Everything you should know about Female Fertility

If you're trying to get pregnant, it's essential to understand how female fertility works. You and your partner may experience problems getting pregnant because of disruptions in your menstrual cycle, the quality of your eggs and sperm are poor, or due to conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Any number of factors can play into whether you're able to get pregnant — but understanding what those factors are can help you chart your course toward successful conception.

Menstrual Cycle

Women's menstrual cycles last anywhere from 21-35 days and are divided into three phases: the follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase. If a female wants to get pregnant, she must release an egg during ovulation. During these two weeks of her cycle, a woman can become pregnant if she has sexual intercourse with a man who has sperm. Most fertile time occurs around day 14 of your cycle (12 days before ovulation) though some women will release eggs on either side of day 14 (ie-7, days before and seven days after). When it comes to conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy, timing is everything!

The Basics of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

While there are many types of fertility drugs, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is among the most popular. HCG mimics LH and works in combination with hCG. It has been used for more than sixty years by doctors to treat various ailments, including weight loss and infertility. Although you can take it alone, some people may find it is more effective when combined with medications like Clomid or Follistim. To read more about human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), keep reading for a comprehensive guide into its uses and benefits.

Pregnancy Tests and Home Kits

A false negative (when a test indicates there is no pregnancy) can happen for many reasons. However, it's still best to see your doctor and have them run a follow-up blood or urine test if you get a false negative result on your home pregnancy test. If you get a positive home pregnancy test and have irregular periods, not all of your menstrual cycles may be accounted for. Your doctor will be able to tell based on your last period when you got pregnant, so visit them right away if needed. Overall, home tests are pretty accurate but do run false negatives in some cases (which is why seeing a doctor right away is critical).

Natural Methods for Boosting Your Fertility

If your doctor has given you a clean bill of health, but you have trouble conceiving, You can do several things to boost your fertility. There are some natural methods for boosting fertility: Eat a healthy diet – This isn't just a matter of eating more vegetables and lean proteins and eating less junk food. A poor diet can have an impact on ovulation. Avoid sugar, refined carbs, and dairy products which can cause blood sugar levels to spike and crash. Consume plenty of fiber and other nutrients that support hormonal balance, stress management, and overall good health, otherwise known as eating clean.

Male Infertility

If a man has difficulty conceiving a child, it can mean one of three things: He may have low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or both. It is essential for men experiencing fertility problems not to blame themselves, their partner, or their relationship immediately. Many factors contribute to male infertility, and with help from your doctor and treatment, in some cases, men with infertility problems can go on and have children through assisted conception. If treatment for male infertility does not improve the chances of conception, then you may require IVF treatment.

Choosing a Practitioner

You must consult with a practitioner who is well versed in current procedures. Although technological advances have made it easier for women of all ages and circumstances to become pregnant, there are still many options out there that may not be best for you. It can be hard to sort through them all, but here are some key questions to ask: What makes them an expert? Is it likely I will end up having multiple babies? Do they respect my values and beliefs? 

In addition, talk to other couples trying to conceive. If possible, find out whether people you know have gone through IVF—what worked, what didn't and why. Lastly, don't underestimate your own needs during treatment—medically, emotionally, and financially. Women tend to cope differently than men when dealing with fertility issues; seek out support groups and counseling (if desired) along your journey. Sometimes medical interventions aren't successful—no matter how effective treatments might appear on paper.

Doctor Shesha Sinha gives all the above information; She has been an experienced gynecologist for seven years. You can also read a more informative blog about females on antenate.health.