D from the sun....it could happen!

You might also be interested in reading: VitaminD: The Secret Fertility Nutrient or  Are You Vitamin D Deficient: How To Tell