Increasing the chances of getting pregnant

Many women find it difficult to get pregnant and it becomes increasingly important to become familiar with your menstrual cycle and the optimum time for conception.

Many couples that are trying to conceive try and increase the number of times they have sex during the ovulation stage of the menstrual cycle; this lasts for a few days in the middle of the cycle. Although it is true that it is much more common to conceive during this window of time, practicing this method does not always guarantee success and it can become a physical and emotional strain on the relationship. Research has also shown that the quality of the sperm is reduced if the male does not ejaculate for a period of several days, which means abstaining at times of the cycle may actually be counter-productive.

There are now tests available to enable you to tell when you are ovulating; tests can identify the peak fertility time by measuring the basal body temperature (BBT) and more sophisticated modern tests detect the peak time of the LH hormone (luteinizing hormone), which brings about ovulation. The tests for the LH hormone are more accurate than the BBT tests.

If you are trying to get pregnant, here are some helpful tips:

• Change your diet to incorporate healthy foods and cut down on fatty, salty foods that are high in bad cholesterol
• Exercise on a regular basis
• Avoid stressful situations
• Increase the number of times you have unprotected sex
• Use tests (including body temperature and LH hormone tests) to tell you when your peak fertility time falls in the month

Most couples manage to conceive within one year of trying; however, some take longer. If you have been trying for more than two years and have had no luck you should arrange to see your GP. Your GP will ask you a number of questions relating to your relationship and sexual habits and will arrange for tests to be carried out to determine if there is a medical reason which is preventing you from conceiving.

For more information regarding pregnancy see our section dedicated to this area.