If you need to use a lubricant, make sure that it is water-based and that it is specifically made for promoting conception. Subtract 14 days from the length of your cycle to figure out when you ovulate. For instance, if you have a 30 day cycle, subtract 14 and you’ll start ovulating on day 16 of your cycle. [2] X Expert Source Debra Minjarez, MS, MDBoard Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist & Infertility Specialist Expert Interview. 31 March 2020. Set a relaxing mood, don’t demand too much of your partner, and try to focus on this time as an opportunity to enjoy each other before you have to worry about the needs of a child.

The cost of these tests can add up, so reserve them for days when you suspect you may be ovulating. Ovulation predictor test strips are often cheaper if you buy them in bulk. Ovulation predictor kits are not a requirement to identify your most fertile days, but they can be helpful, especially when you are unsure and want confirmation that you are ovulating. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

You might also experience light cramping, headaches, nausea, mood swings, breast tenderness, and back pain along with implantation bleeding.

Keep in mind that most couples don’t get pregnant right away. Out of 100 couples trying to conceive every month, only 15 to 20 couples will succeed. However, 95% of couples trying to conceive will get pregnant within 2 years!

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which can interfere with ovulation. Endometriosis, which can generally inhibit fertility. Diabetes: If you can catch and manage diabetes before conceiving, you’ll be able to avoid birth defects commonly associated with the disease. Thyroid disease: Like diabetes, thyroid disease is relatively non-threatening to your pregnancy as long as it’s diagnosed and well-managed.

Women who are clinically underweight (with a BMI under 18. 5) might stop menstruating altogether, which can make it even harder to conceive.

Taking folic acid supplements has also been shown to have a positive impact on fertility, so start taking folic acid supplement daily before you plan to become pregnant. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Lean proteins: skinless chicken breast, lean ground beef, tofu, and beans Whole grains: brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread, and oatmeal Fruits: apples, oranges, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, and melon Vegetables: broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, cabbage, and kale

Men should also make sure they get plenty of selenium (55mcg per day), as selenium is suspected to increase fertility particularly in men. [13] X Research source

Keep in mind that second-hand smoke can also affect your odds of conceiving. Avoid spending time around smokers to reduce your exposure to secondhand smoke. Stopping smoking is also beneficial to your partner! Men who smoke regularly have lower sperm counts, more abnormal sperm than non-smokers, and smoking can even cause impotence. [15] X Expert Source Debra Minjarez, MS, MDBoard Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist & Infertility Specialist Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.

Your partner should also limit their alcohol intake since alcohol can decrease sperm counts and it may also affect the quality of the sperm.

1 cup (240 mL) of coffee has about 100mg of caffeine, so do not drink more than 2 cups (580 mL) of coffee daily. Tea and cola have less caffeine, but this can still add up if you drink too much. Limit yourself to no more than 2 caffeinated beverages daily to ensure that you are not exceeding your daily limit.

If you have an intra-uterine device (IUD), then you will need to see your gynecologist to have it removed before you can get pregnant again.

Try not to let infertility to strain your relationship. The pressure to conceive, as well as invasive and emotionally stressful fertility treatments, can actually lead to sexual dysfunction and make getting pregnant even harder. [19] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

The first day of your period. This is the beginning of the cycle, so it should be noted as “1” on the calendar. Number the rest of the days in sequence counting up to the last day of your cycle, which is the day before your next period. Your daily basal body temperatures. Changes in cervical mucus. Positive ovulation prediction tests. Days you had sex. The last day of your cycle. Don’t start counting your period if you have mild spotting. Wait until the actual flow starts. [22] X Expert Source Debra Minjarez, MS, MDBoard Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist & Infertility Specialist Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.

Fertility peaks during the 2 to 3 days before your basal temperature rises, so if you can observe any month-to-month patterns in when your temperature rises, you can predict the best time to conceive. Make sure to buy a basal body thermometer. Don’t use a regular thermometer because it will not detect subtle changes in your temperature.

You may notice the consistency of your cervical mucus simply by wiping when you go to the bathroom, or you might need to insert a clean finger into your vagina to check it.

Healthy couples under the age of 30 engaging in regular (twice weekly) intercourse should be able to conceive within 12 months (plus time for readjusting after discontinuing birth control). If you’re over 30, see a doctor after 6 months of trying. Women over the age of 30 and women who are peri-menopausal may experience difficulty in getting pregnant due to the natural decline in fertility that occurs as women age. [25] X Expert Source Debra Minjarez, MS, MDBoard Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist & Infertility Specialist Expert Interview. 31 March 2020. In most cases, pregnancy can still be achieved but may take longer and require more targeted intercourse and lifestyle changes. See a fertility specialist right away in a few special cases. If you have endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, prior cancer treatments, endometriosis, a history of miscarriages or you’re over 35, make an appointment with a reproductive specialist as soon as you want to conceive. [26] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source

Get checked for sexually transmitted infections. Some infections can decrease your ability to conceive, while others can cause permanent infertility if left untreated. In some cases, women may have a removable tissue barrier that is preventing sperm from reaching the egg, or may have a physical condition that affects the menstrual cycle, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Men should have a semen analysis to check the quality and number of sperm emitted during ejaculation. Additional male fertility tests include a blood test to check for hormone levels and ultrasounds that monitor the ejaculation process or sperm duct obstruction. Fertility tests for women often include hormone tests to check for thyroid, pituitary, and other hormone levels during ovulation and at other times during the menstrual cycle. Hysterosalpingography, laparoscopy, and pelvic ultrasounds are more involved procedures that can be used to evaluate the uterus, endometrial lining, and fallopian tubes for scarring, blockage, or disease. Ovarian reserve testing and genetic tests for inherited infertility problems can also be performed.

Develop a list of questions before your appointment. Go over them with your partner to make sure you haven’t missed anything. Cover any concerns you have about costs, side effects, and the success of the treatments. At your first visit, do not expect to have a physical evaluation or to begin treatment. Just show up ready to ask questions and learn about your options. Do not feel obligated to commit to a particular treatment center after a single visit; visit several and keep your options open until you identify the best clinic for you.

Endometriosis Unexplained infertility Semen allergy Male factor infertility

IVF involves the removal of mature eggs from your body (or that of a donor) and its fertilization with your partner’s (or a donor’s) sperm in a laboratory, with subsequent insertion of the fertilized egg into your uterus to promote implantation. Each cycle can last 2 or more weeks, but most insurance companies pay for few — if any — IVF cycles. IVF is less likely to succeed in women with endometriosis, women who have not previously given birth, and women who use frozen embryos. Women over the age of 40 are often counseled to use donor eggs due to success rates of less than 5%. [33] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Clomid (clomiphene) is a common fertility drug that is often combined with other treatments, such as IUI. This drug stimulates your ovaries to release an egg, thus increasing the chances that you will become pregnant.

Infertility can also take a toll on your relationship as well. Make time to just have fun with your partner, and maintain your connection. Beginning infertility testing and treatment? Talk with your doctor about what you can do to increase fertility naturally, promote a good sperm count in your partner, and use relaxation to aid your treatment.

Infertility can also take a toll on your relationship as well. Make time to just have fun with your partner, and maintain your connection. Beginning infertility testing and treatment? Talk with your doctor about what you can do to increase fertility naturally, promote a good sperm count in your partner, and use relaxation to aid your treatment.