10 Things to Try Before Undergoing a Fertility Treatment

You’ve been trying to conceive for a while but there is still no sign of a baby? Before you start a fertility treatment such as IVF, there are a few things you can try to become pregnant naturally.

1. Pay a visit to your Ob-Gyn

If you’re struggling to become pregnant, have fertility issues and/or have irregular periods, the first reflex you should have is to visit your ob-gyn. They aren’t necessarily going to tell you to undergo fertility treatment, but they will check whether everything is okay or not. This means that they will search for any infections, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fallopian tube blockage, uterine fibroids or any other issues that could cause an infertility.
Your doctor will give you the benefit of their expertise and prescribe you, if needed, certain medications such as Clomid, often recommended to help stimulate ovulation.

2. Track your cycle

Knowing when you’re ovulating is essential when you’re trying to conceive. There are several ways of checking your cycle. A basal body temperature (BBT) thermometer and an ovulation predictor kit will help you to find out when you’re ovulating. You can also use a fertility app to track your cycle and to help you become pregnant.

3. Have sex at the right time

You’re perhaps wondering how much sex you should be having (and when), in order to increase your chances of having a baby? The first thing you need to do is to find out when is the best time to conceive by tracking your ovulation. You can use a calendar or a fertility monitor to help you get pregnant.

Once this is done, have sex during the two days preceding your ovulation and during your ovulation day. Important to know: sperm can live for three days in our body after intercourse.However, precisely scheduling your sex life can cause both of you to become stressed, which as you may know, can affect fertility. It’s best just to have sex 2 or 3 times a week, and make sure to have some fun!

4. Have a healthy diet and lifestyle

You’re surely certainly aware that having a healthy diet and lifestyle is essential to boost your chances of becoming pregnant. If you’re trying to conceive, maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber and opt for the “good carbs” (lentils, potatoes, beans, whole wheat breads and pastas, brown rice).

On the contrary, “bad carbs” (soda, chips, candy, cookies, pastries, ice cream, white bread) are high in sugar and, therefore, can increase your insulin levels, which in turn may interfere with ovulation. Additionally, as you probably know, drinking too much alcohol and coffee, as well as smoking, will also harm your chances of becoming pregnant.
Also, don’t forget to drink enough water, as this helps eliminate toxins from your body. Water is also a good aid for producing cervical mucus, which is essential to become pregnant.

5. Get enough sleep

Have you noticed how lack of sleep can make you much more stressed and grumpy? If experts recommend having 7-8 hours of sleep, it’s for a reason. Not only will sleep deprivation disturb your immune system and make you more stressed, this will also affect your reproductive system. So, to be healthier, more capable of managing your stress, and to increase your chances of becoming pregnant, make sure that you get enough sleep.

6. Maintain the right weight

If you’re trying to conceive, losing or gaining weight might be necessary. Women who are overweight or underweight may have trouble conceiving, as weight can have an impact on hormones and ovulation.
A body mass index (BMI) of over 25 means that you are overweight while being under 18.5 means that you are too thin. If you are not sure whether your weight is good or not, check your body mass index (BMI). Exercising and enjoying a balanced diet will help you to achieve and then maintain a healthy weight.

7. Reduce stress

A large number of studies show that stress can affect your fertility and reduce your ability to conceive. If you are under stress, due to your job or because you are experiencing trouble getting pregnant, it’s important that you find a solution. There are a lot of things you can try to become more relaxed, such as acupuncture, meditation, yoga, or simply doing activities that you enjoy, such as painting, exercising or singing.

8. Undergo a sperm check

In up to half of couples who have trouble conceiving, infertility is due to the male partner. Male infertility can be caused, for instance, by a low sperm count and motility or abnormal sperm morphology.
If you’re struggling to conceive, the male partner should undergo a semen analysis and other medical tests if needed. It’s also important that he pays attention to his lifestyle, diet and weight.

9. Give certain supplements a try

In addition to improving your lifestyle and eating healthily, including certain supplements in your diet could boost your chances of getting pregnant. Minerals and vitamins such as vitamin B6, folic acid and zinc could be a great ally when it comes to helping you conceive. Make sure that you respect the recommended doses and ask your doctor’s advice though!
Myo-inositol is another supplement for women with ovulation disorders such as PCOS. According to experts, Myo-inositol helps to regulate the cycles and conceive faster. If you prefer not to take supplements, you can find this vitamin in beans, grains, nuts and fruits.

10. Be patient

It sometimes takes time to become pregnant. If you’re under 35, have had regular and unprotected sex without any success for a year or more, it’s time to pay a visit to a fertility specialist. If you are 35 or older and think that you may have a fertility issue, it’s best to seek help sooner: after 6 months of TTC (trying to conceive).