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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. Alcohol can decrease both your testosterone level and your sperm count.
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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.
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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!
Copyright 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.
