Know Your Body
Science-backed articles about women's health, fertility, sex, periods, and more.
Trying to conceiveA Beginners Guide to Pre-Seed Fertility LubricantPre-Seed Fertility Lubricant is a specially formulated lubricant that is specially designed to aid with fertility. While it is typically used by women who experience vaginal dryness, there is absolutely no harm in using it if you do not experience this dryness—there just wouldn't be much of a point. Pre-Seed is designed to mimic vaginal fluid—down to the pH—allowing for sperm to travel more easily up the vaginal canal to the egg.
For all of its merits, you need to be sure that what you put into your body will not have any harmful side effects. You should also be entirely sure of how to use a new intimate product. This post will explain how and when to use Pre-Seed Fertility Lubricant, as well as any potential side effects you may experience.
When Should You Use Pre-Seed Lubricant?
There are two "whens" to consider.
In terms of your cycle, you should use this lubricant during your fertile period. This begins when the egg is released from your ovaries during ovulation. On a "normal" 28-day cycle, ovulation should occur on day 14 of your cycle (day one referring to the first day you bleed on your period).
In terms of sex, around 15 minutes beforehand is the recommended time.
How to Use and Apply Pre-Seed
You will receive a tube and an applicator tube. As per the instructions within the package:
Open the tube and attach the applicator with the plunger pushed all the way down. You will have to twist it onto the product (which is shaped like a toothpaste tube).Squeeze the tube from the bottom, allowing the applicator to fill up. The plunger will rise all the way to the top.
Do not use the plunger to draw out the product.Close the product in the tube, and do not let the product sit inside the applicator for any longer than 30 minutes. Insert about half of the applicator into the vagina, in whichever way is comfortable for you. If it is your first time, sitting on the toilet is an easy way to get the right angle.Holding firmly in place, push the plunger up to release all of the product. This method is similar to inserting a tampon with an applicator. Discard the applicator, as they are single-use only.
What Side Effects Can Pre-Seed Have?
Pree-Seed is clinically safe and even FDA approved. There are no known reported side effects to this product. If you are still uncertain, however, it is always best to speak to your doctor or obstetrician.
Should You Use Pre-Seed?
We think that Pre-Seed is a great product for anyone experiencing vaginal dryness, as it mimics both the pH and texture of vaginal fluid and mucus to a T. Not only is this great for the experience of intercourse, but it also aids with fertility if the sperm is struggling to get to where it needs to go.
All in all, this is a safe, effective product which we definitely suggest you try.
Trying to conceiveBest Food to Eat After IVF Embryo Transfer: Do's and Don'ts of IVF It's probably safe to assume that if you and your partner are maneuvering your way through the extensive and expensive IVF (in vitro fertilization) process, you are both serious yet excited about falling pregnant. In which case, you must be anxious to know what you can do to increase your chances of success.
General health and wellness make a major difference when it comes to fertility and your chances of becoming pregnant. Sometimes, altering your diet can boost your chances for both natural conception and fertility treatments.
There is no SUPER strict diet to follow after undergoing IVF, but there are some common and understandable do's and don'ts to take into consideration. These foods and lifestyle changes can be followed after the entire IVF process has been completed as well as after having undergone the IVF egg retrieval process.
What to Eat After Embryo Transfer
Preferably, you should be eating healthy in the months leading up to your IVF procedure. From then on, you're encouraged to eat as if you're already pregnant. This ensures optimal health and wellness from the very beginning, right up to a potential pregnancy. Ideally, you’ll want to eat along the lines of the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes whole foods, healthy fats, and low sugar intake. Here are the best foods to eat after the embryo transfer:
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Bananas BeetrootsBroccoliBerriesDatesLeafy green vegetablesSproutsSweet potatoes
Protein
AnchoviesBeansEggsHummusNutsSalmonSardinesSeedsYogurt
Carbohydrates
OatsWhole grain cereals
Food to Avoid After Embryo Transfer
Hand-in-hand with the foods you should eat, there are also a few foods you probably want to avoid after your embryo transfer. Most of them are quite obvious and shouldn't come as a complete shock.
Alcoholic beveragesSodas (high sugar content)
The alcohol and the high sugar content are bad for your health and bad for the embryo that’s been implanted.
Processed foodsJunk foods and sweetsProcessed meatsSoft cheeses
These tend to be worse for general health and wellness due to preservatives and fillers.
While fish is an ideal source of protein and healthy fats, you’ll want to avoid fish and seafood with a high mercury content. That includes tuna, mackerel, and sea bass.
Lifestyle Tips: Do’s and Don’ts After IVF
When you’re going through IVF, the day your doctor actually transfers the embryo into your uterus may seem like a distant dream. So when the big day finally arrives, it’s quite an event! In fact, it’s probably safe to say that the embryo transfer is one of the highest points in the IVF timeline for most people.
Afterward, you may feel like you’re on pins and needles, impatiently waiting to find out if it was successful. If you're experiencing no symptoms after IVF, don't panic as this is completely normal and doesn't mean that the embryo transfer wasn't a success. Right now and for the next few weeks, you and your health are top priority. Stay calm and follow these simple do's and don'ts to ensure you are caring for yourself correctly.
The Do's
While it isn’t necessary to treat yourself like glass (the embryo won’t fall out!), you should relax and take it a little bit easy.
Pamper yourself
Relax and think positive thoughts. Try to take a few days off work and remain in bed.Embrace healthy eating
Continue to eat the wholesome foods you've been eating thus far.Continue taking your meds
Your doctor may instruct you to continue taking your prenatal vitamins during IVF and possibly additional supplements to ensure you are at optimum health.Drink plenty of fluids
This will keep your cells hydrated and is essential for proper cell functioning.De-stress
Take that stroll on the beach, park walk, yoga, or meditation class.
The Don'ts
Avoid sex
Sexual intercourse can trigger uterine infections which can disrupt the embryo.Take a pregnancy test right away
This may be incredibly difficult! But it can take a few weeks for your body to produce enough pregnancy hormone (HCG), which is necessary for a clear pregnancy test result.Ignore troubling symptoms
Women taking fertility medicines may develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). If you experience any abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, contact your doctor immediately.Avoid strenuous exercise
This is not the time to put your body under strain. Take it easy and allow your body to do what it needs to do.
Caring for yourself after your embryo transfer provides you with a wonderful opportunity to incorporate healthy habits into your life. And making your health your number one priority, if it hasn’t been, is long overdue.
Trying to conceiveHow to Track Fertile Days in Your Period CycleWhen you're keen to conceive - or even to avoid conception - it's helpful to have a mental picture of what's happening to your body through the menstrual cycle and to know the signs of your fertility.
There are four different phases of the menstrual cycle:
Menses - the temporary extra lining of the uterus comes away (the endometrium) and is shed in a menstrual bleed lasting about two to seven days. Follicular phase - preparation for conception occurs as hormones trigger the release of a new ovum from the fallopian tubes, any time from 7 to 14 days from the first day of menstruation. The hormones also cause the uterus to develop a new endometrium for cushioning and nourishing. Ovulation - the ovum is available for fertilization by healthy sperm in this ideal uterine environment. This phase provides a window of opportunity for conception and is about two fertile days. Luteal phase - the ovum changes and is now called the corpus luteum or body of the egg. It releases more powerful hormones to trigger a richer environment in the uterus, but deteriorates if it's not fertilized by sperm within two days. If there is no fertilized corpus luteum attaching itself to the wall of the uterus, the thickened lining gradually begins to dissolve, and fertility is no longer possible in this cycle. Your body then prepares to get rid of these byproducts of fertility with a new menstrual flow.
What Are the Signs of Ovulation?
If you want to know when and whether you are ovulating, these are the signs of ovulation you need to attend to:
after menstrual bleeding has stopped, your normal vaginal secretions change from being scanty, then watery and thin, to being thick, clear, and stretchy, like egg white, at about day 7 to day 10 of your cycle;your breasts may feel very sensitive;you may observe some low abdominal cramps like menstrual cramps as the ovum is released from the fallopian tube;you may experience some abdominal bloating, usually linked to these cramps;you may feel a heightened sense of sexual awareness and desire, which is a result of your hormones working to facilitate conception; andyour basal body temperature rises by about two degrees at ovulation and can be measured with a fertility thermometer.
If you are not fertile, you will notice none of these signs, because they all rely on the luteinizing hormone, which is the main facilitator of fertility. The most easily observed sign is the clear, stretchy vaginal mucus.
Fertile Days in Your Period Cycle
All of these fertility signs are present for only about a two-day window period where you are most fertile. However, you can get pregnant if you have sex during the last days of your period because sperm lives for up to five days in the uterus. Your period may stop, and you may ovulate within those five days.
Therefore, you can theoretically fall pregnant at any phase of your cycle. The varying factors include how long your menstrual cycle lasts, when you ovulate in a particular month, and how long the sperm may stay viable. Some men's sperm may be stronger swimmers or denser, making fertilization in the uterus likelier, even a few days after having sex. You may also fall pregnant more easily if you are within a profile of young and healthy women.
To help you find out if you're pregnant, you should use a pregnancy test rather than an ovulation test, and be aware that it is most accurate two weeks after having sex, rather than immediately.
How to Track Your Fertile Window
The best way to track your fertile window is by monitoring the signs of ovulation either manually or by using a device for cycle and ovulation tracking.
Can You Get Pregnant While on Your Period?
This is possible but unlikely, because of the flow of blood and the discarding of the endometrium which a fertilized egg needs to attach to in order to grow. The conditions during your period are not as positive for conception as the ideal conditions during ovulation. However, with all the uncertainties at play in your body and your life, it's still possible.
Trying to conceiveHow to Track Ovulation With Irregular PeriodsGetting to know your cycle and when to expect your period can be difficult if it changes month to month. This lack of a predictable pattern also makes it difficult to estimate when you will be ovulating until it actually happens.
Your period can be described as irregular if your entire menstrual cycle is shorter than 24 days or longer than 38 days. You may bleed twice a month or only after more than a month. The leading cause of irregular periods is an imbalance of the two hormones involved in menstruation: estrogen and progesterone. Their fluctuations can be triggered by a range of biological and environmental factors, which make it more important to track your cycle if you want a fair warning of your period arriving, or of your ovulation, for conception.
Causes of Irregular Periods
The hormones released by your brain are affected by what's happening to you as a whole. So besides the age-stage influences of puberty and menopause, other factors may affect your hormone levels from time to time, including:
Serious illness
This results in your body clock having to reset itself into a normal pattern.Medications
Some of these include painkillers like ibuprofen, antidepressants, or cancer treatments.Stress
Stress triggers the release of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol, which affect your cycle.Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy can disrupt your periods after childbirth, and regular breastfeeding tends to depress ovulation for up to a year.Poor diet
This refers to a diet lacking sufficient energy and minerals to sustain a normal body weight.Excessive exercise
Frequently overexerting yourself also depletes body weight and affects your hormones.
Can You Get Pregnant If You Have Irregular Periods?
Yes, it is possible to get pregnant despite having irregular periods. However, the chances are less than 30% because that's the success rate for healthy women with regular periods. Moreover, irregular ovulation linked to irregular periods accounts for 30–40% of all infertility cases.
Calculating Fertility With Irregular Periods
Tracking your ovulation and calculating your fertility window can be more challenging with irregular periods. However, it is very important to do when trying to conceive. Here are some ways to help you determine when you are ovulating.
Use an Ovulation Test
The most obvious solution would be to use an ovulation test. While they can be helpful, remember that ovulation tests don't function as pregnancy tests. And even as a test of ovulation, it is not the best and only indicator of ovulation. It's best to check for other signs when calculating your fertility.
Check Your Body's Signs of Ovulation
You can work with your own pattern of fertility by closely monitoring your body's signs of ovulation. Even if your period is irregular, ovulation should follow after the end of the period. One of the signs might be ovulation pain. This is not a sign that it's too late to conceive. In fact, it is a good indication that you're ovulating and can conceive. Consult your gynecologist if you notice no ovulation signs for more than two months.
Use an Ovulation Tracking Device
You can also include period tracking apps and ovulation tracking devices to help calculate your fertile time by measuring your body's basal temperature daily. However, ovulation trackers tend not to record ovulation until after it has happened. This means you miss the opportunity of a fertile day.
Regularly Track Your Irregular Periods
You can get an idea of your hormone levels and balance by noting certain signs in your body. If you keep track of your cycle, you can understand which physical and emotional signs are an expression of hormonal activity. It's a good idea to keep a monthly chart or menstrual diary and take note of the following:
When a period might be due in the next few days, record possible signs such as facial acne, breast tenderness, low mood, and tearfulness. During your period, note details like cramps, the length of the flow, and any stress factors in your life.At the end of your flow, record if it suddenly or gradually stops. Over the subsequent ten days, record what you notice about your vaginal mucus and other signs of ovulation.During the days after ovulation and before your next period, record any mucus changes.
If you think you have irregular periods, get help from your gynecologist to help you make the most of your fertility window in your cycle.
How often you have sex can help your chances of conceiving. It is recommended that you only have sex once every 24 hours to get the best sperm count and most fertile sperm. When you have sex may also play a role, as it's best to have sex in the morning.
Trying to conceiveWhy Does Sperm Leak Out Hours After Sex?Most women, at some point in their lives, have experienced sperm leaking out of their vaginas after having sex. Although this may be alarming for some or may even raise questions of infertility, especially for those couples actively trying to conceive, it is actually quite normal and is only a portion of the ejaculate.
Read on to learn more about why this happens.
Why Does Sperm Leak Out After Sex?
Sperm leakage refers to the discharge that exits the vagina after the man has orgasmed within her during sex. This means that there was enough of the ejaculate during the orgasm; therefore, some may leak out once the woman is upright, relaxed, and continuing with her day. This can actually be seen as a man having a healthy amount of sperm.
Is It Still Possible to Get Pregnant if the Sperm Comes Out?
Sperm leakage is definitely NOT a sign of infertility, nor will it lessen your chances of falling pregnant. To start, it is important to know that less than 5-10% of the ejaculate is actually sperm—over 90% is made up of other fluids. Therefore the small amount of ejaculate that leaks out of the vagina is not necessarily impacting the chances of pregnancy.
Once a man ejaculates within a woman, the sperm will separate itself from the remaining ejaculatory fluids. Some of the sperm will remain in the back of the vagina (the posterior fornix) and an even smaller amount will make its way up through the cervix within minutes, into the uterus, and along the fallopian tubes in hopes of fertilizing an egg. If you happen to be within the ovulation phase in your menstrual cycle, then conception chances can be quite high.
If you want to track your menstruation and its phases in order to know when you may be ovulating, you can use a calendar to mark the specific days in your cycle—or you can use an app. You can also take an ovulation test to determine whether or not you may be ovulating at that current moment and, if you are, you may want to have sex then and there and over the next few days.
It is also important to note that if your ovulation test is showing positive, meaning that you are about to ovulate, you can also be pregnant already at this time. Ovulation tests and pregnancy tests (although they work in a similar way) test different hormone levels and should therefore be used with the correct intention in mind. If your ovulation tests are continuously showing negative results, or if you experience irregular cycles, you can attempt to induce ovulation.
How Long Should Sperm Be Kept Inside to Get Pregnant?
If the man ejaculated deep within you during sex, then you can rest easy knowing that no matter how much ejaculate leaks out after sex, enough sperm would've reached the uterus. It is also advisable to lie on your back for about 15-20min after sex with hips slightly elevated, to assist the sperm with gravity for their journey to the uterus. This is enough time for the fastest sperm swimmers to make it to a potential egg. Sperm leakage after this waiting period will not hamper your chances of falling pregnant. Sperm can survive within the uterus for up to 5 days, so it is fair to give the sperm their chance in reaching the egg.
However, you can also increase your chances of falling pregnant by taking vitamins to boost fertility. Both men and women can take these vitamins to ensure they are keeping themselves healthy and giving conception the best chance of occurring.
Conclusion
Pregnancy will occur if all the right circumstances are in place and if you feel that you might be pregnant, then there's no harm in taking a pregnancy test. It is also important to keep in mind that conception can take time and is different for all couples. Sperm leakage should, therefore, not alarm you, nor will it affect your chances of falling pregnant.
Trying to conceiveWhat to Do After Sex to ConceiveFor many people, trying to conceive—or even the topic of conception—can bring about emotions of sadness or even grief. Every couple's journey of falling pregnant is different and one needs to be sensitive when bringing up this topic in conversation.
Conception can occur within weeks of trying and can come about quite easily for some; but for others, it can be difficult and take months, years, or even require additional methods such as inducing ovulation to increase the chance of falling pregnant. Every human's body is different, so one method will not work for all, but there are tips and tricks that can be tried first before jumping to any major conclusion or trying hasty methods.
What to Do After Sex to Conceive
For those willing to give it a try, there are some interesting methods to try to possibly increase the chance of falling pregnant:
Lie flat
We're all aware of gravity and how it works, and the same applies to sex and those eager sperm swimmers! To help them along and reach their destination quicker and with less difficulty, lie flat on your back after sex for about 30min. You can even place a pillow under your knees to relieve the tension in your lower back and be more comfortable.Don't run to the bathroom
Most women are aware that going to the toilet straight after sex reduces the chance of getting UTIs. However, if your current objective is to conceive, then you may want to wait on that toilet run. By delaying that pee, you are allowing the sperm to remain within your system a little longer.
What Not to Do When Trying to Conceive
When you are ready to take that next step with your partner and become parents, there are definite lifestyle changes that need to be made or even certain habits that need to be avoided:
Alcohol
Alcohol reduces fertility; therefore, it is advisable to limit one's alcohol intake—or avoid it completely. Smoking
Smoking lowers a woman's chance of falling pregnant by about 40% according to a report published by the British Medical Association (BMA). It's not just all on the women though, as men who smoke are decreasing their sperm count and increasing possible sperm abnormalities. If both of you are smokers, it is advisable to quit prior to trying to conceive. Caffeine intake
To those caffeine lovers out there, don't panic! Caffeine while trying to fall pregnant is fine, it just depends on the amount. If you are having more than 5 cups of coffee a day, you may be lowering your fertility.Sweet treats
As much as we all enjoy those chocolates or sweets, too much of a good thing may hamper your chances of falling pregnant. Too many sweets may result in an increased level of adrenaline, which combats the female reproductive hormone and, therefore, reduces your chances of falling pregnant.
As a final thought on what not to do, you should also be wary of rushing your tests. As much as you may feel eager to take that pregnancy test, taking it too early may lead to inaccurate results which could leave you feeling disheartened and discouraged. As such, it is essential to take a pregnancy test at the right time.
How to Increase Your Chances of Conceiving
When trying to get pregnant, it is most critical that we look after our bodies and give them the best possible chance of conceiving. Just like there are things we should avoid when wanting to fall pregnant, there are also many things we can do to increase those chances:
Healthy diet
One of the most important things you can do when trying to conceive is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. This should include all food groups (fruits, vegetables, proteins, whole grains, dairy, and fats). You can also boost your body's folic acid levels by taking vitamins to boost fertility. Time sex properly
Yes having sex regularly will increase the chances of falling pregnant, but it is also important to have sex during the right time in your cycle, so learn the phases of the menstrual cycle. If you experience regular cycles, your fertile window should be about seven days prior to ovulation. If you experience irregular cycles, it might be a little harder to predict. You can use an Ovulation predictor kit or an ovulation test to help time things right. Water intake
Water makes up about 60% of adult human bodies. As much as water directly links to a healthy body, water is also the main component of cervical mucus in which the sperm swims to get to the egg. Choose lubricants wisely
If you and your partner need a vaginal lubricant during sex, it is best to go with natural oil-based lubricants such as peanut oil, canola oil, or baby oil. Avoid using water-based lubricants. Additionally, consider using a fertility lubricant.
When trying to conceive, it is best to be patient with our partners. It is an exciting time when trying to start a family, but we must be careful to not let it consume us.
Trying to conceiveHow Often Should You Have Sex to Get Pregnant?Having lots of sex to get pregnant can be fun, but a little guidance is always useful. Our team of experts has put together this guide to help your journey in making a baby as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
Is It Possible to Have Too Much Sex When Trying to Conceive?
Nope! There's no such thing as too much sex if you're trying to have a baby. The only thing you might want to consider is that if one partner is more interested than the other—which is common—it may put a bit of strain on one person or the relationship. Having sex very often can be exhausting. Sometimes, a strict and intense schedule of lovemaking can become stressful and potentially take the fun, romance, and connection out of it, possibly resulting in the couple having less sex. However, if the couple is very much on the same page and knows that they can maintain their feelings for each other through this process, there's no reason not to increase the frequency of sex.
Is It Better to Conceive in the Morning or at Night?
Recent studies have shown that having sex in the morning may produce a higher chance of conception. There are several reasons for this, including the following:
Sperm is regenerated during sleep.Heat caused by exercise, hot baths, etc., can shorten the shelf life of sperm.
How to Check If You’re Fertile Enough to Conceive
If you have a perfectly regular 28-day cycle, you'll ovulate on day 14; however, your fertile window starts on day 10. Days 10-14 are optimal for conception.
How Can I Tell If I'm Ovulating?
Very few women's menstrual cycle phases are completely regular, and this is where ovulation trackers and tests come in handy. There are several excellent ovulation trackers on the market. You can also take an ovulation test if you're unsure whether or not you're ovulating. These work similarly to pregnancy tests—a stick dipped into urine that will provide a color change or digital reading.
However, some recent studies have shown that ovulation tests may only show indicators towards the end of ovulation or even afterward, meaning the woman has already missed her window.
If you'd prefer not to buy anything, you can also keep a lookout for the following signs of ovulation (while remembering that every woman is different and may show any, all, or none of these signs):
More slippery and clearer mucusSlight increase in temperatureWomen may experience other signs such as libido changes, bloating, and breast tenderness (but these are not reliable ways of predicting ovulation).
Inducing Ovulation
On the other end of the spectrum, some women who struggle to conceive may decide to make the process as quick and straightforward as possible by inducing ovulation. Studies at Yale University Medical Department have shown that ovulation induction has a 20% to 25% success rate of conception per cycle. As a rule of thumb, a maximum of six cycles can be used.
Vitamins to Boost Fertility
Vitamins to boost fertility include Vitamins B, E, and D, as well as COEnzyme Q10, fish oil, and Selenium.
How Often Should You Have Sex To Conceive
Couples trying to have a baby should have sex every 2 to 3 days without using contraception, making sure that the sperm enters the vagina. They should also have as much sex as possible during ovulation. Ultimately, while more sex will increase the chances of pregnancy, it's up to each partner to decide what is a comfortable amount for them.
Get Support If Needed
If you're finding the fertility journey to be a difficult one, you're not alone! Remember that many couples find it emotionally and physically challenging. There are many support groups out there that can be incredibly helpful.
Trying to conceiveWhat Is the Best Time of Day to Conceive?Once you have tracked your body's production of an ovum by following your hormonal patterns in the four phases of the normal menstrual cycle, you will be familiar with the signs of ovulation. These include stretchy, clear cervical mucus and a slightly raised body temperature. You can track this manually or use an ovulation test. The question is whether there is a best time of day to conceive. This might be when conditions in your uterus—the ovum, the sperm, the hormonal balance—are best for conception. However, another factor to consider is the quality and quantity of healthy sperm available to the ovum. This may also vary at different times of the day.
Is It Better to Conceive in the Morning or at Night?
The best time to test your fertility is in the morning with your first urination, and it's best to test your urine using an ovulation test. When you are ovulating, the test will show the release of the luteinizing hormone, indicating a window of 12-36 hours for conception. This tells you your body is ready and that an ovum will be in the uterus available for conception from this point on.
Given that sperm live for up to 72 hours, you may already have sperm in your uterus if you had sex the previous night. However, if that didn't happen, then the morning hours (on days 1 and 2 after a positive ovulation test) are the best time for sex to provide sperm for conception.
Male sperm are at their best for effective conception early in the morning because sperm production is higher, denser, and healthier after a night's sleep. It is also best during cooler weather, namely autumn and winter, because cool conditions encourage sperm production. Having sex on a hot summer night might be more romantic, but it's the cool morning that delivers sperm best. Women also have a clearer indication of ovulation after waking.
Ways to Get Pregnant Faster
Maybe you want to get pregnant as soon as possible, but the fertility window is small. Good quality sperm is only produced once every 24 hours, so having sex more frequently, like twice a day, won't help your chances of conception.
Stay Healthy
The best way is for both you and your partner to stay healthy, take vitamins and supplements like Vitamin B and folic acid to maintain your fertility, and avoid foods that negatively affect ovulation or sperm production. For example, both men and women should avoid high-fat dairy foods like cream and fatty cheese. So, keep up your optimum health and keep track of your hormones to keep ovulating regularly and accurately identify when you are fertile.
Have Sex Often
If you can be sure to have sex daily from the first day of ovulation (identified by the ovulation test) until day 3, then you should have healthy sperm available at all times during the ovulation window period. Also, wait a week to do a pregnancy test, then test your urine first thing in the morning if you want to avoid a false positive or false negative. This timing will give you accurate feedback on whether you have conceived. The most accurate test is a blood test done by a doctor, which is more accurate and can detect pregnancy 6-8 days after ovulation.
Induce Ovulation If You're Not Ovulating Regularly
Another way to get pregnant more quickly is to use hormonal supplements (under prescription from your gynecologist) to help ovulation along when it is clear that your ovulatory cycle is not working effectively. This is called the ovulation induction method. Note that it does come with some risks and side effects.
How to Detect Your Fertile Days
You can detect your fertile days by observing your cervical mucus, taking your basal body temperature as soon as you wake up in the morning, noting the hormonal changes affecting your body, or using an ovulation test.
How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant After Sex?
Conception can take place within hours or days after sex. That doesn't mean a pregnancy will naturally follow. A pregnancy only starts when the fertilized egg implants itself in the lining of the womb to grow. This implantation happens about a week later. This is the earliest time to have a clear result from a pregnancy test.
Try following the guidelines discussed here, but if you find that your menstrual cycle is irregular and you can't conceive, we recommend consulting your gynecologist.
Trying to conceiveTracking Ovulation to Improve Your Chances of ConceptionOvulation is the process of releasing an ovum (egg) from the ovaries along the fallopian tubes into the uterus, where it lives for 12-24 hours. This allows for conception to take place if there is sperm to fertilize the egg. Ovulation usually takes place 7-10 days after the start of the menstrual period. The egg only lives for up to 24 hours, so the sperm has a small window for fertilization. Sperm, however, live for up to five days, so they may have swum through the cervix a few days before the ovum was released. This means that conception may take place in that period.
The opposite is also true. If sperm have already been present for a while when the ovum is released and are no longer active, then conception is less likely. The sperm have passed their 'use-by' date, so they are not fit to fertilize the ovum. Since only one ovum is released at a time, conception relies on plenty of fertile, active sperm to get the job done.
Does Tracking Ovulation Improve Your Chances of Conception?
Tracking ovulation does help to identify when an ovum is ready and waiting in the uterus. When sperm are ejaculated into the vagina, they must swim through the cervical opening to get into the uterus. So, the health of both the ovum and the sperm is critical to a successful conception. The sperm is assisted by slippery mucus from the cervix that is released during ovulation. When a woman wants to conceive, it is helpful to carefully track the day of ovulation, which is the best window for conception.
How to Track Ovulation
There are different ways to identify the release of an ovum. The most basic method is to observe changes in the cervical mucus over 5-7 days after the menstrual flow has stopped. This can be done by observing the look, feel, and smell of the vaginal mucus daily. It should change from being slightly sticky to watery and profuse to being thicker and more elastic, clear, and slippery. It has a high level of alkalinity, which gives off a mild scent. It indicates ovulation when it has a quality of stringiness and stretchiness ("Spinnbarkeit"). You should be able to stretch it like an elastic thread between your fingers. This indicates the fertile period. This method relies on your personal and accurate observation.
Other Ways to Improve Your Chances of Conception
By taking an ovulation test, you test the amount of Luteinizing Hormone in the body, improving your chances of conception. This hormone (LH) reaches a peak at ovulation.
A good time to use an ovulation test is when you notice signs of ovulation. These include:
Thickening and increasing elasticity of the vaginal mucusSensitivity or tenderness in the breastsHeightened libido, a natural bodily response to the hormones released during ovulation Pain in the lower abdomen when the ovum is released from the fallopian tube
The Ava Bracelet
You could also use an ovulation tracking tool or app. Detecting ovulation with the Ava bracelet or other fertility tracking tools can help. The Ava bracelet helps to identify ovulation with 89% accuracy. It should be worn at night when it records changes in body temperature, which can indicate ovulation.
Have Sex Often From the Beginning of Ovulation
It is helpful to have sex often from the beginning of the ovulatory phase, allowing for sperm to be present in the uterus before, during, and after ovulation. If you are not pregnant after sex during ovulation despite all these efforts, there may be other reasons for this.