Are you and your partner ready to embark on the journey to parenthood? Understanding how to optimise your chances of conceiving can make this process smoother and more successful. Here are six key steps to help you with this exciting new chapter in starting your own family.
#1: Understand Your Menstrual Cycle
Your menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, including oestrogen and progesterone. Ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovary, typically occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle. Tracking your cycle can help you identify the most fertile days, as ovulation is the prime time for conception. Methods such as calendar tracking, basal body temperature monitoring, and ovulation predictor kits can aid in pinpointing ovulation. Understanding your unique cycle can empower you to make informed decisions about timing intercourse for optimal conception.
Fertility Specialist, Dr Tan Heng Hao believes that understand the basics of the menstrual cycle is the start to understanding your fertility chances – “ If your menstrual cycle intervals are prolonged or irregular, it might be advisable to seek medical help as soon as possible so that timely interventions may be administered, preventing any delays to earlier parenthood.”
#2: Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Research suggests that a healthy lifestyle can positively impact fertility. A balanced diet rich in nutrients, including vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron, and zinc, supports reproductive health. Antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables may help protect reproductive cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and smoking is also important, as these habits have been linked to decreased fertility in both men and women. Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can affect fertility.
#3: Enhance Sexual Timing and Frequency
The timing and frequency of intercourse play a crucial role in conception. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, while the egg is viable for about 12-24 hours after ovulation. To maximise your chances of conception, aim to have intercourse in the days leading up to ovulation and on the day of ovulation itself. Maintaining regular sexual activity throughout the menstrual cycle can help ensure sperm are present when ovulation occurs, increasing the likelihood of fertilisation.
Dr Tan Heng Hao shares that a common practice amongst couples would be to time the intercourse to ovulation test kits. Research has never proven this method to be more effective and on the contrary, this adds further stresses and costs to the process.
#4: Consider Fertility-Friendly Supplements and Medications
Certain supplements and medications may support fertility and improve reproductive outcomes. For example, folic acid, a B vitamin, is essential for neural tube development in the early stages of pregnancy and is often recommended for women trying to conceive.
- Coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant found in the body’s cells, has been shown to improve egg quality and may enhance fertility in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
- Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with reduced fertility, so ensuring adequate vitamin D levels may be beneficial.
That being said, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or medications, as individual needs may vary.
#5: Manage Stress and Prioritise Self-Care
Stress can impact fertility through its effects on hormone regulation and menstrual function. Chronic stress may disrupt the menstrual cycle and ovulation, making it more difficult to conceive. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine can help mitigate the negative effects of stress on fertility. Prioritising self-care and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation can also contribute to overall well-being and fertility optimisation.
#6: Know When to Seek Help
If you’ve been trying to conceive for several months without success, it’s essential to seek professional help. Infertility affects approximately one in seven couples of reproductive age, and there may be underlying medical conditions contributing to difficulty conceiving.
Summary
Optimising your chances of getting pregnant involves understanding your menstrual cycle, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, timing intercourse effectively, considering fertility-friendly supplements and medications, managing stress, and knowing when to seek help. By incorporating evidence-based strategies and seeking professional guidance when necessary, you can enhance your fertility journey and move closer to achieving your dream of parenthood.
Remember, you’re not alone on this journey and professional support is available. Book an appointment with our Fertility Specialist, Dr Tan Heng Hao, to learn more, and let us help you navigate the path to parenthood with confidence and optimism.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/…/art-20047611
https://www.healthline.com/…/how-to-increase-chances-of-getting-pregnant