How can I increase my chances of getting pregnant?
If you are a couple who is struggling to get pregnant, you may be wondering when your pregnancy journey will finally begin. According to the NHS, it was found that 1 in 7 couples in the UK face infertility. It’s likely you’ve already Googled: Will I ever get pregnant? How can I increase my chances of getting pregnant? Why was I unable to get pregnant? And after countless hours of searching, with seemingly vague answers, these questions often remain unanswered.
That is, until you understand how pregnancy works. With a little tweaking, you could increase your chances of having a baby. Read on to find out how.
Why can’t I get pregnant?: Am I doing something wrong?
Getting pregnant is easy, right? Well, actually, no – not for everyone. It was found by the NHS that 84% of couples will conceive naturally within a year if they have unprotected sex frequently. However, we also know that almost 1 in every 7 couples face infertility, so while it may be easy for most couples to get pregnant, fertility problems are also remarkably common.
There are multiple underlying causes of infertility. The most common ones are listed below:
- Infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs):
An undiagnosed infection or STD can impact your chances of getting pregnant. Diseases like gonorrhoea and chlamydia have virtually no symptoms and can remain undetected for years. Hence, it is essential to get yourself checked for STDs and infections regularly. - Hormone imbalance:
Hormonal imbalance is also another common cause of infertility. An appropriate balance of progesterone, oestrogen, testosterone and other hormones is required for optimal fertility. If one hormone exists in the body in much higher or lower levels than appropriate, it can dramatically affect your chances of getting pregnant.
- Age related infertility:
For people aged between 35 to 40 years, getting pregnant may be more challenging. Fertility levels, for both men and women, take a hit as your body ages. The quality of your sperm and eggs may not remain the same as it was in your twenties.
- Gynaecological issues:
If you are someone diagnosed with a gynaecological condition like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), fibroids or endometriosis, your chances of getting pregnant become significantly impacted. Studies show that women with PCOS are three times more likely to miscarry in their early months of pregnancy.
Simple ways to improve your chances of getting pregnant
Now that we know about the most common fertility problems, there must be a way to improve your chances of getting pregnant, right? Possibly. While many turn to treatments such as IVF, ICSI or egg or sperm donation to solve fertility problems, your specific case may not require those treatments and your chances of getting pregnant can be increased with some minor tweaks in your lifestyle.
Some simple ways to improve your chances of getting pregnant at home include:
- Adopting a healthy diet
We don’t want to sound like a nagging mum, but a healthy diet can provide the essential nutrients for your body to generate and regulate proper hormone balance. And you already know how important hormones are for fertility. - Less stress
Stress really takes a toll on your body. Prevent stressful situations when trying to conceive, as stress can hamper not only women, but the semen quantity and sperm quality, according to a study.
- Exercise
Exercise can help your body de-stress, relax and remain healthy. Leading an active lifestyle can result in better chances of getting pregnant. If you are new to exercise, try walking, resistance training, and pilates or yoga to get started. - Avoid addictive substances
Substances like coffee, alcohol and smoking all have an impact on the quality of your sperm and eggs. Avoiding addictive substances while you’re trying to get pregnant can not only improve fertility but also prevent complications further along in your pregnancy.
Worried that nothing works for you? Try a fertility clinic
If you’ve been doing everything above and it’s been more than 12 months without conception, it’s time to take that first brave step towards a fertility clinic. This may sound daunting, but in reality, it is quite the opposite. A well-respected clinic will offer a comfortable environment coupled with advanced equipment, experienced fertility specialists, and excellent customer service.
A specialised fertility clinic usually takes the approach of finding the root cause of infertility first, by conducting a fertility test for both parents-to-be. This helps the fertility specialist diagnose the issue(s) at hand and provide a comprehensive plan for your pregnancy journey. The treatment plan may include further testing, lifestyle changes, assisted conception treatments, and regular consultations to track progress. For a couple suffering from problems like untreated STDs, hormone imbalance, sperm/egg quality and motility, age-related infertility and chronic medical conditions, a consultation at a fertility clinic could be life-changing.
Will you get pregnant?
While no procedure or treatment can guarantee pregnancy, it can improve your chances of conception. With the right guidance for your pregnancy journey, you too could start a family. Consulting a medical expert or a fertility clinic can help you understand the causes behind infertility using expertise and cutting edge diagnostic equipment, and allow you to take steps towards becoming a parent.
