Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 4: The basics of getting pregnant
• Part 2 of 4: Increasing fertility
• Part 3 of 4: When to see a specialist
• Part 4 of 4: Fertility treatments
• Tips
• Warnings

For some people, avoiding pregnancy is difficult, but for others, having a baby is frustrating. Women are only fertile for a limited amount of time during the menstrual cycle, and there are many factors that can affect fertility and conception. Follow the steps below to increase the chances of pregnancy.

To step

Part 1 of 4: The basics of getting pregnant

1. Stop using contraception. Some types of birth control take a long time for a body to adjust, so the time it takes for a woman's body to conceive after stopping birth control varies.
   • After using hormonal contraception - such as birth control pills, contraceptives, or Nuvaring - the body may need a little longer to adjust.
   • If you have an implanted contraceptive, such as an IUD, you must have it removed by a doctor.
   • You can get pregnant immediately after stopping using barrier methods such as condoms, female condoms or a diaphragm, but in that case take precautions to avoid sexually transmitted infections.
2. Find out when you are fertile. If you can plan well, the direction of pregnancy is much greater. There are a few tricks to find out your ovulation:
   • Count forward from the first day of your last period. On average, most women ovulate on day 14. That does not mean that you should try to conceive after 2 weeks. See Step 3 for more information.
     • If you have regular cycles, you can often estimate the time of ovulation by dividing your cycle in half. For example, if your period usually lasts 28 days, you will likely ovulate around day 14 of your cycle (14 days after you started your period). If you have a longer cycle, you can ovulate up to 20 days after your period started.
   • Download an app. If you find it difficult to keep track of your cycle on a calendar, you can also use a special app. Search for "ovulation tracker" and choose one that works for you.
   • Track your body temperature. Your temperature will rise slightly when you ovulate, so a higher temperature is a sign that you are fertile. Keep a thermometer next to your bed and take your temperature as soon as you wake up (try to do it at the same time every day). Write it down every day. If you see a peak of between 0.2 and 0.5 degrees Celsius that lasts for more than a day, you may be ovulating!
     • You are most fertile for two to three days in front of your temperature goes up, so if you start to see a pattern in your temperature after a few months, you can predict when it is best to have sex.
   • Watch your separation. It sounds gross, but it works. If your discharge is transparent and stretchy, like raw egg white, you are likely fertile and can have intercourse every day for three to five days from now on. If the discharge becomes less transparent and drier, you may no longer be fertile.
   • Use an ovulation test. Like a pregnancy test, you can also purchase an ovulation test from the drug store. It can be quite costly, so only do this if you need to get to know your cycle.
3. Free. If you know you are fertile, get started! When and how often you have sex can affect how quickly you get pregnant, so try the following tips:
   • Start making love just before ovulation. An egg only lives for 24 hours, but sperm can survive in the body for up to a week. To make sure you don't waste your chance, you can start having sex a few days before ovulation.
   • Keep the semen supply fresh. Because semen a week can live doesn't mean it will still be in top shape. To combat this, try to have sex at least every other day if you are fertile (but more is allowed!).
   • Do not use spermicidal lubricant or chemical stimulants. You should not use products that are intended to increase pleasure or to prevent pregnancy.
   • Enjoy it. Having an orgasm after your partner has cum inside you can help draw the semen into your cervix, helping the sperm a little bit on the way.
   • Stay down. Don't let the semen run out right away - lie flat or pull your legs up. A study of the effectiveness of artificial insemination has shown that the chances of pregnancy increase by 50% if you lie flat for 15 minutes or more after sex.
4. Take a pregnancy test. When the ovulation period is over, waiting begins. Wait until you actually need your period - if not, you can take a test! If you are an impatient type, you can use these methods a bit earlier:
   • Take your temperature. If your temperature stays a little higher 14 days after ovulation, there is a chance that you are pregnant.
   • Watch for implantation symptoms. Some women develop implantation bleeding, usually in the form of some light bleeding. This usually happens 6 to 12 days after conception. You may also feel some mild cramps.

Part 2 of 4: Increasing fertility

1. Don't get discouraged too quickly. Most couples don't get pregnant right away. Of the 100 couples who try to conceive every month, 15 to 20. Within two years, 95% of couples who want to have a child will be pregnant. You cannot influence every factor, but there are some simple changes you can make to increase the chances of pregnancy.
2. Have yourself checked by the doctor. Even if you don't have any major health problems, it can still be good to get checked. Some existing conditions can be made worse by pregnancy. Your doctor can do an internal exam and blood tests. Some deviations on which you can get tested are:
   • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which can interfere with ovulation.
   • Endometriosis, which can make you infertile.
   • Diabetes: If you can treat diabetes before you get pregnant, it will prevent birth defects.
   • Thyroid Abnormalities: Like diabetes, thyroid disease can be relatively harmless as long as you keep it under control.
3. Stay healthy. If you don't want to get pregnant right away, you can first make sure that you are healthy yourself. You increase your chances of pregnancy and you immediately start with a head start.
   • Lose weight. Research has shown that overweight women have much more difficulty conceiving and have more problems during pregnancy. If your BMI is too high, try dieting and exercising first.
     • Visit http://www.voedingscentrum.nl/nl/ik-wil-afvallen.aspx for healthy suggestions.
     • Get fit. Reduce belly fat, run or do yoga.
     • Don't go too far. Women who are underweight (with a BMI below 18.5) may stop menstruating and have problems getting pregnant. Focus on a healthy weight.
4. Take pre-natal vitamins. Before you get pregnant, you need to take in all the right nutrients to develop a healthy embryo. For example, you can take folic acid supplements to reduce the risk of spina bifida and other nervous system abnormalities.
   • Make sure your vitamin supplement contains folic acid, calcium and iron.
5. Watch what you eat. Some substances have a negative effect on your chances of pregnancy, while others are harmful to the development of your new baby.
   • Pesticide consumption may also have been linked to difficulty conceiving, so this may be an ideal time to opt for organic food.
   • Avoid trans fats, which are often found in pre-baked products and sweetened foods. There is evidence that a diet rich in trans fats (especially compared to monounsaturated fat intake) can increase the risk of infertility.
   • Avoid raw fish, unpasteurized cheeses, germs, and meats with nitrates. These foods and other foods that have not been properly heated or cleaned can lead to food poisoning or illness and reduce your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
6. Eat foods that you know will increase fertility. Traditional medicine has long established that certain foods can promote or reduce fertility and sex drive. In recent years, scientific research has confirmed that biological mechanisms of certain foods affect fertility.
   • Eat a diet rich in organic plant foods with lots of grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants, vitamins and minerals provided by these foods are believed to improve cellular health and even promote healthy uterine lining.
   • The right kind of proteins can help increase fertility. Tofu, chicken, eggs and some crustaceans and shellfish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, selenium and other fertility-promoting components.
   • Consuming fatty dairy products, such as whole milk and Greek yogurt, can improve fertility and is better than eating low-fat or semi-skimmed dairy products.
7. Encourage your partner to eat foods that promote sperm health. Men should take a multivitamin with vitamins E and C every day, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and avoid excessive alcohol, caffeine, fat and sugar.
   • Men should also make sure they are getting enough selenium (55mcg / day) as it is believed that selenium increases fertility in men.
8. Avoid stimulants and suppressants. Recreational use of cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine and drugs can reduce the risk of pregnancy. These are also remedies that you should not use during pregnancy, so you might as well stop now. Here's what to do:
   • Stop smoking. Smoking is not only bad during pregnancy, but also when you are trying to get pregnant. Giving up addiction during pregnancy can be very stressful, so quit in advance.
     • The same goes for your partner! Men who smoke have twice as few sperm and more abnormal cells. Second-hand smoke can also reduce the chance of pregnancy.
   • Stop drinking. Women planning to become pregnant should avoid alcoholic beverages from 2 months before trying to conceive. This is especially true for couples who have difficulties conceiving.
   • Avoid taking in too much caffeine - this includes both food and drink. Women who drink more than 3 cups of caffeinated drink per day per day are significantly less likely to get pregnant compared to women who consume only 2 cups or less per day.
   • Do not do drugs. Drugs such as cocaine and marijuana can harm your body in the attempt to conceive and affect the development of a healthy baby.
9. Deal with sexual problems. If you and your partner often don't feel like having sex, it will be difficult to get pregnant. A therapist can help you as a couple overcome the problems.
   • Don't let infertility put too much pressure on your relationship. The pressure of having to get pregnant or drastic and emotionally exciting fertility treatments can lead to sexual problems that make it even more difficult to conceive. Start with a relaxed atmosphere, don't ask too much of your partner, and focus on enjoying each other for this moment before worrying about the need for a child.
10. Keep a positive and healthy mindset. Many people believe in the power of the mind above that of the body; Once you have decided that you want to get pregnant, some believe that how you feel about the entire process and your relationship will affect your chances of success. Stress can affect your health, so a positive attitude will help you stay healthy and calm.
    • Focus on positivity and opportunities as much as possible. If you are with your partner and you get distracted, picture that beautiful baby until you can focus your mind on getting pregnant again. By focusing on each other and the pregnancy, you can forget about other stresses. However, don't just try to get pregnant, as that can actually cause stress. If you have come to a point where you are under a lot of stress trying to conceive, you should contact your doctor.

Part 3 of 4: When to see a specialist

1. Set a time limit. Patience is hard if you're eager to conceive, but try to give it some time. Setting a time limit so you know when you will see your doctor can ease your concerns and prepare you for the next steps of getting pregnant. Here's when to seek help:
   • Healthy couples who have regular (twice a week) intercourse and are under the age of 35 should be able to get pregnant within 12 months (including the "adjustment period" after stopping contraception).
   • If you're over 35, see your doctor after six months of trying. Women over the age of 35 and women in perimenopause may experience difficulties conceiving due to the natural decline in fertility that women experience with age. In most cases, pregnancy can still be achieved, but it can take longer and require more targeted intercourse and lifestyle changes.
   • In a few special cases, go straight to a fertility clinic. If you've had endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, cancer treatment or previous miscarriages, or are over 40, you should make an appointment with a fertility specialist right away.
2. Get tested for common fertility problems. Many things can reduce fertility, from illness and stress to excessive exercise and medications.
   • Certain medications can prevent or make fertilization more difficult. Provide your doctor with a full list of medications, herbs, supplements, and any drinks or foods you are taking so that he or she can evaluate your list for potential products that may interfere with fertility.
   • Get tested for sexually transmitted diseases. Some infections can reduce the chances of getting pregnant, while others can cause permanent infertility if left untreated.
   • Have a gynecological exam. In some cases, women may have extra tissue that does not allow the sperm to reach the egg, but can be removed. Also, women may have a physical problem that affects the menstrual cycle, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Usually it is a good idea to have a gynecological exam once a year to make sure you are healthy.
3. Consider fertility testing for you and your partner. If both you and your partner have received proof of good health from a doctor, consider semen testing and medical analysis of your fertility.
   • Men should do a semen analysis to check the quality of the sperm and the number of sperm released during ejaculation. Male fertility tests include a blood test to check hormone levels and ultrasounds to analyze the ejaculation process or sperm motility.
   • Fertility tests for women usually consist of hormone tests to check the thyroid, pituitary and other hormone levels during ovulation and also during the menstrual cycle. Hysterosalpingography, laparoscopy, and pelvic ultrasound are procedures used to test for scarring, blockage, or disease of the uterus, endometrium and fallopian tubes. Egg stock analysis and genetic testing to investigate hereditary infertility problems can also be performed.

Part 4 of 4: Fertility treatments

1. Weigh the options. Fertility treatment can be expensive, stressful and time consuming. Before you get started, take the time to weigh the options.
   • Discuss it with your partner. Make sure you can handle it both financially and emotionally. Discuss how long you want to try the treatments, what you can spend, and whether you are open to other options such as adoption.
   • Speak with a trusted doctor before visiting a fertility clinic. An independent doctor (such as your primary care physician) can help you and your partner explain the options for assisted reproductive therapies.
   • Evaluate your medical history. Some procedures carry risks and others can only be recommended in women without certain health characteristics. A healthcare provider who wants the best for you will not recommend technologies that are not suitable for your individual situation.
   • See what it costs. Many doctors can also provide cost and insurance advice, and can provide a realistic, unbiased picture of how successful artificial insemination can be for you and your partner.
   • Find your right specialist. Ask for recommendations regarding certain fertility specialists and hospitals, and request a referral note if necessary.
2. Visit a fertility specialist or fertility clinic. Make an appointment to discuss your situation and your expectations of becoming pregnant.
   • Put together a questionnaire for your first appointment. Go through it with your partner to make sure you don't forget anything. Ask questions about costs, side effects and the chance of success of the treatment.
   • Do not expect a physical evaluation or initiation of treatment on your first visit. Just be ready to ask questions and try to better understand the possibilities.
   • Do not feel obliged to be admitted to a particular treatment center after a single visit. Visit different centers and keep your options open until you know which clinic is best for you.
3. Consider NaProTechnology (NPT) to get pregnant.NaProTechnology tries to remedy individual causes of infertility through better, personalized fertility control and targeted surgery. In small studies, the process led to better results than in vitro fertilisation (IVF). NaProTechnology is not yet available in the Netherlands, but it is just across the border in Germany. Call your health insurer to find out if you are insured for this.
4. Consider in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to get pregnant. IVF is considered the most effective method of achieving pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology.
   • IVF involves removing mature eggs from your body (or that of a donor) that are fertilized by your partner's (or donor's) sperm in a lab. The fertilized egg is then inserted into your uterus to promote implantation.
   • Each treatment can take 2 or more weeks, so make sure you have insurance that covers the entire process. The process is drastic and both egg extraction and implantation can have risks.
   • IVF is less likely to succeed in women with endometriosis, women who have never given birth, and women who use frozen embryos. Women older than 40 are often advised to use donor eggs, as a result of a success rate of less than 5%.
5. Demand intrauterine insemination (IUI). If your fertility problems are caused by sperm having difficulty reaching the egg or unhealthy sperm from your male partner, artificial insemination or donor insemination can help.
   • Artificial insemination is the act of injecting sperm into a woman's body to avoid male ejaculation problems. If the male partner's sperm is infertile, donor sperm can also be injected into the woman's body to try to conceive. This process, a simple procedure without any pain, is often performed a day after ovulation, when the female hormones rise.
   • IUI can be used for up to 6 months before trying a different, much more expensive and invasive therapy. In some cases, injecting healthy semen works the first time, and the therapy can be combined with fertility drugs for women.
6. Ask about other fertility treatments. In some cases, taking fertility drugs can be enough to increase fertility hormones, allowing for natural conception. In other cases, fertility treatments can be like Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) or surrogacy are recommended.

Tips

• You will not get pregnant if you are in menopause or if your ovaries have been surgically removed.
• A man can wear tight underpants without reducing sperm count. However, hot baths or whirlpool baths, tight sportswear, intensive cycling and placing a laptop in the pelvic area for long periods can reduce the man's sperm count.
• Obesity in one of the partners can reduce the risk of pregnancy. By reaching a healthy weight first, you can get pregnant more easily and have a healthier pregnancy.

Warnings

• Trying too hard to conceive, especially by following a strict schedule, can lead to stress and a decrease in emotional and physical intimacy between you and your partner.
• Deciding to become a mother and father is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. Make sure you and your partner are mentally ready to have a baby.
• Make sure you and your partner don't have an STD or infection before stopping contraception.