Two Ways to Tell When You’re Ovulating

Getting pregnant does not always happen when you would like it to. Some couples decide it is time to have kids and within a month or two they are announcing they are pregnant. Other couples try month after month without success. If you are one of the couples having difficulty, do not feel discouraged. It is estimated that 25 percent of couples trying to conceive experience problems with fertility. There have been great advances in infertility treatments over the last ten years. A better understanding of the reproductive system may help to solve the problem.
Knowing when you are most fertile is a significant step towards conception. This will be the few days a month when you are ovulating. Ovulation is when the ovaries release an egg and it is deposited in the uterus. Your menstrual cycle begins with the first day of your period and ends with the last day before your period. Ovulation will typically occur mid cycle. Once released the egg is only viable for fertilization for 24 hours. Sperm can survive for approximately 72 hrs. If you do the math you will see that the2 to 3 days before you ovulate are the best days to try for conception. Knowing exactly which day you are going to ovulate may seem difficult, but here are some helpful tools.
Ovulation test kits measure the amount of Luteinising Hormone (LH) in your urine stream. Prior to ovulation there is a surge of LH in your system to cue the ovaries to release an egg. This happens approximately two weeks after your period. You will need to know how long your menstrual cycle normally is, as cycles can vary from 28 to 34 days. Ovulation test kits come with step by step instructions and will supply a chart to help you determine which days to start testing your urine. It is important to test urine at the same time every day. False positive results can occur as a result of some oral medications. Check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. When the test strip detects higher levels of LH that means ovulation will occur within the next 48 hours. This is when you should have intercourse. Ovulation test kits are available at any drugstore or online at many fertility or pregnancy websites.
Another method is charting your basal body temperature (BBT). This method requires you to measure your body temperature during the first few hours of waking. By charting these temperatures over a period of time you will be able to determine when you are ovulating. During your menstrual cycle there are two hormones that play important roles. Estrogen is the hormone that is active in your system during the first half of your cycle, also called the follicular phase. Estrogen helps to trigger the ovaries to release an egg. When ovulation occurs Progesterone is released to help prepare the uterus for possible implantation. These changes within the body create fluctuations in your BBT. Typically, you can expect to see a decrease in BBT just prior to ovulation and then a significant increase, approximately.4 degrees Fahrenheit or more, once the egg has been released. Your BBT’s will remain high if conception takes place, but will return to their base line if your period starts. By tracking and charting your temperatures you will be able to know when the best times are for intercourse. A digital thermometer that measures to the tenth of a degree is easiest to use. You can make your own chart to keep track of your temperatures or download and print one from an infertility treatment website. If you are uncertain about your temperatures or do not see any change in BBT consult your doctor.

Like so many aspects of life a little understanding goes along way. Maximize your chances using these tools. If you still are unable to conceive after 1 year, or 6 months if over 35, talk to your doctor about infertility treatment options.


About the Author: Eric Daiter has been sponsored by The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading provider of infertility treatment, to explain what an ovulation test is in plain language. To review this information, please visit www.infertilitytutorials.com.

Coping With Infertility

If you are one of the many couples dealing with fertility problems you may be wondering how to cope with the wave of emotions that has arisen. Family and friends don’t always understand what it’s like to struggle with conceiving and the overwhelming disappointment you feel each month when the pregnancy test comes back negative or the grief and loss felt with each miscarriage. Here are few ways to help you and your partner cope with infertility.

Do not blame yourself or your partner. It is not uncommon for one or both partners to feel that it is their fault they are unable to get pregnant. Blame may stem from past choices or circumstances that may have had an effect your ability to conceive, or be directed toward your partner for wanting to wait until later to start a family. The blame game is always a lame game. Blaming is never helpful or constructive. It is be hurtful and creates stress that can further distance you from your goals. Instead, acknowledge that there are things that may have influenced your chances of having children, but you cannot change the past. Look forward to the future and what you can do together now. Work as a team to determine your options.

Continually educate yourself about infertility. Uncertainty or fear of the unknown plays a big part in how you respond or cope with feelings. The more you understand about infertility and infertility treatments available the better you and your partner are able to plan for what lies ahead. This can be a great source of hope. You will know what to expect from different types of treatments and how much they will cost. You’ll also feel more comfortable talking to family and friends about your situation.

Give yourself permission to talk about your feelings. Be open and honest with your partner about how you are feeling and you may find they are feeling some of the same emotions. Set a time limit for how long you and your partner talk about frustrations, sadness, and further plans, since it can be draining or amplify those negative feelings. Find a support group for couples who are struggling with fertility problems. Your doctor’s office should be able to recommend groups that meet in your neighbourhood. There are support groups available online where you can chat with others who are experiencing the same things you are and be encouraged by couples who have been through it and have had a successful pregnancy.

Don’t give up hope. Whatever type of infertility treatment you and your partner choose there may be disappointments, but be encouraged. There is always someone who has walked the same road and can share their experience, strength and hope.


About the Author: Eric Daiter has been sponsored by The NJ Center for Reproductive Medicine, a leading provider of infertility treatment, to write information about male infertility. For more information, please visit www.infertilitytutorials.com.

Healthy Tips to Help With Conception

You and your partner have decided it’s time. You’ve stopped using birth control and you’ve begun the fun part of having kids, making them. Don’t stress out if you’re not pregnant in the first couple of months of trying. Here are some important things to keep in mind when trying to conceive.

The body works best when it is not stressed out. Studies show that 8 out of 10 women suffer from significant stress in their day to day lives. Whether it is work, family, or financial stress it can wreak havoc on your system. Here are some simple ways you can work on reducing your stress level. If you feel your stress level rising, no matter where you are, take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. The oxygen to your brain and body help to reduce the level of stress plus it gives you a couple of seconds to regain composure or think about what needs to be done and what can wait till later. Take 10 minutes a day to sit in silence or with calm music and think about your favourite thing to do, place to visit, or memory. This simple exercise helps your body and mind to come to rest and recharge on thoughts that are happy and pleasant.

Now that you are ready to be pregnant you have stopped eating junk food and drinking caffeine by the pot. It is time to start consuming the types of food that will help your body prepare for and carry the baby you are hoping for. Caffeine increases levels of stress and anxiety. Most doctors recommend the cessation of caffeine intake while pregnant because it can affect the development of the baby and increase the baby’s heart rate. The baby growing inside you will be borrowing from your sources of nutrients for its own development. This means no more skipping meals. A skipped meal can leave you fatigued and faint. Most health care professionals recommend six small balanced meals a day to keep your metabolism at an even level instead of the highs and lows experienced with only two or three large meals a day. Prenatal vitamins should be taken as well. Besides being a multivitamin, they contain folic acid. Folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defects during your baby’s prenatal development. It is a good idea to begin taking them right away since you will not know when you do become pregnant. During the first four weeks babies grow by leaps and bounds. It is imperative that you stay adequately hydrated during pregnancy. At least 64 oz. of water a day is recommended. Carry a water bottle with you throughout your day and don’t forget to DRINK IT.

A relaxed and well nourished body also needs regular exercise. Not marathon over the top exercise, but 25 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise that maintains your heart rate at your target heart rate. Talk to your doctor about your target heart rate or if you belong to a gym you can talk to a personal trainer. Aerobic exercise is continuous motion with adequate oxygen. Ideas for aerobic activity include biking, swimming, speed walking, running, aerobics class, or stair climber. Find something you enjoy doing or alternate activities to break up the monotony and make it a part of your day at least 3 times a week.

It’s important to know when you are most fertile (likely to get pregnant). Purchase an ovulation test kit from any drug store and follow the directions. If you are between 20-35 years of age and have been trying to conceive for more than 1 year, or 6 months if over 35, you may require infertility treatments and should speak with your doctor.

About the Author: Eric Daiter has been sponsored by The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading provider of infertility treatments, to explain what an ovulation test is in plain language. To review this information, please visit www.infertilitytutorials.com.