31/01/2024
Having challenges conceiving?
Some women will get pregnant easily while others it may take some time. You will need to put in some effort. Here's what you need to know:
Ovulation is the process in which a mature egg is released from the o***y. After it's released, the egg moves down the fallopian tube and stays there for 12 to 24 hours, where it can be fertilized. S***m can live inside the female reproductive tract as long as five days after s*xual in*******se under the right conditions. Your chance of getting pregnant is highest when live s***m are present in the fallopian tubes during ovulation.
In an average 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. However, each person's cycle length may be different, and the time between ovulation and the start of the next menstrual period may vary. If, like many people, you don't have a perfect 28-day menstrual cycle, you can determine the length and midpoint of your cycle by keeping a menstrual calendar.
Beyond the calendar, you can also look for ovulation signs and symptoms, including:
Change in va**nal secretions (cervical mucus). Just before ovulation, you might notice an increase in clear, wet and stretchy va**nal secretions. Just after ovulation, cervical mucus decreases and becomes thicker, cloudy and less noticeable.
Change in basal body temperature. Your body's temperature at rest (basal body temperature) increases slightly during ovulation. Using a thermometer specifically designed to measure basal body temperature, take your temperature every morning before you get out of bed. Record the results and look for a pattern to emerge. You'll be most fertile during the 2 to 3 days before your temperature rises.
You also might want to try an over-the-counter ovulation kit, which can help you identify when you're most likely to ovulate. These kits test your urine for the surge in hormones that takes place before ovulation. Ovulation occurs about 36 hours after a positive result.
Maximizing fertility: What to do
Follow these simple tips on how to get pregnant:
Have s*x regularly. The highest pregnancy rates occur in couples who have s*x every day or every other day.
Have s*x near the time of ovulation. If having s*x every day isn't possible — or enjoyable — have s*x every 2 to 3 days a week starting soon after the end of your period. This can help ensure that you have s*x when you are most fertile.
Maintain a normal weight. Overweight and underweight women are at increased risk of ovulation disorders.
Also, consider talking to your health care provider about preconception planning. He or she can assess your overall health and help you identify changes that might improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy. Your health care provider will recommend taking folic acid a few months before conception to reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
Maximizing fertility:
What to avoid to improve your odds of conceiving:
Don't smoke. To***co has multiple negative effects on fertility, not to mention your general health and the health of a fetus. If you smoke, ask your health care provider to help you quit before you start trying to conceive.
Don't drink alcohol. Heavy alcohol use might lead to decreased fertility. Generally, it's best to avoid alcohol if you're hoping to conceive.
Curb caffeine. Research suggests that fertility isn't affected by caffeine consumption of less than 200 milligrams a day.
Don't overdo strenuous exercise. Strenuous, intense exercise of more than five hours a week has been associated with decreased ovulation.
Also, talk to your health care provider about any medications you are taking. Certain medications — even those available without a prescription — can make it difficult to conceive.
Reference : mayoclinic.org
