Most couples and women who are trying to conceive, are aware of the basic science that having sex during their ovulation period will increase their chances of conception. This is true, however; it doesn’t work for everyone. There are a number of other factors that affect whether conception will occur at a particular time. Here are a few steps you can implement to increase your chances of conceiving:
Watch your weight – Several studies have shown that a woman being either overweight or underweight can severely limit her chances of getting pregnant. According to one study, obese women spend up to twice the time to get pregnant, while those who were underweight fared even worse; taking four times as much time as the average.
Reduce beverages intake – Drinking too much alcohol or coffee can impair a woman’s fertility. According to experts, drinking more than five cups of coffee in a day (about 500 milligrams of caffeine) is associated with lower fertility. Moderate coffee consumption is okay, however; within the range of 200 to 250 milligrams per day. With alcohol, the consensus is that drinking too much will harm a woman’s fertility. In fact, there are two schools of thought one: stating while pregnant moderate consumption is okay and then there’s another that states once pregnant you should cut out alcohol completely. Something to keep in mind, drinking while pregnant has been linked to birth defects.
Quit Smoking – Smoking cigarettes impairs fertility for both man and woman, especially if she’s trying to conceive. Smoking is known to diminish the receptiveness of the uterus to the egg, while in men, smoking can reduce sperm production and even damage DNA. If you get pregnant you should stop, as while pregnant it increases the risk of miscarriage significantly.
Have lots of Sex – Some couples do what they call “saving up”, essentially; delaying sex so as to have a break during which sperm can build up in the man, that doesn’t work. Studies have shown that the more frequently a couple have sex, the more likely it is that they will conceive. Sex every day is the most effective, but that might be too stressful for some couples so having sex every other day is the next best option. Plus it releases the ‘happy’ hormones and burn tons of calories.
Use Lubricants – Couples may decide to use lubricants to facilitate more frequent sexual intercourse. Doctors say that is all well and good, if the lubricants are chosen carefully. Some lubricants actually act to decrease fertility. Check them out, make sure you buy lubricants that does not contain spermicidal agents. Oil is a very good lubricant, especially canola oil or even peanut oil. You should avoid water based lubricants that are commonly sold in stores they inhibit sperm motility by 60% and more.
For some getting pregnant is easy and just as nature intended it to be, others require more effort, luck, praying, practicing and science. Try using a few of these tips, fingers crossed your chances improve.
Did you have difficulty conceiving, what worked for you? Comment below.
Follow us @coddledotco