With only a few days out of each month when you can conceive, an unproductive attempt can feel like a major setback. It is natural for any couple looking forward to children to want to speed up the conception process. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help speed things up.
Here Are 5 Things You Can Do to Conceive Faster
Track Ovulation
Since there is only a very short window of time each cycle in which you can conceive, make the most of it by knowing exactly when you will be ready. There are over-the-counter kits designed to help you identify your most fertile days, but you can also track this yourself the old-fashioned way. You can do this by using an ovulation calculator which will allow you to identify your most fertile window. Charting your basal body temperature is another option. Look out for a small spike in your basal body temperature as this signals your most fertile period. Alternatively, you can track your cervical mucus. When your fertile period begins, you will notice that your cervical mucus will become sticky and stretchy. When you are ovulating, it will increase in volume and become similar to the texture of egg whites.
Have Sex at the Right Times
Start having sex about three days before you are going to ovulate. This begins your most fertile period, which also includes the fourth day when you actually ovulate. Be careful about having sex too often during this time because when it comes to conception, sperm quantity counts. If you are having sex too often, your partner may have trouble replenishing his supply of sperm. On the other hand, it is not recommended that your partner hold a “reserve” for too long before your fertile period. Sperm have a short life span, and older sperm are less likely to survive the journey to the egg. This is why experts recommend having sex every two days during and leading up to a woman’s fertile period.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking
A drink or two may loosen you and your partner up and make it easier for you to have sex during ovulation, but be careful about overdoing it. Excessive drinking can be detrimental to the quality and quantity of a man’s sperm, and it may also have a negative impact on female fertility. For the same reasons, smoking should also be avoided. If you are a smoker, try to quit about three months before trying to conceive.
Keep Testicles Cool
The testicles hang away from the body for a reason. Sperm thrives in a cool environment. This is why the testicles are usually about three degrees cooler than the rest of the body. Tight underwear can force the testicles closer to the body, thus warming them up. Also, avoid hot tubs, saunas and hot baths when you are trying to conceive.
Relax and Enjoy
Trying to conceive can be stressful, but try not to give it more thought than necessary. Know what you need to do in order to conceive, and then relax and enjoy the process. Stress can have a negative impact on fertility. Instead of considering it as a chore, think if it as some very special quality time with your partner. You will probably give anything to go back and have this time again when there is a newborn in the picture!
