Fertility problems have been on the rise over the last twenty years. One in six couples currently have some problems with conception, and 25% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. For this reason, couples are very interested in ways to increase their chances of achieving conception. The following are some pointers about how to do this.
Ovulation and fertility
When you are trying to conceive, it is crucial that you time things right. The best time to conceive is during the ‘fertile window’ of the menstrual cycle. Pregnancy is only possible during the five days before ovulation through the day of ovulation itself. Sperm have a lifespan of five days, and the ovum has one of 24 hours. If you have sex six days before ovulation, then you will not get pregnant. If you have sex five days before ovulation, then your chances are about 10 percent. 24 hours after ovulation, you are also unable to get pregnant.
Ovulation happens when a mature egg is released from the ovary. It comes down the fallopian tube and is then ready to be fertilized.
You need to determine when your ovulation will be. You can do this by determining the length of your average menstrual cycle. The first day is the first day of your period and the last day is the day before the next period. Ovulation occurs two weeks before your next period. So, if your average menstrual cycle is 28 days, then you will be ovulating around the fourteenth day.
There are certain physical signs of ovulation as well. At the time of ovulation, the vagina’s mucous is clear and slick.
You can also use an ovulation predictor kit. You must start testing with the kit a couple of days before your estimated date of ovulation. When you get a positive test result, you will start ovulating in 24 to 36 hours.
There is also a rise in your basal body temperature by a half of a degree Celsius after ovulation. You need to use a basal body temperature thermometer to get an accurate measurement.
Keep a Good Diet
Keeping a good diet can increase your chances of conceiving. You need to include enough protein, iron, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D in your diet. This is because, if you don’t get enough of these nutrients, then you may have lengthened menstrual cycles. This makes ovulation less frequent. You should consult with your doctor to see if you need supplements.
Alcohol
Research has shown that alcohol can decrease your chances of conception. Alcohol affects estrogen levels. This may interfere with the implantation of eggs. A little bit of alcohol, like the occasional glass of wine, is unlikely to affect anything. You might want to try to cut back on caffeine as well. The jury is still out, but some research suggest that caffeine alters female hormone levels. If you limit your coffee intake to one or two cups a day, then you should be fine.
Excess Weight and Fertility
Excess weight can affect a woman’s fertility. It can also cause complications during pregnancy. The other extreme can also be an issue. Weight loss with anorexia or bulimia can tamper with the menstrual cycle and reduce the chances of getting pregnant.
Exercise and Fertility
Getting exercise is important for overall health. However, too much exercise can have a negative impact on your chances of conception. Strenuous exercise has been shown to actually decrease your chances of getting pregnant. Strangely enough, a Harvard study demonstrated that men who watch more than 20 hours of TV weekly had a 44% lower sperm count than those who watch very little. The best advice is to get a moderate amount of exercise, whether you are a man or a woman.
Stress and Fertility
While there isn’t enough data available currently to establish a link, doctors think that stress can affect fertility. Some doctors think that certain hormones that rise during periods of stress may play a role. Also, it is possible that reducing stress may help enhance proteins in the uterine lining that are involved in implantation.
Smoking
Smoking can affect both female and male fertility. Smoking affects how receptive the uterus is to the egg. In men, smoking can reduce the production of sperm.
Have Frequent Sex
Some people think that delaying sex can improve your chances of conceiving. According to doctors, this doesn’t work. Having sex every day is too much for some couples. Having sex every other day seems to be nearly as good with regard to fertility.
We have seen that there are definite ways of increasing your fertility. Overall health is always an important factor, but it is important to get the timing just right. In the event that you still have issues, even after following the above suggestions, then you need to consult a fertility doctor for help.