Trying To Conceive? Here’s Everything You Should Consider
Trying to conceive can be easy for some. For others, going off birth control doesn’t immediately guarantee a pregnancy. This is understandable as every woman is unique. There are a few things, though, that are worth keeping in mind when you’re trying to conceive.
Trying to Conceive? | Here Are Basic Questions to Remember
1. When Should You Stop Your Birth Control?
If you’re trying to conceive, one of the first things you’ll need to do is to stop birth control. The question is when.
The duration in which you should stop birth control to gain back your fertility depends on the type you are using. It may take one to three months before your cycle is regular. If you are on a longer-lasting birth control, such as a Depo shot, it can take several months to two years for your body to be ready to conceive. Fertility can return immediately after an IUD removal.
No matter which method you use, it is important to remember two things. First, it is crucial to realize there is a possibility of conceiving immediately after discontinuing use. Second, to give you the best chance at conceiving, you should wait for a complete menstrual cycle to occur before trying.
2. How Long Does Conception Take?
Once your cycle and regular ovulation have occurred, you should be able to conceive within the first three months of trying. Note, though, there are some factors that can influence how quickly it happens. These can include smoking, previous drug use, and hormone therapy. Medical conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disorder can also affect conception. On average:
- 30% of women will conceive the first month
- 60% will conceive in the first three months
- 80% will conceive in the first six months
- 85% will conceive in the first year
- 95% will conceive in the first four years
3. What Should You Do Before Trying to Conceive?
Women trying to conceive may need to prepare their body as early as possible for a baby. Some of the steps you can take before you get pregnant are the following:
- See your doctor who can check for any health condition that could affect your conception.
- Make sure you are up-to-date on vaccines and have your regular pap smear.
- Start taking a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid at least three months before conceiving.
- Get to your target body weight.
- Stop smoking and taper off medications you will not be able to use when pregnant.
- Begin a regular exercise routine you can maintain through your pregnancy.
4. What Is the Menstrual Cycle?
To give you the best chance at conceiving, you need to know your cycle and how to track changes to determine your most fertile days. The average cycle for most women is 28 days with ovulation typically occurring 14 days after your period.
During ovulation, a mature egg releases from your ovary and begins traveling down the fallopian tube. It is here where it can become fertilized by your partner’s sperm. If fertilization occurs, the egg will implant on the wall of your uterus and begin forming into a baby.
Throughout the beginning of your cycle, your body will be creating a hospitable environment for conception. If pregnancy does not occur, you will menstruate, and the process will begin again.
As your body begins its preparation, you will notice changes. You will know your ovulation by monitoring your “symptoms.”
For example, your basal body temperature will be higher when you’re close to your ovulation period. You may notice changes in your cervical mucus. It may appear more like egg whites and stretchy.
If you’re having a hard time keeping tabs of your ovulation, you can use ovulation predictor kits and even mobile apps.
5. When Should You Have Sex Around Ovulation?
Sperm cells can live in the body for up to 72 hours. If you’re trying to conceive, have sex a few days before suspected ovulation. In a 28-day cycle, sex can be on days 11 through 14. Be sure to rest in a position that allows the sperm to stay in your body for about an hour after intercourse.
6. How Long Should You Try Before Seeking Medical Intervention?
Women under 35 should try for a year before seeking medical intervention. Women over 35 can try for six months. You can also ask help from a reproductive medicine or fertility specialist. They may be necessary if you have irregular periods or have suffered a miscarriage.
7. What Are the Options If You Fail to Conceive on Your Own?
Some women will have trouble conceiving a baby. Fortunately, there are several possible interventions available:
Fertility Drugs
Doctors may prescribe certain medications to promote hormone balance. It can stimulate the release of eggs and begin your ovulation cycle. These medications may be in the form of pills or injections. You may have to take them during intercourse. Some of the popular options are Clomid and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
Surgical Treatments
Sometimes conception problems can be the result of reproductive conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). These usually produce scar tissues or cysts, and removal is necessary to get reproductive organs functioning optimally.
In-Vitro Fertilization
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most effective treatments if you are struggling with infertility. During this process, eggs and sperm are harvested and fertilized under laboratory conditions. After embryo creation, the doctor places it inside the uterus to begin developing. The process can take up to six weeks and often has a high success rate, though treatments can be costly.
Egg or Sperm Donation
In the event your cause of infertility is problems with the viability of eggs or sperm, you can use a donor to complete the process. With donor eggs, the egg will be harvested from the donor, put through the in-vitro process, and then implanted in the uterus. If a sperm donation is required, it is often inserted through the cervix during ovulation.
Acupuncture
You can also consider Eastern medicine to help you when you’re trying to conceive. Acupuncture, for example, focuses on a person’s life force and energy. It uses fine needles to stimulate the body processes. Acupuncture is usually combined with herbal supplements to improve sperm count and egg quality as well as increase blood flow to the pelvic area.
Yoga
Fertility yoga may help align the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of the body. This also helps regulate the menstrual cycle and increase the chances of conception.
Yoga may also increase the blood flow in the body, increase energy, and regulate hormones. By doing this, your body prepares for conception and releases the stress that may come from trying. Fertility yoga works alone as a treatment for infertility or in conjunction with other treatments such as IVF.
If you’re trying to conceive, do yoga! Learn some poses or asanas from StyleCraze:
Trying to conceive can come with ups and downs. Arming yourself with the knowledge about your body changes and preparing yourself for a healthy pregnancy can help increase your chances of conception.
When you were trying to conceive, what did you do to increase the odds? Share your stories in the comments section below.
