In the life of most women, sooner or later there comes a period when she realizes that she is ready to become a mother. But, unfortunately, due to some factors, not everyone succeeds. So how to get pregnant if you can't?
There are quite a few reasons why you can't get pregnant. First of all, of course, it is necessary to pay attention to 2 fundamental factors of each person - nutrition and lifestyle in general.
Proper nutrition to get pregnant quickly
If a woman wants to get pregnant quickly, then she first needs to reconsider her daily diet. Although scientists have not yet proven the effect of any specific products on reproductive function and conception in general.
It is necessary to exclude fatty, salty foods and add more vitamins - vegetables, fruits. Oysters will be useful as they have a beneficial effect on conception and ovulation sensitivity. Well, few people don’t know that this is one of the popular aphrodisiacs. Also, for a quick pregnancy, it is advisable to start eating cereals, dairy products, lean meat and fish. It is better not to add salt, as it tends to retain water. If a woman has problems with excess weight, then first she should diet a little.
To achieve the desired pregnancy, coffee should be excluded from the list of products. Why? The answer is simple: at the cellular level, caffeine can suppress fertility due to its effects on the central nervous system. Basically, coffee is consumed precisely for the reason that it gives a sudden burst of energy. At the same time, the whole body suddenly begins to be in good shape and because of this, androgens do not have time to transform into sex hormones. Therefore, experts do not advise women planning to conceive to indulge in coffee.
Bringing your lifestyle back to normal
The human body is a complex mechanism, the organs of which are closely interconnected. Constant stress, smoking, drinking alcohol and low immunity - under the influence of all these factors, the body realizes that it is not yet ready for pregnancy. Accordingly, conception does not occur.
Therefore, to get pregnant, you first need to get in shape. As already mentioned, the first factor affecting fertilization is weight. Exercise and stick to a diet for a while to make your attempts to have a baby successful.
However, low weight will not affect your upcoming pregnancy either. As a rule, in women who weigh little, the menstrual cycle and ovulation can “merge” with each other, which also makes conception virtually impossible.
Should we talk about bad habits? Women who drink alcohol, abuse cigarettes and even drugs may not get pregnant at all. If the long-awaited moment does happen, then preserving the fetus will be dangerous, both for its health and for the mother. Men who want to see themselves as a future father also need to give up bad habits.
In what cases is it necessary to undergo examination by a gynecologist?
It also happens that a woman, having reached despair with the question “what to do?”, turns to a gynecologist for help and this is the right decision.
Specialist help may be needed in the following cases:
- Previous sexually transmitted diseases and venereal diseases.
- Current problems of a woman’s reproductive system that interfere with normal conception and development of pregnancy.
- Abortion.
- Ectopic pregnancy.
- Irregular menstrual cycle.
- Use of oral contraceptives and other hormonal drugs.
- Early or late onset of sexual activity.
Don't be shy about the doctor. It’s better to tell your gynecologist everything as it is and then he will be able to help in your situation. Nowadays, infertility is far from a death sentence. Now there are many methods to get pregnant, and specialists are seizing on the slightest opportunity.
One of these methods is in vitro fertilization or, in other words, IVF. An egg is taken from a woman, a sperm from a man, and they are placed in a beneficial environment. Fertilization occurs there, and the fertilized egg is attached to the uterine wall, after which the woman becomes pregnant.
Female cycle - how to calculate correctly?
When a woman reaches menarche (her first period), a new period begins in her life: she is now capable of childbearing. It is often recommended to use the calendar method for calculating “favorable days” when the probability of conception is highest.
So, the first day of menstruation is the first day of the female cycle. It is counted from the first day of menstruation to the first day of the next. Normally, the menstrual cycle can range from 28 to 40 days. To find out when a woman will ovulate, you need to calculate the average cycle length and divide it by 2. For example, if your period comes exactly once a month on the same day, then the cycle is 30 days. This means that the “favorable moment” occurs 15 days after the arrival of menstruation.
Do not forget that 2 days before and 2 after ovulation are also good for pregnancy planning and “dangerous” regarding unwanted conception. Another name for this period is the fertile period. Now there are many tests that determine the onset of ovulation, but usually the woman herself intuitively senses its arrival. The body is designed in such a way that during this period a woman’s libido increases significantly, and she becomes more attractive to men.
Basal temperature - help in the process of conception
Measuring basal temperature allows a woman to determine the level of hormones in the body. To plan a pregnancy, you should start counting from the first day of the menstrual cycle at the same time every day. You need to use the same thermometer. In addition, you need to record your own feelings on this day: depression, calm, joy, etc.
Typically, basal temperature is measured in the mouth, rectum or vagina. For women, the latter method is preferable. The measurement is taken immediately after waking up, without unnecessary movements. You should also not talk at this moment.
The onset of ovulation is indicated by an increase in temperature of approximately 0.4 degrees. Normally, this figure is 37.2. A reading below 37 is usually in the first half of the cycle, when a woman has more estrogen than progesterone.
It is necessary to constantly measure basal temperature even after pregnancy to avoid further problems with its course. This is especially worth paying attention to if a woman has previously had a spontaneous miscarriage. If the temperature is 0.8-1 degrees below normal, then you should definitely consult a doctor to exclude fetal freezing and possible deviations.
Poses for conceiving a child
So how to get pregnant if you can't? Approach the problem from the beginning. Sexologists recommend a whole list of positions for successful conception.
First of all, it is worth noting that they are not suitable for everyone, only for women with a traditional uterine shape without any deviations:
- Missionary position. In this position, the male seed immediately enters the uterus, and from there into the tubes, and if the number of viable sperm is sufficient, then fertilization occurs.
- "Doggy style". Again, in this position the seed also goes directly into the cervix. Experts are accustomed to noticing that in this position there is a high chance of conceiving a boy, since the fastest sperm will have access to the eggs.
- On the side. The woman bends her knees towards herself and lies on her side, and the man is behind her. Friction and close proximity of bodies can ensure rapid conception, especially if a woman is ovulating that day.
As practice shows, for pregnancy to occur, it is necessary to have sex regularly, but not constantly. Otherwise, the man’s production of viable sperm will decrease, and all attempts to conceive a child will be in vain.
Do not rule out discomfort. Also, women with structural features of the uterus (curved, etc.) should have sex in positions that are comfortable for them. It is complete trust and pleasure from the process that will increase the chances of success.
Preparations in traditional medicine
As practice shows, most problems causing infertility can be resolved using the methods offered by traditional medicine.
Doctors distinguish several methods:
- Hormonal drugs. Often, a woman cannot become pregnant due to hormonal imbalance. An experienced specialist selects a set of medications for the patient aimed at establishing normal hormonal levels, which allows conception to occur.
- Surgical intervention. If pathological processes occur in the reproductive system (formation of adhesions, fibroids, cysts, etc.), then it is necessary to begin therapy as early as possible, affecting the patency of the tubes and the ability of the uterus to bear a child. If hormonal and drug treatment does not produce any results, then surgery is prescribed to excise adhesions and other formations.
- ECO. As already mentioned, in vitro fertilization is suitable for those women who have not been helped by previous treatment methods. The operation is not cheap, but the percentage of the long-awaited pregnancy after it will still occur is higher.
Folk remedies
There are also many traditional medicines that help you get pregnant quickly. However, doctors do not recommend resorting to them without special need and consultation. Some may not only not work, but also cause significant harm to the expectant mother, permanently depriving her of the ability to bear children.
Among the neutral methods of conception, it is worth noting the following:
- Positive attitude. If a woman is happy and satisfied with herself, then, as ancient healers claimed, her chances of becoming pregnant increase. And from a modern point of view, this point will be useful. After all, with depression and stress, the body is depressed and independently determines that now is not the time to bear a baby.
- Moon phase. It happens that for a girl, the favorable period of conception is considered to be the lunar cycle when she herself was born.
- Herbal decoctions. For example, from sage. A teaspoon of dried flower is poured into a mug with hot water. This tea needs to be taken for a couple of weeks. A bonus will be the miraculous effect of sage on the immunity of the expectant mother.
How to quickly get pregnant with your second child?
Many women, after the birth of their first child, when trying to conceive a second baby, are faced with a problem such as secondary infertility.
It may be due to the following factors:
- Hormonal disbalance.
- Past diseases of the reproductive system and vagina.
- Damage to the endometrium during an abortion, as a result of which the fertilized egg cannot attach to the wall of the uterus.
- Biological incompatibility of partners. Scientists still cannot fully explain this phenomenon, but, unfortunately, it does occur.
- Age from 35 years.
It makes no difference whether previous pregnancies ended in childbirth or not. To diagnose secondary infertility, you must consult a doctor to exclude the possibility of diseases and pathologies. If they are present, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment or give a referral for surgery.
Do not despair; while a woman is of childbearing age, she still has a chance of becoming pregnant with a second child. It is necessary to consult a specialist in time and reconsider your lifestyle. The same should be done for the partner from whom the lady wants to give birth to a baby.
Signs and superstitions - the most popular myths about conceiving a baby
Pregnancy and childbirth are shrouded in many myths, most of which date back to the times of Ancient Rus'.
Here is a list of the most popular ones:
- Pregnant women are prohibited from cutting their hair, otherwise there will be a risk of premature birth. Scientists have long refuted the connection between childbirth and hair, but a neat appearance for a woman, even if she is pregnant, will certainly not be superfluous.
- A woman needs to hide the fact that she is carrying a baby under her heart for as long as possible, otherwise he may be jinxed.
- You cannot look at scary and frightening things, otherwise the child may be born ugly.
- If fluff appears on the belly, then a boy will be born. The appearance of vellus hair indicates an increased content of male hormones in the body, but even women with such hair often gave birth to girls.
- Before the baby is born, you cannot buy baby clothes, a stroller or a playpen. All this is nothing more than prejudices. Even in ancient times, most problems were attributed to something inexplicable. Try not to pay attention to this.
- You should watch your words: do not swear and do not say about yourself “I am infertile.” This myth takes place in real life, since a person forms a mood with his thoughts, which can be positive or negative.
- Pregnant women need to eat for two. In part, this is also true. Since now a woman needs to worry not only about herself, but also about the child, who receives most of the nutrients the expectant mother receives from food.
Procreation is one of the basic human instincts. This is why it is so important for a person to realize his or her potential as a parent. Not everyone can immediately understand that nothing can replace family and parenthood for people: neither a dizzying career, nor national recognition, nor the opportunity to live “for oneself.” If not immediately, then over time a childless person will certainly begin to feel inferior and unhappy.
So, for every married couple there comes a time when the question of planning a pregnancy comes up. But in fact, pregnancy may not occur as quickly as the couple would like. The question arises about how to get pregnant if it doesn’t work out.
In this article we will analyze the main mistakes of married couples who want to conceive a child. We will also touch on the basics of physiology, knowledge of which will help you quickly understand the adequacy and appropriateness of a lot of dumb advice on forums on the Internet.
The first stage of preparation for pregnancy
Where to start if you decide to get pregnant, but for some reason this doesn’t happen on its own?
The answer is clear - from going to the doctor to clarify the health status of the future parents. The doctor will prescribe the minimum examination that will allow you to assess whether there are any contraindications to pregnancy at a given time. Moreover, the examination is carried out not only for infections of the human reproductive system, as is commonly believed.
Most often, only a woman goes to see a doctor. And if the examination reveals, for example, a sexually transmitted infection, then treatment is already prescribed for the sexual partner. It is, of course, logical that he also requires treatment. But it is much more correct for a married couple to undergo examination at the same time and find out everything about their reproductive health at once. And then, with a clear conscience, begin the important task of procreation.
This is pregnancy planning. Unfortunately, only about 5% of families consciously plan a pregnancy according to all the rules, that is, in tandem with a doctor. In the understanding of many, planning a pregnancy is only a refusal of contraception and regular sex life. It will be good if it works and a good healthy baby is born. But often in this way it is either not possible to get pregnant at all, or problems arise with the resulting pregnancy.
What examination awaits you? And most importantly - why?
Many people neglect the stage of medical examination before pregnancy, naively believing that conceiving a child is not a tricky thing, everyone gets pregnant and gives birth. They often argue that if it doesn’t work out, then I’ll go to the doctor.
But not everything is so simple. Often a married couple does not even really know what processes occur in a woman’s body every month, how this is related to the conception and birth of a child. And that the most dangerous from the point of view of the occurrence of pathologies of pregnancy and fetal development are the first weeks after conception, when the woman still does not know about the pregnancy.
So the first task that a consultation with a doctor solves is an educational program on the fundamental aspects of the physiology of the human body. Often this already allows you to solve the problem and get a long-awaited pregnancy, for example, using information about the most favorable periods for conceiving a child.
In addition, an examination by a gynecologist will help to identify any pathology in time and, what is very important, treat it before pregnancy. In addition to general clinical tests (general blood test, general urine test), you will be prescribed an examination for infections, the so-called TORCH complex. This abbreviation includes a number of infections, where T is toxoplasmosis, R is rubella, C is cytomegalovirus, H is herpes types 1 and 2, O is other infectious diseases.
This test allows you to determine whether you have immunity to these infections, and also allows you to identify immunoglobulins-M, which indicate an acute infection in the body at the time of the examination.
Of course, if an acute infection is detected, it requires immediate treatment and delaying pregnancy for several months. Strictly speaking, we are not even talking about a delay. It’s just that with an acute infection, pregnancy cannot occur in most cases. Therefore, identifying and treating acute infection can solve the problem of pregnancy.
The detection of immunoglobulin-G in the blood tells us about a previous infection. In other words, they indicate developed immunity to this infection. It is very important to determine at the stage of preparation for pregnancy whether a woman has immunity to infections dangerous to the fetus (rubella, chicken pox).
You probably know that during pregnancy, a woman’s immune system is suppressed, and the body becomes more susceptible to various infections. Perhaps, if the expectant mother does not have immunity from infections dangerous to the fetus, and she did not suffer from these diseases in childhood, then vaccination should be used before pregnancy. And already two months after vaccination, you can safely plan a pregnancy.
Also, candidates for parents of the future baby are examined for sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, trichomoniasis and others). Smears from a woman’s genital tract can detect not only pathological flora (the causative agent of infection), but also determine the acidity of the environment, which is important for normal sperm motility, and, therefore, the ability to fertilize an egg. The hospital complex of examinations includes examinations for HIV, syphilis, and viral hepatitis.
During the examination, the woman undergoes an ultrasound of the thyroid gland and pelvis. The role of the thyroid gland is a separate discussion, but for now take my word for it that it is very important. I’ll say a few words about the examination of the pelvic organs. Here we are primarily talking about disturbances in the structure and functioning of the reproductive system. For example, cysts, fibroids, and obstruction of the fallopian tubes are detected. These may be the main causes of infertility, without treatment of which it will not be possible to get pregnant.
Additionally, the doctor will definitely ask you to provide the results of fluorography of the future parents over the past year.
This is a short review. I will talk in more detail about examinations when planning pregnancy in a separate article.
The second stage of preparation for conception
The next step in preparing for conception is determining ovulation. As a rule, women who read articles on pregnancy already know what ovulation is. But I’ll remind you anyway. Ovulation is the release of an egg from a mature ovarian follicle. It occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle.
For example, with a regular female cycle of 28 days, ovulation occurs approximately on the 14th day of the cycle. The first day of menstruation marks the beginning of a new menstrual cycle. With a long but regular cycle, you need to count 14 days back from the expected first day of menstruation. For example, with a 32-day cycle, ovulation will occur on the 18th day of the cycle.
But the fact is that the cycle lengthens due to the first phase of the menstrual cycle (before ovulation), when the follicle in the ovary grows and matures. With an irregular cycle, determining ovulation is much more difficult.
There are various tests to determine ovulation, measure basal temperature, and perform folliculometry using ultrasound to facilitate identifying the date of ovulation.
Basal temperature measurements must be carried out for at least three cycles. This is the only way you can find the most likely date of ovulation. The method is labor-intensive and time-consuming, but no financial costs are required. Its reliability is not very high, so it is increasingly being abandoned in favor of ovulation tests.
Determining ovulation using tests is a very expensive business. Test strips are quite expensive, but the results are more accurate. The package contains several (5-7) strips for determining the concentration of luteinizing hormone in urine. The peak concentration of this hormone occurs on the day of ovulation.
From what day should you start determining ovulation? To do this, with a regular cycle, you can use the formula P–17, where P– the number of days in a woman’s cycle. So, if a woman’s cycle is 28 days, then she should start determining ovulation from the 11th day (28-17=11).
If a woman has an irregular cycle, it is better to use jet tests (there are more of them in the package, so this method is cheaper). The test is considered positive when there are two clear lines. When the color intensity of the first stripe is the same as that of the control stripe, ovulation will occur within 24 hours.
Folliculometry is the monitoring of the growth of the dominant follicle, which will subsequently produce an egg, using ultrasound. Control begins on days 8-10 of the cycle at least once every three days, and preferably every other day. A follicle measuring 25-27 mm indicates the imminent onset of ovulation. The method is effective, but expensive and not available to everyone.
It is very important to carry out ultrasound monitoring to record the fact of the formation of the corpus luteum after ovulation, since cases of non-ovulating follicle are not uncommon. That is, there is growth of the follicle, but no release of the egg.
You can read more about these methods in the article « » .
When should you sound the alarm about what’s not working?
It all depends on the age of the expectant mother. It is worth consulting a doctor for an examination for infertility if a woman under 30 years of age who lives a regular sexual life without protection fails to become pregnant within a year.
Women over 30 years old should not delay the period of independent trials and attempts to become pregnant for more than 6 months. Until the age of 30, women may have 1-2 menstrual cycles per year without ovulation. And after 30 years, there can be up to five or six such empty cycles per year.
Rules for the successful conception of a child
Early autumn is the best time to conceive.
It is in autumn that the human body is at the peak of its health. Thanks to the saturation of the body with vitamins and microelements contained in seasonal fruits and vegetables, and more time spent in the fresh air, the body becomes stronger.
Future parents giving up bad habits
Smoking and alcohol significantly reduce the possibility of fertilization, contrary to popular belief. Sperm renewal in men occurs every 72-74 days. Even a single consumption of 30 g of vodka can reduce sperm motility by 30%.
The semen of a drinking man contains more defective sperm, with genetic damage, unable to produce healthy offspring. A person who smokes experiences exactly the same changes in the quality of sperm.
Adjust the weight of future parents.
Weight deviation, both towards obesity and towards deficiency, negatively affects the possibility of conceiving a child. With obesity, a woman's hormonal levels change, and this leads to problems with pregnancy.
Lack of body weight is also unfavorable. It often leads to the absence of menstruation and, as a result, the inability to become pregnant.
Excess weight in the expectant father disrupts testosterone production. And the lack of the latter will lead to impaired sperm maturation.
Proper nutrition and physical activity.
It is very important for both women and men to eat properly during pregnancy planning. A woman needs to introduce more vegetables and greens into her diet. They contain the necessary microelements to prepare the body for pregnancy. Products containing protein (fish, meat, legumes) are necessary for both women and men.
If a woman experiences a decrease in hemoglobin, you should turn your attention to veal. It is able to quickly create a good iron depot, which is so necessary during pregnancy.
Experts recommend eating eggs, caviar, and sprouted wheat grains. In such products, nature has provided a large supply of nutrients, since it is all intended for the development of new life. The diet should contain vegetable oil, which contains vitamin E, which is necessary for future parents.
Avoiding unhealthy foods containing trans fats is a self-evident step in preparing for conception. Fatty, salty, smoked, semi-finished products, fast food, and sweets will definitely not bring benefits to the body. And with regular consumption of such products, the body perceives this as a signal: pregnancy cannot be allowed, since the person is not eating well, there is no supply of nutrients - the body is not ready to bear pregnancy.
At the stage of preparation for conception, you should avoid heavy physical activity. For example, replace classes in the gym with swimming in the pool and walking.
You shouldn’t completely exclude physical activity, because for mom this is the last opportunity to slightly adjust the endurance of the abdominal muscles. You can no longer do this during pregnancy.
Heavy physical labor also exhausts the male body, interfering with the normal functioning of the reproductive system.
Features of “bed” rest.
Daily sexual activity reduces the likelihood of conception, since sperm need time to mature. With frequent ejaculation, young forms of germ cells will predominate in the sperm, and fertilization only with mature sperm (class A) can produce healthy offspring.
Regular sex life two to three days later for conception is the best option, including from a physiological point of view. Abstinence for more than a week has a negative impact on sperm quality. In this case, the old forms of sperm are slowly replaced by new active forms, which will certainly affect their speed and mobility.
It is worth saying that the maximum probability of fertilization of an egg exists precisely at the moment of its release from the ovarian follicle. With every hour of her life, the chances of fertilization and the formation of a zygote from her decrease. In this regard, experts recommend planning intimacy 3-4 days in advance, then the day before ovulation, and the next day after it. The sperm is able to wait for its lady and retain the ability to fertilize in the woman’s genital tract for up to 3-5 days.
Reconsider what products you use. Since some lubricants and lubricants contain spermicidal substances that immobilize and destroy sperm.
Psychological mood.
Don’t get hung up on poses, don’t perceive it as work (“it’s time, we’re making a baby!”). Everything should happen naturally, without unnecessary tension. Let intimacy be preceded by relaxation (aromatherapy, a warm bath with your loved one, meditation).
While planning your pregnancy, try to protect yourself from stressful situations. Plan a vacation with your spouse, a vacation at the seaside or in a sanatorium. I know the positive experience of more than one such married couple in my close circle, who returned from a trip as a threesome. Fortunately, in Russia there are even more than enough specialized sanatoriums that help childless couples.
I would like to once again emphasize the correctness and importance of contacting a gynecologist at the very beginning of this journey. After all, numerous unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant without certain knowledge and examinations, without answers to questions, place a burden on the shoulders of the married couple. Complexes, neuroses, breakdowns and even quarrels inevitably arise. Not every relationship can handle this.
It’s a completely different matter when the couple immediately received answers to most of their questions and knows from a scientific point of view all the processes of physiology in the human body. All that remains is not to change your dream and bring the day of the birth of your child closer.
Taking vitamins.
Three months before a planned pregnancy, gynecologists prescribe folic acid at a dose of 400 mcg per day. But what to do if pregnancy never occurs? Reception should be continued until pregnancy. It is impossible to overdose on this vitamin, but a deficiency is detrimental to the fetus.
Nowadays, special vitamin and mineral complexes for women and men have appeared on the pharmaceutical market, recommended for the period of pregnancy planning. Basically, these complexes contain the same folic acid, vitamin E, zinc, selenium and other microelements. With a varied and balanced diet, these complex medications may not be needed, but if there are dietary errors, they are necessary.
It is a men's tradition to go to the bathhouse.
Urologists do not advise men to go to the bathhouse while preparing for conception. It is not for nothing that the testicles are placed on the periphery of the male body. Thanks to this location in the scrotum, a constant temperature is maintained (about 34.4ºС). In other words, high temperatures during spermatogenesis (sperm formation) have a detrimental effect on sperm.
In this regard, men should not wear tight and tight trousers and underwear.
High temperatures for women.
Overheating isn't just dangerous for men. Gynecologists do not recommend that a woman planning a pregnancy choose too hot countries for her vacation. It is worth choosing southern countries for travel with a climate that is not sharply different from yours. In this case, the body will not perceive acclimatization as stress, and a comfortable warm climate will not harm the woman’s body.
What are the effects of long-term use of oral contraceptives?
Often, when a woman has been taking oral contraceptives for a long time, if they are abruptly discontinued, several eggs may mature in the ovary. At first, there is a very high probability of conceiving twins.
The most popular myths about how to get pregnant, which may not help, but harm
In preparation for writing this article, I asked what other resources were writing about this and what people were sharing on the forums. I don’t want to describe in vivid colors how the hair moved on my head. And in this article, I decided to substantiate the absurdity of the most common “dark” advice from forums from the point of view of physiology and medicine.
“Certain poses will help!”
This is a common myth. Changing the position will not affect the speed and possibility of sperm fertilization of the egg. Nature has long taken care from all sides to ensure that a healthy, mobile sperm finds the egg in any case.
Firstly, thanks to its tail, the sperm moves, secondly, cervical mucus (discharge from the cervix) changes its properties, making it easy for sperm to penetrate the uterus, thirdly, the sperm finds its lady love thanks to chemotaxis. That is, a special chemical reaction occurs when the egg, releasing certain active substances and attracting sperm to itself, forces them to move only towards it.
Judge for yourself, ovulation can occur in the right or left ovary, and how can the sperm determine where to run? Here nature itself provides for everything to happen for sure.
I would like to draw your attention to the fact that even at this stage there should be a natural selection of the healthiest and most active ones, since those who are lethargic and have genetic defects cannot produce healthy offspring.
As for the posture after intimacy, there is also a small nuance. You can often read advice to take a pose with your legs raised up or in the “birch tree” pose. In order to make it clear, I will first explain the structure of the reproductive tract through which the male reproductive cells have to travel.
The cervix is the entrance to the uterine cavity, located exactly in the center of the upper wall of the vagina. And the cervix itself is a convex muscle ring. So, if a woman moves to such a vertical position, all the seminal fluid will be distributed below the cervical cushion. And it will be very difficult for her to get into the uterus, since spermatozoa cannot jump. I hope I made it clear that it doesn't look like a funnel.
But you can slightly lift the buttocks by placing a cushion under them, and this will really make the path easier for sedentary sperm. Thanks to the gravitational force, everything will come closer to where it needs to be.
“Get a kitten!”
Strange, street cats pose a danger.
You should not pet other people's cats or pick up kittens during pregnancy. And even when visiting, refrain from squeezing other people’s cats, and you are unlikely to be asked to clean up after them.
“Herbal medicine is safe!”
There is a lot of information about the use of folk remedies (sage, red brush, hogweed) in women who cannot get pregnant. I am a supporter of any medications being prescribed only by the woman’s attending physician. He has all the information about the woman’s health status, information about her tendency to allergies. Remember that herbs are also medicines, often potent, and have their own indications and contraindications for use.
For example, a woman has been trying to get pregnant for some time and, without consulting a doctor, drinks, for example, sage, which stimulates the ovaries and the production of estrogen. And in the second phase of the menstrual cycle, it is not estrogens that should predominate, but another hormone - progesterone. It ensures normal growth of the endometrium, into which the embryo can then be implanted.
In such a woman, it is quite possible that everything is fine with the maturation of follicles and the production of eggs, but there is progesterone deficiency, which happens very often. Without assistance in preparing for implantation and consolidation of the embryo, pregnancy will still not occur. And the woman is wasting her time, not to mention the fact that excessive estrogen activity of the ovaries can also lead to undesirable consequences.
So, without consulting a doctor and not knowing their hormonal characteristics, women risk unknowingly choosing a remedy that is exactly the opposite in effect to the one that the doctor might have advised her after the examination.
I agree that thoughts are material. Perhaps I’m being too down-to-earth, but it’s much calmer to get examined and find out that everything is fine with you. And then send requests to the Universe, draw a dream map, sleep according to Feng Shui, get a ficus tree, use the things of pregnant women you know and do much more that is recommended on the forums.
I am sure that one of my favorite aphorisms by Paolo Coelho undoubtedly works: “If you want something, the whole Universe will help make your wish come true.” But you shouldn’t completely rely on the help of the Universe in this matter.
So trust in the Universe, and go to the doctor))) And everything will be fine with you! Health to you and your already born and future children!
A very interesting film about how conception and fetal development occurs:
Unfortunately, in recent years, infertility has deprived many women of the happiness of motherhood. Precisely with the request: “We can’t get pregnant, help!” Most patients of the Reproductive Medicine Centers turn to specialists. Of course, everyone knows that the cost of such services is hundreds and thousands, and often tens of thousands of dollars, so many are looking for alternative methods that are more accessible to ordinary people.
Main causes of infertility
According to experts, the pathology of the female reproductive system is to blame for the childlessness of a married couple in 70% of cases. There are many reasons that lead to infertility. At the same time, when the spouses tell the doctor: “We cannot get pregnant,” the specialist recommends that both partners undergo a comprehensive examination. If the woman is still “to blame” for the absence of children, the doctor will determine the cause of the pathology and make an accurate diagnosis. With primary infertility, the first pregnancy is impossible, and with secondary infertility, problems arise with subsequent conceptions. Doctors identify the following main reasons why a woman cannot get pregnant:
Pathological structure of the female genital organs. In this case, deviations from the norm are most often observed in the uterus (it can be small, curved, bicornuate).
Changes in hormonal levels due to various endocrine diseases.
Inflammatory processes of the genital organs (especially chronic ones). As a result of such troubles, adhesions often form, leading to obstruction of the fallopian tubes, which prevents conception.
Past infectious diseases that affect changes in the functioning and structure of the female reproductive system.
In recent years, an increasing number of women prefer a successful career to motherhood, but it is precisely because of the age of the potential mother that many difficulties arise with natural fertilization. So, often missing many women can become pregnant only with the help of artificial methods. The chances of getting pregnant after 30 years of age rapidly decrease, so doctors do not recommend delaying the birth of a child for too long. For secondary infertility, the following measures can be taken:
Hormonal therapy that normalizes and stabilizes the functioning of the endocrine system.
Removing adhesions in the fallopian tubes through surgery.
Carrying out Eco.
Today there are several methods of artificial insemination. One of the most popular and accessible is intrauterine insemination. Many women turn to doctors with the words: “I want to get pregnant as soon as possible.” However, they do not understand that such a procedure takes quite a lot of time and does not provide a 100% guarantee of a positive result on the first try. What is the essence of intrauterine insemination? This method of fertilization is based on the introduction of specially prepared sperm from the spouse or donor (in the case of infertility of the husband) into the uterus. After this procedure, conception occurs almost naturally. In this case, sperm penetrate from the uterine cavity into the tubes, where fertilization of the egg occurs. During normal sexual intercourse, mucus in the cervical canal can interfere with conception, since sperm may stop at this stage. To increase the likelihood of fertilization, sperm is injected as deep as possible into the uterine cavity (closer to the tubes). As a rule, intrauterine insemination is used in the vast majority of cases of artificial insemination. This procedure is not too expensive, so it is accessible to almost every woman.
Indications for intrauterine insemination
The following indications are available for carrying out this procedure:
An insufficient number of sperm in a man or their complete absence.
High probability of transmission of dangerous hereditary diseases.
Infertility.
Problems of an ejaculatory-sexual nature.
Lack of a partner for a woman.
Vaginismus and cervical factor.
Efficiency level
Despite the high level of development of reproductive medicine, the effectiveness of this method of artificial insemination ranges from 5 to 35%. What is the likelihood of getting pregnant this way? According to statistics, it is only 15%. At the same time, artificial insemination shows the best results when performing the procedure in young women. With age, the likelihood of conception decreases, due to deterioration in the quality of eggs. In the case where 4-6 attempts at fertilization have been made, but pregnancy has not occurred, doctors recommend turning to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
ZIFT AND GIFT methods
Those couples who have undergone several artificial insemination procedures, but have not received a positive result, contact the medical center with the following request: “We cannot get pregnant, help us in any way.” In this case, experts can recommend two intratubular methods of fertilization:
1. Zygote transfer (ZYFT), in which a fertilized cell is introduced into the fallopian tubes.
2. Gamete transfer (GIFT), when eggs (one or more) are mixed with sperm and introduced into the tubes.
During this procedure, all operations are controlled by ultrasound or laparoscopy. There are two different ways to introduce seed. With ultrasound, eggs or zygotes are introduced through the cervix, and with laparoscopy - from the abdominal wall.
Indications for ZIFT and GIFT
These options for artificial insemination are used for infertility, the cause of which has never been established, as well as for endometriosis. ZIFT and GIFT are effective in cases of good tubal patency. The greatest chance of conception exists with the introduction of a zygote (ZIFT). The average result is 30%. If a couple, after such a procedure, again turns to the doctor with the question: “We can’t get pregnant, what should we do?”, experts recommend turning to in vitro fertilization.
Benefits of IVF
What does it take to get pregnant this way? Patients are required only to have healthy eggs from the woman and sperm from the husband (donor). During this procedure (after special treatment of the seed material), they are mixed in a special glass cup at a temperature of 37 °C. After receiving embryos (2-4 pieces), the most viable ones are selected and, using a special catheter, they are introduced into the uterine cavity. The remaining fertilized cells are frozen. A week after the procedure, a pregnancy test is taken.
The entire Eco procedure includes the following steps:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation to produce multiple follicles.
- Semen selection and egg retrieval.
- in vitro for 2-5 days.
- Introduction of several embryos into the uterine cavity.
- Pregnancy monitoring for 10-12 weeks.
Indications for in vitro fertilization
This method of artificial insemination is used for both female and male infertility. It is also prescribed to women with tubal obstruction and in cases where other methods of medical intervention have not brought any results. The effectiveness of IVF is very high (30-50%). The end result largely depends on the cause of infertility, the woman’s age, and body weight. At the same time, at the request of the parents, specialists can introduce an embryo of a certain sex into the uterine cavity (to prevent possible hereditary diseases).
Despite the fact that in most cases, drug treatment prescribed by gynecologists does not bring the desired results, many women believe that with the help of some miracle drug they can quickly conceive a child. Many ladies directly turn to specialists: they say, prescribe me pills to get pregnant...
However, even an experienced doctor will not give a 100% guarantee of the effectiveness of commercially available products. At the same time, the cost of such medications is very high, and the likelihood of conception is quite low. It is almost impossible to answer the question of how long it takes to get pregnant after taking special medications. Although such therapy can greatly increase the chance of conception (especially in combination with other types of infertility treatment).
All such funds are divided into 3 main groups:
1. FSH (follicle-stimulating drugs) and LH (luteinizing hormone), which stimulate ovulation. These include medications such as Puregon, Clostilbegit, Menogon.
2. helping the large follicle release an egg. These include: “Pregnil”, “Profasi”, “Horagon”, “Gonakor”.
3. Medicines containing progesterone. They prepare the endometrium (the inner layer of the uterus) to secure the zygote (embryo) in it and help carry the fetus. These include the following drugs: Duphaston, Utrozhestan.
The use of all of the above medications is allowed only as prescribed by the attending physician.
What you need to get pregnant without drugs
Many women, after several unsuccessful attempts, still manage to get pregnant on their own by monitoring their monthly cycle and drawing up a temperature chart. Some young girls do not know their body and the physiology of the reproductive system well. So, you can often hear the question from them: “Can I get pregnant the day before my period?” Yes, this happens, but extremely rarely (with deviations in the normal functioning of the reproductive system). Knowing the characteristics of female physiology, you can choose the most favorable moment for conception, which often increases the chances of getting pregnant several times. Fertilization of the egg occurs on strictly defined days of the menstrual cycle. They are called ovulation. Thus, the most favorable time for conceiving a child is only 1-3 days. Some experts argue that even in a completely healthy woman, 2-3 cycles a year can be infertile (there is no ovulation).
At the beginning of a healthy woman’s cycle, an egg begins to grow and develop rapidly in the ovary. In the middle (approximately 14 days after the start of menstruation), ovulation occurs, during which the egg leaves the ovary and passes through the fallopian tube towards the uterus. There the sperm meets her. As a result of fertilization, a child is conceived. The fertilized egg, called a zygote, moves through the tube into the uterine cavity, where it is “implanted” into its inner layer (endometrium). The probability of conception at the time of ovulation is very high, so a woman who wants to become pregnant should regularly measure her basal temperature in the morning. Normally, its indicators in the first phase of the cycle are below 37 °C. A rise of 0.4 °C or higher indicates that ovulation has occurred. And already 1-2 days before menstruation, a strong decrease in basal temperature occurs. When the graph looks like a monotonous curve with minor fluctuations within 36.9 °C, ovulation does not occur, which means that the chances of conception are very low.
Little feminine tricks
There are other ways to get pregnant. Positions during sex also increase the chance of conception. If a woman wants to get pregnant, she should choose those positions in which penetration of the penis is maximum. The optimal positions are those in which the partner's hips are raised. In this case, the sperm reaches the uterus faster, which allows more sperm to penetrate into its depths. Also, you should not immediately wash thoroughly after intercourse, since most of the male reproductive cells simply flow out of the cervix and are washed away with water. Some women resort to douching with soda, which reduces the acidity level of mucus. This gives sperm a better chance of entering the uterus. This procedure is carried out 20-25 minutes before sexual intercourse.
How to get pregnant (folk methods)
Many women who do not want to resort to artificial insemination or do not have the funds for such procedures turn to traditional recipes. Before engaging in such self-medication, you should definitely consult a doctor for advice, since the use of many folk remedies often leads to a deterioration in a woman’s health. Most often, traditional medicine recipes help with the diagnosis of secondary infertility. In the primary case, unfortunately, such methods show extremely poor results. Alder is considered very effective in treating infertility. Below are recipes with this component.
Alder root infusion
This ingredient can be purchased at the pharmacy. The root is ground in a coffee grinder to a powdery state. Pour 3 tbsp into a thermos. spoons of raw material and pour 1 liter of boiling water over it. The infusion must be sealed for at least 10 hours. The cooled liquid is filtered and used for douching. This procedure is best done before going to bed. The course of treatment is 3 weeks. After a 7-day break, therapy can be repeated. In the presence of adhesions, up to 5-6 courses may be needed. Using this procedure, you can significantly increase the chance of getting pregnant. The days on which douching treatment is carried out are contraindicated for intimate relationships.
Alder powder
Many women who complain: “I can’t get pregnant for a long time, tell me an effective folk remedy,” do not understand that such self-medication cannot guarantee a 100% result. For those who still want to try traditional medicine recipes, we can recommend taking alder powder orally. Thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, this natural product has a very beneficial effect on a woman’s overall health. Take the powder as follows: add 1 teaspoon of alder and 2 tbsp to a glass of warm boiled water. spoons of honey. After thorough mixing, the contents are drunk in small sips. This medicine is taken twice a day (on an empty stomach in the morning and at bedtime). At the same time, we must not forget that the best result can be achieved only with complex infertility therapy. To do this, in addition to taking the powder, you need to do douching according to the method described above.
Take vitamins to get pregnant
All reproductive medicine specialists claim that the likelihood of fertilization increases significantly due to the improvement in the general condition of the expectant mother’s body. To stimulate fertility (the ability to produce normal offspring), a whole complex of vitamins is prescribed. They increase the overall tone of the entire reproductive system and improve the general health of the patient. In most cases, their use is also indicated for men.
Vitamins to get pregnant:
E is a natural stimulator for the normal functioning of the reproductive system. Every woman who plans to become a mother should include in her diet the maximum amount of tocopherol-rich foods. These include: pumpkin pulp, berries and sea buckthorn juice. If the amount of such products in the diet is minimal, you need to take vitamin E, which is sold at the pharmacy. As a rule, it is drunk three times a day. Even after conception, doctors recommend continuing to use it.
B9 (folic acid) - found in vegetables (cabbage, green onions, broccoli, peas, asparagus, beans) and greens (parsley, spinach). It is found in citrus fruits, peaches, walnuts, cod and cattle liver, cottage cheese, caviar, and cheese. This vitamin is a prerequisite for successful conception, so if you are deficient in it, you should take pharmaceutical folic acid.
Vitamins A, B2, B1, C, D are also important for stimulating and normalizing reproductive function.
It is difficult to say what the likelihood of getting pregnant will be after using the above methods of combating infertility, but only those who wage a comprehensive fight against this problem will be able to win and give birth to a healthy child. The one who walks will master the road. Good luck and good health to you!
All newly-made families dream of having a child. They try, but it happens that their attempts remain attempts - they fail to get pregnant. How to get pregnant if you can't? In such families, there is a high probability of divorce due to constant scandals; this situation occurs due to the psychological pressure of the spouses on each other.
Favorable conditions for conception
Pregnancy may not occur for many reasons. For example, poor diet of both parents, bad habits. To successfully conceive, you need to regularly take walks in the fresh air and lead an active lifestyle.
It will also be important to undergo a medical examination. There may be chronic diseases in both women and men. A spermogram for the husband and a check of the ovaries and fallopian tubes for the wife, as well as hidden infections of the genitourinary system are the main areas of research.
To increase the chances of getting pregnant, the doctor will prescribe folic acid tablets for your husband.
What you need to have a baby:
- The right way of life.
- Regular sex.
- Healthy egg.
- Good sperm.
- Normal hormonal levels in a woman.
- Healthy cervix.
Sex
Regular sex means that the couple should copulate three times a week, preferably during ovulation. You should not have sex very often, as the testes simply do not have time to produce a sufficient number of sperm.
Classic sex position for successful conception Also, you should not take long breaks, as this may reduce sperm motility.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle affects sperm quality. Therefore, a man’s lifestyle needs to be given special attention.
What exactly affects sperm quality:
- smoking, alcohol abuse;
- obesity;
- taking hormonal medications;
- low mobility;
- tight underwear and tight trousers;
- stress.
If you can’t get pregnant, get rid of bad habits - increase your chances of successfully conceiving a child.
Egg
An egg is a female reproductive cell. It matures in the middle of the menstrual cycle. The correct maturation of the egg is influenced by various factors:
- Hormonal disorders of the body.
- Unfavorable environment.
- Proximity to hazardous industries.
- Frequent exhausting diets.
- Disturbances in the endocrine system.
- Frequent stress.
Sperm
The lifespan of a sperm is only 3 days. To fertilize an egg, the sperm must pass through the cervical canal. This channel contains a special liquid that prevents the penetration of microbes. From the beginning of the ovulation period, the viscosity of this fluid decreases to facilitate the penetration of sperm.
If the fluid in the cervical canal is viscous, the sperm is retained in it, continuing its vital activity. In this case, fertilization can occur three days after coitus (sexual intercourse).
Fallopian tubes
The fallopian (fallopian) tubes may be blocked. This may be indicated by unsuccessful attempts to conceive. Patency is very important for the movement of the egg and its fertilization. It happens that the diameter of the tubes decreases, and an ectopic pregnancy may occur. Very often, the causes of infertility are congenital defects in the structure of the uterus. Such defects lead to fetal loss.
A clear example of fallopian tube obstruction Hormones
Hormones are the controllers of conception; the first thing you need to pay attention to is them if you can’t get pregnant for a long time. In men, hormones are responsible for the quality and successful maturation of sperm. In women, hormones play a broader role, here are some of the functions of hormones in a woman:
- hormones control the penetration of the embryo into the uterus;
- hormones control the preparation of the endometrium for implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall;
- hormones regulate the general condition of the ovaries and follicles;
- the time of ovulation is also under the control of hormones;
- The proper course of pregnancy is also one of the functions of hormones in a woman’s body.
Cervix
The condition of the cervix is an important condition for successful conception and subsequent development of the fetus. As the baby develops in the uterus, the stress on the cervix increases. If a woman has cervical pathologies, the risk of miscarriage increases.
Why doesn't pregnancy occur?
The diagnosis of infertility is made when a couple having regular sexual intercourse is unable to conceive a child within one year. To solve this serious problem, a complete medical examination of both partners is necessary.
The most common reasons for failed pregnancy:
- The eggs do not accept the husband's sperm. Sperm are perceived as a foreign body and the eggs block them, which is why it is impossible to get pregnant.
- There is a pathology of the uterus. It is not possible to get pregnant if there are cysts, fibroids, or polyps in the uterus. The egg may simply not mature.
- Thickening of the endometrium.
- Obstruction of the fallopian tubes. Very often the causes of such obstruction are the inflammatory process. As a result of such inflammation, adhesions may appear that can close the lumen in these tubes, fertilization will be impossible.
Causes of infertility in women according to statistics Second and third child
It happens that it is not possible to become pregnant with a second or third child. Why is this happening? In this case, with a high degree of probability, the cause is precisely the enlargement of the endometrium (endometriosis). Endometriosis can develop as a result of a cesarean section or other uterine surgery. This disease is not felt in any way and has no pronounced symptoms.
Psychological reasons
The psycho-emotional state of both partners can also have a significant impact on the result.
Here are the main causes of psychological infertility:
- Career. An obsessive desire to make a career and then give birth.
- Lack of your own home.
- There is no subconscious desire to become a mother.
- Difficult life circumstances.
- Loss of former attractiveness after childbirth.
Ovulation
During ovulation, the corpus luteum is formed. If ovulation does not occur regularly, this is a serious disorder. In this case, pregnancy is impossible. Ovulation may not occur as a result of hormonal disorders, metabolic dysfunction in the body, mental health problems, infections or chronic diseases, or cysts in the uterus. All these diseases can be cured and increase your chances of getting pregnant.
To become pregnant, future parents must be prepared for the onset of ovulation.
What if ovulation occurs regularly, like sex, but the long-awaited pregnancy never occurs? There may be the following reasons: hormonal disorders, menstruation is not scheduled, incompatibility of partners, the husband’s sperm is not of sufficient quality (few sperm, there is little of it, sperm are inactive).
All these reasons can prevent pregnancy.
Factors of infertility
There are several factors of infertility:
- Cervical.
- Endocrine factor.
- Pipe factor.
- Cervical.
Probability of infertility factors Cervical factor
One of the common factors of infertility is cervical dysfunction. The reasons for this disorder: hormonal imbalances, surgical intervention, mechanical injuries, inflammatory processes, erosion, severe consequences of previous births. In order to begin treatment for infertility, you need to accurately determine its cause through a medical examination.
Endocrine factor
An equally common endocrine factor is infertility due to disruption of the endocrine system. The presence of this factor may be indicated by: frequent disruptions in the menstrual cycle, ovulation does not occur regularly, and sperm of poor quality.
Hormonal stimulation, which is carried out during the IVF process, can help overcome this factor.
Pipe factor
Obstruction of the fallopian tubes is a tubal factor in infertility. The patency of the fallopian tubes can be influenced by: inflammatory processes in the body, enlargement of the endometrium (endometriosis), previous surgeries, and sexually transmitted infections.
Useful video about the pipe factor:
All causes of tubal factor infertility can lead to the appearance of adhesions.
Cervical factor
Cervical factor is infertility due to abnormal mucus. Normal mucus is needed to transport sperm to the egg. With the cervical factor, the properties of the mucus are disrupted and sperm delivery does not occur or occurs incorrectly.
The causes of such infertility can be: inflammation, hormonal imbalance, disturbance in the structure of the uterus, trauma. Cervical infertility is diagnosed using a postcoital test.
What to do if you can't get pregnant?
In order to understand what to do if conception does not occur, you need to establish the reasons. It is necessary to normalize the functioning of the ovaries and restore regular ovulation. It happens that in order to get pregnant quickly, you can properly prepare the body of both partners. Eliminate harmful environmental influences. Cleanse the body of harmful substances (alcohol, nicotine).
Thyroid disorders can also cause infertility. It is not possible to get pregnant due to hypothyroidism (low thyroid function). Hypothyroidism can cause menstrual irregularities, infertility, miscarriage, and due to hypothyroidism, the placenta can detach. The regularity of the ovulation cycle may be disrupted. Hypothyroidism can also cause ovarian dysfunction, which makes it impossible to get pregnant.
In order for pregnancy to occur faster, you need to eliminate stress. Ovarian activity may be affected by stress. Ovarian dysfunction will bring menopause closer and cause infertility. In men, frequent stress reduces sperm quality.
