If you think you are ready to start a family, it is natural that the first thing you want to know is how to get pregnant. Several myths exist about increasing your chances of conceiving. What do qualified reproductive health physicians say on the matter?
Let’s talk about the five best-recommended methods that can help you boost your fertility and where you can go in Syracuse, New York, for high-quality OB/GYN care.
Monitor Your Menstrual Cycle
Whether you have regular or irregular periods, you need to monitor how many days they last and their intervals. Keeping track of your menstrual cycle allows you to predict your ovulation period better when your ovaries produce egg cells.
Some women commit to manually tracking their menstrual cycle on their calendars. You can also download apps on your phone to help you monitor your cycle. You can even set the alarm as a regular reminder whenever your ovulation period and menstrual week are drawing near.
Have Intercourse During Your Fertile Window
Your ovulation period is referred to as the “fertile window,” the time your ovaries release egg cells that travel to the fallopian tube and the uterus. This is usually around two weeks before your period begins. During this time, your reproductive health physician will advise you to engage in intercourse every other night to increase your chances of pregnancy.
Your ovulation typically comes with other symptoms, too. These may include:
- Increase in body temperature
- Increased sex drive
- Change in cervical mucus (a discharge released by the cervix)
- Tenderness of breasts
- Light pelvic or abdominal pain
Remember that natural pregnancy requires the participation of a male partner. Communicating with your partner is vital during your fertile window to let him understand what your body is going through.
Choose Lubricant Properly
Lubricants are used during intercourse to lessen the pain or discomfort of initial penetration. What many do not know, however, is that the lubricant you use may affect your chances of getting pregnant from that intercourse. Lubricants typically hamper sperm cell movement.
One common misconception about the sperm is that couples trying to get pregnant usually believe it only takes one sperm cell to reach the egg. This is not true. While only one sperm is required to fertilize an egg, it takes many sperm cells swimming together to propel one another just for one sperm to reach the egg.
Hence, experts recommend picking a hydroxyethylcellulose-based lubricant because they do not slow down the mobility of the sperm. Make sure you ask your reproductive health physician for advice when choosing a lubricant.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
In general, a healthy lifestyle boosts your chances of fertility. When you’re healthy, there are less likely to be physical problems preventing you from getting pregnant. Avoid strenuous exercise, but moderate physical activity is recommended. Likewise, ensure that you eat foods with the right nutrients to enhance reproduction. Studies have also shown that weight is a factor in female fertility.
If you are set on trying for pregnancy, here are some nutrients that you need to include in your diet:
- Folic acid
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Protein
- Iron
Reproductive health physicians also suggest taking prenatal vitamins in advance, even if you are not yet pregnant. This helps situate your body in an ideal condition for a coming baby.
Consult a Reproductive Health Physician
One of the best ways to increase your chances of fertility is to include a third party in your and your partner’s journey: your reproductive health physician. Set an appointment for a general reproductive health checkup with your gynecologist to ensure that you are ready to conceive.
Remember that a gynecologist is in charge of your reproductive health pre-pregnancy, while an obstetrician takes over during pregnancy. Meanwhile, fertility experts are called reproductive endocrinologists, a sub-specialty of obstetrics and gynecology. If you have fertility problems, they are specialists who can guide you with your concerns.
With the aid of your reproductive health physician, you can address fertility issues that you might not have been aware of ahead of time. You will also receive sound medical advice, which, in turn, will allow you to plan better.
Reproductive Health Physician Near Me in Syracuse, New York
Pregnancy is an exciting stage of life. However, it requires a lot of proactive preparation to ensure that everything goes well. If you are already considering fertility or want to keep your reproductive health in check, visit no other than the University OB/GYN Associates. We have some of the most caring reproductive health physicians in Syracuse, New York. Your comfort and confidence are our priority at University OB/GYN Associates.
To learn more about how we can help you, call us today at (315) 464-5162. You may also schedule an appointment with us by filling in our online request form. We look forward to being a part of your reproductive health journey!
