Trying to Conceive: Key Things a Fertility Doctor Will Tell You

27th March 2019 in Fertility

This information was correct at the time of publishing. It may not reflect our current practices, prices or regulations.

Trying to Conceive

If you are trying for a baby, it can be frustrating when pregnancy does not happen as quickly as you expect.

There can be any number of reasons why you have not conceived yet. But it does not necessarily mean that you need IVF.

Here are key things you need to know when you are trying for a baby:

1. Get fertility aware

Understanding your own individual fertility is crucial to pregnancy success. Menstrual cycles are often irregular, and ovulation does not always happen in the middle of a cycle. Use ovulation prediction kits so you get a better idea of when you are ovulating, so you can time intercourse properly.

If you still do not achieve pregnancy, a fertility assessment may be useful for both partners. There may be underlying issues that are preventing conception, such as low ovarian reserve, or fertility issues relating to lifestyle or a high BMI.

2. It takes two

Men are just as responsible for conception as women. If you are struggling to conceive it may be due to sperm issues. A semen analysis is a simple, non-invasive test that involves assessing a sample of sperm under the microscope. It is one of the first tests we do when patients come to our IVF clinic for an initial assessment.

Common sperm issues that can make it harder to conceive include low sperm count, poor sperm mobility and shape. All of these issues can be overcome with the right fertility treatment.

3. You should prepare for conception or fertility treatment

You have a better chance of pregnancy if you are both healthy, and this applies whether you are having fertility treatment or trying for a baby yourself. Lifestyle does impact fertility – so egg and sperm quality - in men and women.

Make sure you are both within a healthy range BMI, quit smoking, reduce alcohol intake and improve your diet. Preparing your body for conception and pregnancy can and does make a difference, which is why we give this advice to patients pre-IVF too.

4. Get fertility advice and explore treatment options

Seeing a fertility specialist can help you understand more about your individual fertility and possible treatment options that can help you conceive.

Common fertility treatments include intrauterine insemination (IUI) and IVF.  Proactively seeing a fertility expert can also help you feel more in control of your situation, giving you timely advice and a clear way forward to a family.

5. Keep positive

It can be hard to keep positive, but you are not alone in trying to conceive. There is lots of support online via TTC (trying to conceive) forums and support groups, where you can get advice and learn from others in the same situation.

At Manchester Fertility we have our own private Support Group for patients to join and hold regular events for the TTC community.

6. Donor conception can be an option

Many couples who cannot conceive or are unsuccessful through fertility treatment go onto have a family through donor conception. Using an egg or sperm donor is advised for lots of different reasons.

If you do need a donor, remember that it will give you the best chance of a baby and the eggs or sperm have been donated by someone who wants to help you have a family. At Manchester Fertility we have our own successful donor programmes and provide comprehensive personal support to our donors and recipient patients.

Book a fertility consultation

If you are concerned about your fertility, you can book in for a fertility consultation with one of our fertility doctors, there is no waiting list and you do not need a referral. Call us on 0161 300 2737 or book online.

 

 

Last updated: 27th March 2019