Are Heavy Periods A Sign Of Fertility
Heavy periods are not a sign of fertility, and sometimes could indicate a different problem. You may feel fatigued and worn out. In the process of losing more blood, you will lose the essential body resources built over time. If you get sudden, heavy periods, you should immediately discuss with your doctor .
Secondary Infertility Support Groups
Struggling with infertility can be very hard to deal with alone. It is important to know that there are support groups out there dedicated specifically to men and women dealing with infertility. Resolve: The National Infertility Association offers support groups all across the US. Use their helpful Infertility Support Group Finder to find a meeting closest to you.
Jonathan D. Kort
REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGIST
Dr. Jonathan Kort is an established specialist in reproductive endocrinology and the author of many medical publications and textbook chapters in the field of infertility science. My philosophy is, treat patients like family and make sure no question is left unanswered or concern unaddressed.
Use An Ovulation Tracker
A womans monthly cycle is measured from the first day of her menstrual period until the first day of her next period. On average, a womans cycle is between 28-32 days, although some women may have much shorter or longer cycles.Most women ovulate anywhere between Day 11 Day 21 of their cycle, counting from the first day of their last period . This is what many refer to as the fertile time of a womans cycle because sexual intercourse during this time increases the chance of pregnancy. Ovulation can occur at any point during this window and may occur on a different day each month.Signs Youre Ovulating:
- Change in vaginal secretions.Just before ovulation, you may see an increase in clear, wet and stretchy vaginal secretions. Just after ovulation, cervical mucus decreases and becomes thicker, cloudy and less noticeable.
- Change in basal body temperature. Your basal body temperature increases slightly during ovulation. Using a thermometer specifically designed to measure basal body temperature, take your temperature every morning before you get out of bed. Record the results and look for a pattern to emerge. Youll be most fertile during the two to three days before your temperature rises. This is the best time to have sex.
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Not Seeking Fertility Treatment
If you’re having difficulty getting pregnant, know that there is help available. The best way you can know if you have fertility issues is to consult an OB/GYN. Whether you are trying to get pregnant for the first time, you’re hoping to conceive after a miscarriage, or you’ve been pregnant before but are having difficulty conceiving now. your doctor can evaluate you for fertility problems and treatment.
Many couples put off testing and treatment, thinking they should just “try a little longer” first. This is a mistake. Many causes of infertility are silent and worsen with time. The sooner you get help, the more likely fertility treatments will work for you.
Another reason couples sometimes delay testing is they feel and seem to be in perfect health. But many people who have infertility issues do not have outward signs or symptoms of a fertility problem. You may have a textbook 28-day menstrual cycle, but that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed fast and smooth results when trying to get pregnant, and it doesn’t mean you may not have a fertility problem.
How Can You Get Pregnant Faster
Once you decide to have a baby, you may want to get pregnant faster. There are ways to boost your likeliness of conceiving quickly.
- Schedule a preconception check-up or counseling
- Stay away from birth control pills a few months before you try to conceive
- Figure out your ovulation time. You could use an ovulation predictor kit.
- Have sex at the right time
- Give sperm a boost by improving diet, exercising regularly, limiting chemical exposure, and consuming supplements
- Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
- Relax and have fun while making love
The sooner you implement these changes, the faster you can get pregnant .
While some couples have issues getting pregnant the first time, others have issues conceiving a second time. And well tell you why.
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Chance Of Spontaneous Conception
Conception is most likely to occur in the first month of trying . The chance then falls steadily to about 5% by the end of the first year. Cumulative conception rates are around 75% after six months, 90% after a year, and 95% at two years. Subfertility is defined as a failure to conceive after one year of unprotected regular sexual intercourse. It is usually investigated after a year, although for some couples it may be appropriate to start investigations sooner. The likelihood of spontaneous conception is affected by age, previous pregnancy, duration of subfertility, timing of intercourse during the natural cycle, extremes of body mass, and pathology present. A reasonably high spontaneous pregnancy rate still occurs even after the first year of trying.
What Medicines Are Used To Treat Infertility In Women
Some common medicines used to treat infertility in women include:
- Clomiphene citrate : This medicine causes ovulation by acting on the pituitary gland. It is often used in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome or other problems with ovulation. This medicine is taken by mouth.
- Human menopausal gonadotropin or hMG : This medicine is often used for women who don’t ovulate due to problems with their pituitary gland. hMG acts directly on the ovaries to stimulate ovulation. It is an injected medicine.
- follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH : FSH works much like hMG. It causes the ovaries to begin the process of ovulation. These medicines are usually injected.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog: These medicines are often used for women who don’t ovulate regularly each month. Women who ovulate before the egg is ready can also use these medicines. Gn-RH analogs act on the pituitary gland to change when the body ovulates. These medicines are usually injected or given with a nasal spray.
- Metformin : Doctors use this medicine for women who have insulin resistance and/or PCOS. This drug helps lower the high levels of male hormones in women with these conditions. This helps the body to ovulate. Sometimes clomiphene citrate or FSH is combined with metformin. This medicine is usually taken by mouth.
- Bromocriptine : This medicine is used for women with ovulation problems due to high levels of prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that causes milk production.
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Stress Is One Of The Most Common Lifestyle Reason For Not Getting Pregnant
Stress levels, anxiety and depression affect your fertility and menstrual cycle. In men too, stress is known as a major factor that contributes to a low sperm count or poor sperm motility.
Dr Priti advises, De-stress as high stress could negatively impact your sexual desire and fertility levels. Try activities like couple spa and massages, deep breathing exercises, meditation and yoga.
Upon hearing this, Radhas resolution to sign them up for couple yoga got even stronger. She was determined to book their sessions as soon as they walked out of the hospital.
Getting Pregnant Isn’t Always An Easy Process But Here Are Eight Things To Be Aware Of That Could Cause A Delay In Conceiving
We’d all like to think we know what we’re doing, but sometimesespecially when it comes to getting pregnantwe simply don’t. In fact, Glade B. Curtis, M.D., co-author of Your Pregnancy, Week by Week, points out that there are many factors that could impact someone’s ability to get pregnant.
From avoiding the doctor’s office to not getting to know your menstrual cycle, here are eight things that can play a role in getting pregnant.
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Have Frequent Sex During Your Fertile Window
One of the most common questions among people trying to conceive is: How often should I have sex if Im trying to get pregnant?
The short answer is that it depends on your preferences as a couple, and whether there are any known fertility issues.
Overall, studies have shown that couples who have sex every day or every other day during the fertile window have the highest rates of pregnancy. Also, doctors often recommend sticking to just once a day during the fertile window.
If having sex every day or every other day isnt possible or enjoyable, set a goal to have sex throughout your cycle. This can get you and your partner into a regular sex routine, which can carry you into the fertile window.
Running To The Bathroom After Sex
Many women rush to the bathroom after making love to clean up. It is essential to stay in bed for some time after sex to ensure that the sperm gets a chance to reach the egg and fertilize it. If you get up and rush, as soon as you are done with the act, you are letting gravity drag the sperm down and the rest of it is washed away when you clean up. And, this could be one of the natural reasons for not getting pregnant.
What next?
Focus on relaxing and lying in bed for a while after sex so that you can improve your chances of conception and pregnancy .
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Is It Hard To Get Pregnant How Long Should I Wait Before Seeking Help
Out of every 100 couples trying for a baby, 80 to 90 will get pregnant within 1 year. The rest will take longer, or may need help to conceive. At IVI, our standard advice is to seek medical assistance if you have not managed to conceive after one year of trying for a baby. However, depending on your age and that of your partner, you could be better advised to start the process after 6 months. When you reach the point where you have decided to seek assistance, it may be some comfort to know that currently approximately 15% of the worlds population have problems conceiving, and half of these cases are due to sperm-related problems.
Therefore for both men and women, you are far from being alone in your situation. Once youve consulted a medical specialist, it will become clear that this is a very common situation and one in which the potential remedies are varied and well established.
Coping With A Fertility Problem
If you receive the news that one of you has a fertility problem, it can be an enormous blow. Give yourself permission to cry and to feel angry. Dont ignore your feelings or shut them away – this wont help you or your partner in the long run.
Its OK to be angry. Dont feel guilty about negative or angry feelings when others announce their pregnancy news. You have every right to feel sad, so let it out .
Communication is key. Keep communicating with your partner. It is so important that you keep talking to your partner about how you feel or how you want to proceed after having your news. Remember that your partner may feel and cope differently than you and thats OK. Everyone deals with things differently so dont feel angry if they dont seem as upset as you.
Keep a journal. Writing down your feelings can be really helpful. Keeping a journal of your hopes and your fears, your appointments, your tries and fails, will all help to keep a level head in the journey toward trying to become a parent.
Think about what you want. Talk about the next steps with your partner and look into the options available to you. Perhaps you want to take a break from trying, perhaps you want to look into fertility treatments or consider adoption? Whatever you decide to do, ensure you are both ready for the next step as it can often be a rollercoaster of emotions.
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Do I Need Infertility Treatment
If youre having trouble conceiving, an infertility specialist may be able to help. The first step after 12 months of trying to conceive is to schedule an infertility evaluation. This multipart assessment includes:
- Physical examination
- Evaluation of the uterus and fallopian tubes
If you or your partner have a known medical condition that affects the uterus, fallopian tubes, sperm or ovulation, talk to your doctor to see if you should be evaluated sooner. For example, if you know that both of your fallopian tubes are blocked, youll need to see an infertility specialist even before trying to get pregnant.
The Emotional Roller Coaster
That math is the most maddening part about trying to get pregnant. I think about a possible third child 24/7, but I can only act on that desire for a couple of days each month, during my fertile window. Even then, doing everything right could result in more heartbreak. Then, it’s more waiting.
“Especially if you’re a type-A overachiever like I am, infertility is basically a complete loss of control of your own body,” said Arielle Spiegel, the founder and CEO of CoFertility, a database of information on fertility health. “If you’re trying to conceive for a long period of time, you’re basically faced with constant disappointment month after month.”
Couples are sometimes told to focus on living healthy, to “stop trying so hard,” or to reduce their stress, despite the fact that there’s no clear evidence that stress causes difficulty conceiving.
“It’s a devastating journey,” Divaraniya said. “Having lived the road of infertility myself, the path can be isolating, defeating, and heartbreaking.”
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Not Trying Long Enough
The first thing to consider is how long have you been trying. It may feel like you’ve been trying foreverand maybe you havebut it’s important to know that many couples don’t conceive right away.
About 80% of cisgender, heterosexual couples conceive after six months of trying. Approximately 90% will be pregnant after 12 months of trying to get pregnant. These rates assume you have well-timed intercourse every month.
The Health Of Fallopian Tubes:
The doctor continues, In women who have undergone pelvic surgery or appendicectomy there may be silent blockage of tubes. Cases like To be able to conceive, the tubes should be open and functional.
Tests like hysterosalpingogram , which is an OPD procedure may be advised to evaluate tubal and uterine health.
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What Happens During A Fertility Test
Testing for infertility usually begins with a nurse or doctor talking with you about your medical history and doing a physical exam. It can take several months for your doctor to figure out whats causing your fertility problems, so dont get discouraged if you dont get an answer right away.
Fertility testing of eggs/uterus/fallopian tubes:
Your doctor will give you a pelvic exam. They may also use an ultrasound to look at your ovaries and uterus, and give you a blood test to check your hormones. Sometimes youll need to start tracking your ovulation patterns by checking your cervical mucus, taking your temperature, or using home ovulation tests.
Other tests and procedures are usually done later if the first exams dont find the answer. A special test called a hysterosalpingogram can help see if your fallopian tubes are open. A doctor will put dye in your uterus, and then use an X-ray machine to watch the dye move through your uterus and fallopian tubes.
In some cases, infertility testing may include minor surgeries to look inside your body. The doctor will use special tools to check your fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus for problems.
Fertility testing of sperm/semen:
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how quickly your sperm move
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the size, shape, and quality of your sperm
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the amount of seminal fluid
You may also have a blood test to find out if there are any hormone problems that could make it harder for you to cause a pregnancy.
What Research Says And Doesn’t Say About Fertility
As with many areas of women’s health, there’s little data on the exact chances of conception each month. The best study I could find, from 2003, said about 30% of couples who ditched birth control would get pregnant during their first cycle of unprotected sex. From there, the chances fell. Although about 75% of couples would conceive within the first six months of trying, if they weren’t pregnant after a year, their chances of conceiving on each cycle were about 5%.
Doctors generally advise couples to seek help if they’ve been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant for a year. If the partner with the uterus is older than 35, they recommend seeking treatment after six months since fertility declines with age, and time is of the essence.
While you wait to see if you’ll officially need help getting pregnant, there’s not much you can do. Yes, sex is fun, but sex while trying to conceive is like a working holiday.
“If you do the math, a woman has 10 to 15 tries to get pregnant in a single year, so timing is critical to optimize the chances of conception,” said Amy Divaraniya, a data scientist and the CEO of Oova, who founded the company after having trouble conceiving.
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Have You Been Trying For 6 Months And Still Not Pregnant What Should You Do Next
Transcription :
So youve been trying to get pregnant for six months and all that keeps happening is negative pregnancy tests. If just have fun and keep trying hasnt been the answer to your fertility journey, then youve come to the right place. So lets get started with todays video. My name is Dr. Marc Sklar, also known as The Fertility Expert and welcome to Fertility TV, your YouTube channel dedicated to helping you get pregnant. Ive been working with couples for over 18 years through my online programs and right here in sunny, San Diego at both of my clinics, and Ive seen it all, which is why I created this channel to help you get pregnant faster.
Oh, but before we jump into this weeks topic, I just want to let you all know that my Hope Fertility Coaching Program is open for enrollment. And if you want more support on your fertility journey, youve been trying for six months or more, and you need a little bit more guidance and customization to your fertility plan, then I want to invite you to apply, to join all the other women and couples who have joined me and my team in my Hope Fertility Coaching Program. All you have to do is use the link in the description below to apply.
