|
| Tips
on Getting Pregnant
For
Women
There are three days each month when you are highly fertile:
the 2 days before ovulation, and the day you actually ovulate.
When your ovary releases
an egg into the Fallopian tube you are “ovulating.” Ovulation
takes place about two weeks after the first day of your last period-- usually
on day 12-14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. After ovulation occurs, the egg
has a lifespan of 12-24 hours. Obviously, knowing when you are ovulating
can greatly increase your chances of getting pregnant! If you have regular
menstrual cycles, the easiest way to predict ovulation is by simply counting
the days from your last period.
Here
are a few more clues to help you figure out when you are ovulating:
-
Mittelschmerz.
About 20% of women experience painful ovulation, or mittelschmerz.
Mittelschmerz is a German word that means "middle pain." Some
women experience an achy or dull sensation; others have very
intense pain. This discomfort can lasts for a few minutes,
for several hours, or for some women, up to 48 hours. It can
occur on either side of the abdomen, but it is most often noticed
on the right side.
-
Cervical
Mucus. The
purpose of cervical mucus is to assist the sperm in surviving
its journey toward the egg. When you ovulate, you produce
much more cervical mucus. It also becomes more clear, “stretchy,” and
slippery. If you notice these changes in your cervical mucus,
you are probably ovulating.
-
Basal
Temperature. When ovulation takes place, your body
temperature rises slightly. Your temperature upon awakening
and before you get out of bed is your basal temperature.
Keeping a daily chart of your basal temperature can let you
know when ovulation has occurred. The temperature rise is
very slight (0.04 to 0.06 degrees), so using a special basal
thermometer is recommended. Start your chart on the first
day of your period. After you have kept a chart for at least
two months you should notice a pattern that will help you
know when ovulation typically occurs for you.
Experts
recommend that you plan to have sex once a day on each of your
three most fertile days. If you can’t tell when you ovulate,
have sex 2-3 times a week, every week.
Male
fertility can be affected by some things that may surprise you.
The good news is that men can take several easy steps to help to
ensure healthy sperm:
-
Reduce
or eliminate alcohol consumption. Alcohol
can decrease both your testosterone level and your
sperm count.
-
Don’t
smoke. Recent studies indicate that smoking has
a negative impact on male fertility. In lab tests, sperm
from smokers had difficulty binding to an egg. Smoking can
also reduce the number of sperm you produce.
-
Elevated
scrotal temperature has been linked to male infertility.
Therefore:
- The
heat from laptop computers has been shown to elevate scrotal
temperature. If you use a laptop computer, limit the time it
is actually in your lap. Place it on a desk or other surface
whenever possible.
- Stay
out of hot tubs and saunas. Don’t take long, hot baths.
- Don’t
wear tight fitting clothing. Boxers are better than briefs!
|
©2005,
MedCost, LLC. Reviewed for medical accuracy by the MedCost Medical
Director. No information on the SmartStarts Web site is intended
as a
substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your health
care provider with any questions or concerns you may have. |
