A normal BMI is between 18. 5 and 24. 9. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source You can find a BMI calculator online through the NIH or Mayo Clinic. Being underweight can also affect ovulation[3] X Research source and sperm production[4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source . Talk to your doctor if you need to put on weight in a healthy way. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Cardio exercise includes anything that gets your heart pumping, like a brisk walk running, cycling, swimming, or aerobics. Note that women should stick to a moderate exercise routine as vigorous exercise reduces progesterone levels, which is an important hormone for ovulation. You should limit vigorous exercise to fewer than 5 hours each week. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
A healthy diet is especially important in men because a poor diet can inhibit sperm function. Women trying to get pregnant may have additional needs for protein, vitamins, calcium, iron, and folic acid. Your doctor may recommend supplements to boost your reproductive health and prepare your body to carry a baby. [9] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women’s Health U. S. government agency providing resources for women’s health Go to source
If you work nights, this can cause irregular sleep patterns. Try switching to a day shift temporarily if you’re trying to get pregnant.
Placing a pillow under your hips can help the sperm travel back into your uterus.
Remember that if 1 partner smokes, the other is probably inhaling some smoke. Try to quit as a couple for the best chance of getting pregnant. Smoking has all kinds of other health risks, so quitting will have many benefits besides increased fertility. Quitting all at once is rarely the most effective way to stop smoking for good. Consult your doctor concerning the best smoking cessation aids that are also safe for a couple trying to conceive.
Moderate drinking is considered 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. Keep your drinking within these ranges for a healthy reproductive system. [14] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
If you do have to use lubricant, make sure it isn’t spermicidal, which is designed to kill sperm. There are some fertility-friendly lubricants, like Pre-Seed, that are designed to avoid killing or inhibiting sperm. Use 1 of these products for a better chance of conception.
Always practice safe sex and use a condom before you’re trying to get pregnant. This is especially important if you have more than 1 partner. If you get a bacterial STI, then it should be treatable with antibiotics. As long as you catch it early, it shouldn’t cause any lasting damage.
Remember that other drinks besides coffee contain caffeine. Tea, soda, and energy drinks can contain high amounts as well.
Nitrous oxide if you work as a dentist or dental assistant Organic solvents like those found in dry cleaning chemicals Agricultural chemicals Industrial and manufacturing chemicals Salon hair treatment chemicals
Meditate for 10 minutes. Color in an adult coloring book. Talk to a friend. Play with your pet. Read. Go for a nature walk.
Color - Is it yellow, white, clear, or cloudy? Consistency - Is it thick, sticky, or stretchy? Feel - Is it dry, wet, or slippery?
No apparent secretions in the first 3 or 4 days after your most recent period ends A small amount of cloudy, sticky secretions for 3 to 5 days An abundance of clear, wet, and slippery secretions for 3 to 4 days, which corresponds to the time just before as well as during ovulation A sharp drop in cervical mucus for the next 11 to 14 days until your next period starts
Basal body thermometers are available at pharmacies or online. Make sure you’ve gotten at least 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep before taking your temperature. Lack of sleep could affect your temperature. You can use the thermometer orally, vaginally, or rectally, but ensure that you always use a consistent method to record accurate results. Your most fertile day is approximately 2 days before your basal temperature rises. By tracking both your cervical mucus and your basal temperature, you can pinpoint your most fertile day when your cervical mucus has become abundant and clear but your basal body temperature has not yet risen.
Though 2 days before your temperature rises is before you begin ovulating, it’s still ideal because your partner’s sperm can survive for up to 5 days in your reproductive tract. You may have to track this period over several months to conceive. Stay patient and plan sex with your partner during this period each month.
Never alter your prescription regimen without first consulting your doctor.
Ask your doctor for a referral to a fertility specialist. They can give you more strategies to conceive successfully. Your doctor can offer you medications and medical procedures to help you get pregnant. These may include assisted reproductive therapy (ART).
Track your cycle to look for a pattern.
Pelvic inflammatory disease Endometriosis Cancer Multiple miscarriages
