Many couples have trouble getting pregnant even after one year of trying. Here are some common fertility mistakes to avoid to increase your chances of conceiving.
Positions for Success?
First, don’t restrict your position during sex. Yes, there are those who believe certain positions offer a higher likelihood of becoming pregnant. The truth is, if you are ovulating and your partner’s sperm has no issues, the chances of getting pregnant are the same regardless of position.
The Man Can Be the Cause of Infertility, Too
Second, don’t ignore the man’s health. In heterosexual relationships, the woman often feels like she is the reason for infertility, but infertility is not just a woman’s problem. A man’s sperm production and/or sperm motility can also be the cause of infertility. A physician can conduct a sperm analysis to assess your partner’s sperm and suggest medications and treatments that may be able to help increase his chances of getting you pregnant.
How Often to Have Sex
Third, if you are having trouble conceiving, don’t have sex more than once a day when you are ovulating. Having sex multiple times a day actually decreases sperm count and reduces your chance of becoming pregnant. Increase your odds of hitting that 12-24 hour ovulation window by pinpointing it with ovulation test strips. Don’t get discouraged if you struggle to identify your ovulation at first. It is possible for a woman to skip ovulation from time to time.
Don’t Douche
Fourth, women should try not to douche. Douching changes the pH of the vagina and can be the cause of an infection. A normal pH is necessary for the sperm to reach the egg.
Avoid Getting Stressed
Lastly, try not to stress. This is the hardest part, but stress reduces your chances of getting pregnant. So try to relax and don’t focus on the fact that you may not be pregnant yet. Eat healthily, take prenatal vitamins, and get some exercise to stay healthy to increase your chances of conceiving.
If you’re struggling with infertility, contact our offices to talk with our specialists and find out more about how to increase your chances of getting pregnant. There are many different options to start a family. IVF with egg donation and surrogacy can allow you either to carry your own child or have a surrogate carry a child for you who is genetically related to one or both intended parents.