5 Things You Need to Know About Fertility

1. It's Harder Than You Think

The chance of conceiving is only 20% each month, which assumes that the timing is perfect and neither partner has fertility issues. While it seems like conception is easy, the reality is far from it. It takes 4 to 6 months for the average couple to conceive. Doctors only treat couples for infertility issues if they've been actively trying to conceive for at least one year and haven't had any luck.

2. Get Personal Through Charting

Charting is important when trying to conceive a baby. By charting, a woman keeps track of her monthly cycle, along with pertinent information such as cervical mucus and basal body temperature. This information identifies peak fertility times. Charting helps identify the best times to have sex to become pregnant, and can actually help a woman determine if she is pregnant. It also pinpoints fertility problems, if they exist, and can aid her doctor in treatment.

3. There's Two Sides to Every Story

Both partners have an equal chance of having infertility problems. There are several ways to determine the issue, and to correct it in most cases. Fertility specialists look at both partners and try to pinpoint what the problem is. Most couples conceive before ever having to visit the fertility doctor, so it's not usually an issue. However, both partners undergo several tests if it is necessary.

4. Increase Your Chances

For both males and females, there are several ways to increase the chances of conception on any given cycle. Both partners should not smoke and be drug-free, have healthy eating habits, and be within a healthy weight range for their size. Females need to take a good prenatal vitamin with folic acid. Boxer shorts, instead of briefs, are recommended for men. Alcohol should only be consumed minimally, if at all.

5. Some Good News

Only a very small percentage of couples can't conceive, whether naturally or through in-vitro. The only cases where there is no chance of conception are if the male is not producing sperm, if the woman's tubes are blocked, or if she is not ovulating. If one of these issues is determined to be the case, it is an emotional and heartbreaking time that the couple must work through. Many seek counseling and group support meetings to deal with this issue. After the grief, these couples can seek to adopt.