Conceiving a child is a major life event for many couples. While some couples are successful within a few months of trying, others may face challenges in their journey towards parenthood.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 10% of women in the United States have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. However, there are several strategies that couples can adopt to improve their chances of successful conception.

1. Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Leading a healthy lifestyle is equally important for both partners who are trying to conceive. Here are some of the healthy habits one should adopt:.

Eating a Balanced Diet

Eating a nutritious, balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and low-fat dairy products is essential for both partners. A healthy diet not only helps maintain overall health, but also improves fertility.

Vitamins and minerals that are essential for fertility include folate, zinc, and iron.

Exercising Regularly

Exercising regularly can improve fertility in both men and women. Moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes a day helps in reducing stress, maintaining a healthy body weight, and regulating hormones that regulate ovulation.

However, excessive exercise can negatively impact fertility. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain the right balance.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or underweight can affect fertility. Women who are overweight or obese and have a high body mass index (BMI) are likely to have irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation.

Men who are overweight are likely to have a lower sperm count than those who maintain a healthy weight. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is essential for both partners.

2. Tracking Ovulation

To conceive, it is important to understand when ovulation occurs as the fertile window is short. Most women ovulate 14 days before their next period starts.

For example, if a woman has a regular 28-day menstrual cycle, she is likely to ovulate on day 14 of her cycle. Women can track their ovulation by using various methods like:.

Basal Body Temperature Charting

Basal body temperature is the temperature of the body at rest which is lowest during ovulation. Women can use a basal thermometer to measure their temperature every day before getting out of bed.

Tracking Cervical Mucus

Cervical mucus is the discharge that comes from the cervix. It changes throughout the menstrual cycle and becomes more watery and stretchy during ovulation, indicating the most fertile period of the cycle.

Women can track their cervical mucus by examining and recording its texture and amount every day.

Using Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs)

OPKs are easy-to-use urine tests that detect a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) in a woman’s body. LH surge occurs 24-36 hours before ovulation, indicating that ovulation may happen soon.

3. Addressing Underlying Medical Conditions

Several medical conditions can affect fertility in both men and women. Addressing these underlying conditions is necessary for successful conception.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that causes enlarged ovaries with small cysts on their outer edges. Women with PCOS may experience irregular periods, and ovulation may not occur regularly, making conception difficult.

Treatment options may include medications to regulate ovulation, weight loss, or fertility treatments.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue lining the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain and discomfort. It can also affect fertility by blocking the fallopian tubes or affecting the quality of the eggs.

Treatment options may include pain management, medication, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

Low Sperm Count

Low sperm count can be treated with assisted reproductive technologies like in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to achieve successful conception.

Maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, and avoiding smoking and alcohol can also improve sperm count and quality.

4. Maintaining Emotional Wellness

Trying to conceive can be stressful, and stress can negatively impact fertility. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain emotional wellness. Here are some strategies to improve emotional wellness:.

Communicate with Your Partner

Communication is key to maintaining a healthy relationship with your partner, especially when trying to conceive. Discussing concerns and how you feel can reduce stress and restore emotional balance.

Manage Stress

Stress can negatively impact fertility. Therefore, finding ways to manage stress like mindfulness practices, yoga, or meditation can improve emotional wellness and improve fertility.

Seek Counseling if Needed

Infertility can be a challenging experience for couples. Seeking counseling or support from a therapist or support group can help couples cope with infertility and maintain emotional wellness.

Conclusion

Successful conception involves several factors, and it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, track ovulation, address underlying medical conditions, and maintain emotional wellness.

Adopting these strategies can improve the chances of successful conception and bring happiness and fulfillment to couples.