GETTING PREGNANT - THE QUESTIONS ANSWERED
How long does it take to get pregnant?
A couple with no fertility problems have on average a 1 in 4 chance of
becoming pregnant each month. About 85-90% of couples conceive within the first
year of trying, and 95% within two years. So, if you have only been trying for
a few months there is no need to worry.
What can we do to improve our chances of becoming pregnant?
There are several things you and your partner can do to prepare for
pregnancy, and to improve your chances of becoming pregnant.
- It is important to keep fit and healthy, and to eat a balanced diet.
Experts recommend that women planning to become pregnant should supplement
their diet with folic acid. If you are overweight now is a good time to diet,
but if you are underweight this may prevent the correct functioning of your
ovaries.
- Both you and your partner should cut down on drinking and smoking. Sperm
are very sensitive, and excessive drinking and smoking by the man can reduce
the quality and quantity of his sperm. You should also avoid taking any drugs
or medicine unless specified by your doctor.
- Regular sex will certainly improve your chances of conceiving. Experts
recommend 2-3 times a week! If you make love more than this, it can lower the
man's sperm count. But if you make love infrequently, it is easy to miss your
most fertile time, and the quality of the sperm is reduced. Remember sperm will
remain active in the woman's body for up to three days after sex.
How many couples experience difficulties in conceiving?
One in six couples experience difficulty in conceiving at some stage in
their fertile lives. This means that approximately 600,000 people are currently
receiving some form of infertility treatment in the UK.
How can we tell the best time to make love?
There are various methods you can use to help you predict when you are most
fertile. A woman is most likely to conceive two weeks before her period, but if
your periods are irregular you can monitor your cervical mucus. At the time of
ovulation your mucus will be elastic and stretchy, but after ovulation the
mucus is thick and tacky. Alternatively, you can buy an ovulation predictor kit
from the chemist.
These kits are useful as they will tell you when you are about to ovulate,
but they will also teach you to recognise your own bodily changes during
ovulation.
When should we seek medical help in becoming pregnant?
If you have been trying for a baby for less than a year, then there is no
need to worry. But if you have being trying for longer than a year, or if any
of the following conditions apply to you, see your GP immediately:
- the woman has absent or irregular periods
- she has had abdominal or pelvic surgery
- she is over 35yrs
- the man has had surgery in his groin region or injury to the testicles
- either partner has had a sexually transmitted disease
- there is a possible genetic reason
Why can it be difficult to become pregnant?
There are certain medical reasons which can make it difficult to become
pregnant. The woman may have a disorder with her ovaries (unable to produce
eggs); a blocked fallopian tube (preventing the eggs reaching the womb); or
problems with her cervical mucus (preventing sperm entering the womb). The man
may have abnormal sperm, or sperm which are unable to successfully swim and
fertilise the egg. With some couples no medical explanation can be found.
What help is available?
There are a range of treatments available for both partners, once the
problem has been accurately diagnosed. Your GP will either conduct the initial
investigation, or refer you and your partner to a specialist who will explain
the tests and treatments to you.
Where can we go for further information, support and counselling?
ISSUE, the national fertility association is a patient support organisation,
which offers objective and independent help and support to those experiencing
difficulties in conceiving. Members have access to up-to-date information on
fertility, current treatments and alternatives. We offer personal support from
our office, local contacts, helpful members, a quarterly newsletter, fact
sheets and literature.
If you would like to know more, please call us on: 0121-344 4414 (24 hour
service)
or send a stamped addressed envelope to:
ISSUE
509 Aldridge Road
Great Barr
Birmingham
B44 8NA
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