One or both of you may have problems with infertility if you and your partner have been trying to get pregnant for over a year.You are not alone when it comes to infertility.Ten percent of couples are affected by infertility.An egg is released during ovulation and passes through the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it is fertilized by sperm.Problems at any of these stages can cause infertility.There are treatments that can increase your chances of having a child.Simple lifestyle changes can enhance your ability to conceive.
Step 1: Schedule physical exams for both partners.
Some issues that could be affecting your fertility may be revealed during a general physical exam with your family doctor.Sometimes these issues can be corrected without resorting to more expensive, time consuming, and intrusive fertility treatments.If you have a uterus, a visit to a gynecologist can help determine the problem.If you have a penis or testes, you may want to see a urologist.
Step 2: Tell us about your medical history.
Your doctors may be able to determine the cause of your infertility problems based on your current medical condition or previous medical conditions.Genetics may contribute to infertility.You and your partner should make a list of all the drugs and supplements you take, as well as anything you took in the past.Some of these may be interfering with your reproductive system.
Step 3: Discuss your sexual habits with your doctor.
If you have sex frequently while you are ovulating, you will have a better chance of becoming pregnant.Tracking your periods can tell you which days are most fertile.If you have regular periods, this works best.Your doctor may be able to give you advice if you have irregular periods.You can use the apps on your phone to track your periods and identify your most fertile days.You can do this on your own with a calendar.14 days before your period starts is when ovulation occurs.You can't get pregnant if you have sex before the day of ovulation.Your most fertile days tend to be the 3 days before ovulation.
Step 4: There are tests to evaluate the quality of eggs and sperm.
A couple's chances of having a baby will decrease if they have low quantities of eggs or sperm.Eggs or sperm of lower quality may not be fertilized.Hormonal testing can help your doctor determine the quality of eggs and sperm.The doctor will test your hormones early in your menstrual cycle to see if you have enough eggs to get pregnant.The more eggs you have, the more likely you are to become pregnant.If you have testes, your semen sample will be analyzed by the doctor to determine the quantity and quality of your sperm.It can be difficult for a partner to become pregnant with a low sperm count.The egg may not be fertilized if you don't have enough quality sperm that swims fast.
Step 5: Ask your doctors questions.
If you are diagnosed with infertility, you will likely have a lot of questions about what can be done to fix it.Make sure you understand the risks and side effects of any treatment your doctor suggests.What are the reasons it has been difficult for us to have a baby?Is there a risk of multiple babies being conceived with the treatment you propose?Will these treatments have long-term effects on my health?How common are the side effects of these treatments?We don't know how long it will take for us to know if it works.
Step 6: Work with a fertility specialist.
Depending on the causes of your fertility problems, your family doctor or gynecologist may refer you to a specialist for further treatment.The specialist will make recommendations for further treatment after assessing your condition.Additional tests can be conducted to determine the causes of infertility.They may have access to treatments that your family doctor wouldn't be able to perform.
Step 7: If you want to investigate or correct infertility, evaluate surgical procedures.
If you find damage or disease in your reproductive organs, you may be able to have surgery.If your infertility was caused by that damage, you should not have any more problems.There may be other causes for infertility beyond physical damage.Fallopian tube surgery is one of the surgical procedures that can help enhance fertility.
Step 8: Drugs may affect fertility.
Side effects that decrease your fertility may be caused by medications or supplements that you're taking to treat another condition.If you tell your doctor about all your medications and supplements, they will be able to identify any that might be causing infertility.Your doctor can help you find a different medication or treatment method that won't affect your fertility.It may be a few months before you see any changes in your fertility.
Step 9: Alcohol and nicotine can be reduced or eliminated.
Nicotine and alcohol have negative effects on fertility.You have a better chance of conception if you consume less of these substances.Nicotine replacement therapy, such as the patch, can help you quit smoking, but it can take longer for you to be able to have a baby.You may need assistance to stop drinking if your usage is excessive.Don't be afraid to ask for help.Some of your doctor's recommendations are possible.Nicotine may cause problems with infertility if you still use it.
Step 10: Do not use hot tub or hot showers.
Hot tub and hot showers can cause infertility if you have a penis and testicles.The heat decreases your sperm count.If you have a body with ovaries, the risk of infertility is not as high as it is for bodies with testicles.
Step 11: If you are overweight, start a regular exercise program.
Regardless of your reproductive organs, being overweight can cause infertility.If you want to lose weight and keep it off, your doctor can help you come up with an exercise and diet plan.They can refer you to a physical trainer or a nutritionist.Start slowly if you've never exercised before.It will take some time for your body to get used to the increased activity.Start by walking for 5 minutes a day.If you have joint problems, low-impact exercises, such as biking or swimming, may be a better fit for you.
Step 12: You can reduce stress by practicing relaxation techniques.
Stress can have a negative effect on fertility.If you've been trying for years to get pregnant and have no luck, the anxiety that comes with it may not be helping.Deep breathing exercises can help reduce physical stress.You might want to try meditating.Gradually increase your time by meditating for a few minutes each day.Combining your deep breathing exercises with your meditation is possible.You can clear your mind by counting breaths.
Step 13: Drugs can be used to enhance fertility.
Fertility medication is used to treat infertility.Most fertility medicines are designed to help you get pregnant.Some medications can help increase sperm count.Depending on the cause of infertility there are different medications available.It is possible that clomiphene acts as aSERM, which can help with ovulation.If you have polycystic ovary syndrome, Metformin can help you get pregnant.If your doctor isn't able to identify the cause of your infertility, medications will not work.
Step 14: You can have sperm inserted into the womb.
If you can't have vaginal sex or have a condition that makes it unsafe, artificial insemination may be used.If not years, you may have to wait months for access to this treatment.Not all health insurance covers the cost of inseminated women.
Step 15: If insemination doesn't work, try in vitro fertilization.
An egg is removed from the ovary and fertilized with sperm in a lab, then it is replaced into the womb.If your partner has a low sperm count, in IVF may be able to help.The sperm may be your partner's, but it can also be sperm from a donor.If your partner isn't producing sperm, you may have to use a donor.If you have a condition that prevents natural fertilization of the egg, in vitro fertilization is used.
Step 16: If sperm and egg cells are causing infertility, consider using a sperm or egg donor.
If your doctor tells you that you are unlikely to have a baby, you may need to replace your sperm or eggs with a donor.After fertilization, the egg is placed in the womb to grow.If the uterus is damaged in a way that the fetus won't attach,rogates can be used.If you've had a lot of miscarriages, this may be the case.