In a lot of ways, conceiving a child is a matter of chance. The conditions must be just right for a woman to become pregnant, and several biological processes have to line up perfectly. However, that doesn’t mean conception is entirely out of a couple’s control. Below, the compassionate infertility specialists at IVF Hawaii in Honolulu share a few ways you can increase the likelihood of conceiving during each cycle.

5 Tips From an Infertility Specialist for Increasing the Chances of Getting Pregnant

1. Prioritize Health

Getting in shape will not only increase the chances of conceiving, but it will also help ensure a safer pregnancy once you do. Try to maintain a healthy body weight, quit any bad habits like smoking, and reduce caffeine intake to improve reproductive health. You should also start taking a prenatal vitamin prior to conceiving, so there is already folic acid in your system once you do.  

2. Reduce Stress

Because of its effects on hormone levels, stress can actually inhibit ovulation. To stay calm, set aside some time each day to do a relaxing activity. This may include reading, meditation, yoga, or whatever else puts you in a peaceful mindset.

3. Track Your Cycle

There are various ways to track a woman’s menstrual cycle, and some approaches are more effective than others. If you want to pinpoint the “window of fertility” every month, consider purchasing an ovulation predictor kit or basal body thermometer.

4. Avoid Using Lubricant

Most kinds of lubricant inhibit sperm motility and affect cervical mucus. Couples who need it for intercourse should opt for a product like Pre-Seed®, which was developed by doctors and has been approved by the FDA as “fertile friendly.”

5. Time Your Intercourse

Once you start tracking your cycle, try to time intercourse around ovulation. There is roughly a five-day window every month when most women can conceive. If you have sex several times within this window, your chances of becoming pregnant will increase considerably.

If you have been following the above tips but have not conceived, despite trying for six months to a year, an infertility specialist at IVF Hawaii in Honolulu will help you explore possible options. You can learn more about the success rates of this fertility clinic by visiting their website. To schedule an appointment and discuss your chances of conceiving either naturally or with medical intervention, give them a call at (808) 538-6655 today.