For some individuals, conception is so easy that it can happen from a simple handshake! For others, infertility can become a frustrating journey filled with near-misses, negative fertility tests, unexplained diagnosis and frustration.
HOWEVER – it is important to not lose hope. Be your own advocate. If you think you may have a problem, seek the advice of an expert. If you are currently seeing a fertility specialist and aren’t happy with your care, get a second opinion. If you need someone to talk with, develop a support system, like a friend or relative or therapist who you can vent with and bounce treatment plans off of. They’ll give you the unbiased advice, strength, courage and LOVE you will need to keep going!
Along with our renowned experts and cutting-edge technologies, there are other ways to be proactive in your goal to have a baby. Whether you’ve just started trying to become pregnant or have been at it for a while, here’s some basic advice that can help boost your odds of conceiving.
YUP…AGE MATTERS
A baby with ovaries is born with 2 million eggs. By puberty, they have 400,000. At age 30, they have 100,000. By age 45 or 50 they have zero. You get the idea. Every day, egg supply decreases. And eggs are crucial to becoming pregnant.
SEX ROUTINE
Your ovulated egg has a survival window of 1-2 days; sperm can last 3 days. Instead of scheduling sex for the one optimum day, have sex every other day during your fertility window to increase the odds that egg/sperm will connect.
IT TAKES TWO!
One of the most misleading myths is that infertility is caused by a problem with the egg provider. It’s so incredibly false! In fact, in about 40% of all cases the infertility issue can be traced to the male partner. Boom!
TRACK YOUR OVULATION
Chart your cycle every month; ovulation usually occurs between day 12 and day 16, which will be 14 days before your next period. Recognize the signs that you’re ovulating: stretchy egg-white cervical mucus, ovarian pain, and increased libido.
STOP OVER-EXERCISING
While moderate exercise is fine, individuals who are having trouble conceiving should consider taking a break from any intense, hard exercise that raises the heart rate to more than 110 beats per minute.
MAKE SEX FUN!
Sex may seem less personal when you’re on an ovulation schedule. As hard as it may be, try to not treat it like a chore. Get your mind off of conceiving, even for a few minutes, Instead, switch-up your positions and get a bit wild!
ALLEVIATE STRESS
The pressure from infertility can leave you feeling anxious & isolated. Overcoming emotions can help you regain a sense of control over your life. See a counselor, try yoga, or talk with a supportive friend.
STOP SMOKING
Although they may alleviate stress, smoking cigarettes and/or marijuana contributes to lower testosterone levels, reduced sperm counts, and slower sperm motility – even in moderation.
GET A SECOND OPINION
Maybe you aren’t satisfied with your fertility team or you aren’t sure the path they are taking you on will lead to a baby. Either way, a second opinion will only get you more information and be helpful on your fertility journey.
HANG IN THERE!
Dealing with infertility isn’t fun. It’s hard and sometimes it can ruin your day. Or week. Or year. Despite these feelings, it’s important to not lose hope and trust that one day you will realize your dream of becoming a parent!
**KNOW WHEN TO SEE AN FERTILITY EXPERT (HONORABLE MENTION)
If you are under 35 and not pregnant after a year of unprotected sex, it’s time to see a fertility specialist. If you are between the ages of 35-39 and have been trying to conceive for 6 months, it’s time to see a fertility specialist. If you are age 40 or above and have been trying to become pregnant without success, schedule a visit tomorrow!
