Naturally Improving Female Fertility

 
Even with a widespread array of state-of-the-art reproduction technologies at the hands of future parents, many people are turning towards more natural methods of improving fertility in the hopes that it will prove a more efficient and cost-effective method of conception. While there is no single rule to follow when trying to get pregnant, the following ten tips will aim to provide the mother with a more natural alternative to improving her chances of getting pregnant.

1. Stop Taking Contraceptive Pills

It's a good idea to stop taking them about one month before deciding to seriously try getting pregnant. Physicians often recommend at least a one month period for the birth control's effects to wash out of the mother's system. For women who experience problems with ovulation, the first few months off of the pill may be their most fertile, so don't waste time and take advantage of this window of opportunity.

2. Measure LH levels

Prior to ovulation, the mother's body produces high levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in a process known as the LH surge. Urine testing kits that detect this LH surge can be used to estimate the time of ovulation in her cycle. Ovulation Prediction Kits (OPKs) use color changing chemical reactions to detect a specific level of LH in the urine. Ovulation usually occurs within 40 hours of this color change. Intercourse should be timed two days prior to ovulation for the best chance of conceiving a child.

3. Track the mother's Natural Menstrual Cycle

If the mother's cycle is an idealized 28 day cycle, then ovulation occurs on days 13-15 of her menstrual cycle. If her cycle ranges from 26-32 days in length, then ovulation occurs between days 11 to 17 of her cycle. Regardless, most exposure is gained if the mother and her partner have intercourse three times during her fertile period. It does not have to be at specific time of day every time. Also, engaging in intercourse every day can actually lower the mother's partner's sperm count, so take it easy and stick with a comfortable number of sessions.

If the mother's cycle is not natural, i. e. the number of days in her cycle is more than 35, then there is no useful purpose in naturally tracking her menstrual cycle.

Use a calendar to write down the mother's estimated time of ovulation and also pay attention to any physical signs of ovulation she may notice. Some signs include midcycle pain, known as mittelschmerz, which is characterized by abdominal aches, cramping and some twinges of pain. The pain may also switch from side to side every month, following the alternating ovary pattern of ovulation. Cervical mucus consistency is also a good indicator of ovulation; the most hospitable mucus to sperm is slippery, clear and elastic.

Finally, measuring the mother's basal body temperature (BBT) is quite a popular, however not always effective, method of tracking her ovulatory cycle. The mother's BBT must be measured first thing in the morning, every morning, before getting out of bed. Ovulation generally occurs one to two days after the lowest temperature point in the cycle. Temperature elevations of 0. 4 - 1 degree Fahrenheit indicate progesterone production and possibly ovulation itself. However, many experts agree that BBT is a poor technique to use to time intercourse. Often times, the hassle of measuring BBT every morning creates frustration for couples who are unsuccessful in conceiving. As a result, it is recommended that she try this technique only for 2-3 months and discard it if unsuccessful.

4. Use Proper Lubrication

While a lack of lubrication may contribute to increased difficulty in intercourse, the mother should be careful about the kind of lubrication being used. Many commercial lubricants, such as K-Y jelly, interfere with sperm motility and impede the union of sperm and egg. A 1999 study in Human Reproduction found that among K-Y jelly, olive oil, baby oil and saliva, all but baby oil significantly obstructed sperm from reaching the egg. Saliva has been noted as the worst of the above mentioned lubricants and its use should be strictly avoided. Also, petroleum based lubricants such as Vaseline should never be used.

5. Take a Different Position

The stress of attempting to conceive can greatly decrease the pleasure involved in making love to the mother's partner. Ironically, the more the intercourse, the less likely it may be that the mother will become pregnant. Overly frequent intercourse, combined with psychological and physical stress may impair the mother's ability to perform and the quality of her performance.

While there is no secret sexual position that can guarantee immediate conception, there are a few that can be used to ensure deepest penetration and maximum contact with the cervix, including:
a) the missionary position
b) a face to face position
c) rear entry
d) knee to chest position

Ultimately, experiment and find positions that work best for the mother. It could, and should, be a fun experience that brings the mother and her partner closer together at a time when she may be struggling emotionally.

6. Do Not Douche!

Instead of once again blaring the message against douching, it should be explained as to why douching has negative consequences for the vaginal environment. There is 'good' bacteria that lives in the vagina and uses the complex sugar glycogen as a nutrition store, creating lactic acid in the process. This lactic acid creates a slightly acidic environment in the vagina which is resistant to infection.

Douching can change the normal vaginal ecology and make infection more likely. As well, douching can force bacteria into the uterus and cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease which can negatively affect fertility. So, stick to basic soap and water washing and keep up general good hygiene habits without going to the extremes of douching.

7. Stay Cool

Men should stay away from hot tubs, saunas and Jacuzzis in which the heat produced can decrease sperm counts. Contrary to popular belief, as found in The Journal of Urology (October 1998), male infertility is not linked to the use of boxers or briefs. Researchers concluded that men hoping to father children can wear any type of underwear as long as they have adequate ventilation and heat release. People who work in situations where they are sitting for a long time or work near heat should take breaks to stretch or walk around in order to maintain fertility.

8. Kick the Habit

Improving the mother's chances of conceiving may be as simple as eliminating a few bad habits she may have incorporated into her lifestyle. It is known that as one increases smoking, one increases the risk of damage to eggs, sperm and embryo. Drinking alcohol reduces sperm counts and contributes to birth defects. Recreational drugs such as marijuana and cocaine also have adverse effects on the reproductive machinery. Caffeine intake can contribute to endometriosis and perhaps even male and female infertility. Ultimately, if the mother can eliminate one, or ideally all, of these habits her chances of conceiving a healthy baby are greatly improved.

9. Don't Wait to Lose the Weight

Studies have shown a distinct correlation between body weight and fertility. Maintaining an ideal body weight is well-suited to being fertile and having normal menstrual operation. A minimum of 22% body fat is required in order for the body to undergo normal ovulation. If the body falls below this level, ovulation becomes impaired in the body's attempts to prevent pregnancy in what it feels is an undernourished body. Similarly, being overweight or obese also can impair fertility through the hormonal changes caused by increased body fat.

10. Get Moving

One of the most natural methods of ensuring total body health is to engage in moderate exercise. Moderate exercise does not include those who insanely exercise to stay thin and pay for their thinness with amenorrhea and decreased fertility. Vigorous exercise of more than one hour a day has been correlated with infertility. In addition to improving the mother's fertility, exercise has numerous other benefits, including:
- Reduced body fat
- Increased brain power
- Increased metabolism that burns more calories, even while resting!
- Protects against certain cancers
- Boosts endorphins, helping relieve stress and depression
- Increases sexual appetite (libido)

There are various types of exercise the mother can engage in, including range-of-motion and stretching exercises, endurance or conditioning exercises and strengthening exercises. Whatever the choice, make sure it is something enjoyable and do it in moderation.

Print this page