- Not knowing when you really ovulate: If you recall back to fifth-grade sex education, many women have a 28-day cycle, which implies ovulation occurs on day 14. However, don't assume that the time clock automatically applies to you. Individual cycles differ, so you might have one that is somewhat shorter or longer. To determine the exact day you ovulated, count back 14 days from the start of your menstruation. (This is because, although not everyone ovulates on the 14th day of their cycle, your period usually starts 14 days following ovulation.)
- Just engaging in sexual activity on the day of ovulation: Time is crucial when it comes to conception, but it doesn't mean you just have one shot! When you ovulate, the egg is discharged into the fallopian tube and may live for 12 to 24 hours. It may meet up with any accessible sperm, which can generally dwell in a woman's body for three days, but occasionally for up to five days. That implies your viable window might last six days—the four days before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and the day after. You're most fertile two to three days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation.
- Having sex every day: Unbelievably, having too much sex might cause your man's sperm count to drop; this can happen and take a few days to replenish. Having sex every other day within your reproductive window, as opposed to every day after you've determined when your ovulation occurs.
- Obsessing over positions: If you've resorted to standing on your head, raising your legs in the air, or bending into any other coital or post-coital posture to improve your chances of having a kid, we have some news for you: You may be wasting time. (No, you do not have to be a contortionist to get pregnant.) When a male ejaculates, the bulk of his sperm is directed towards the woman's egg. There won't be much sperm left in it anyhow. So, if you want to do it missionary-style or position a cushion under your hips, go for it—but don't get too stressed out. Your chances of becoming pregnant are dependent on many more things than posture.
- Maintaining unhealthy habits: It goes without saying that once you get pregnant, you must abandon evident harmful behaviours such as smoking, drinking, and drug usage. Remember, however, that lifestyle variables might also have an impact on your fertility. In addition to quitting smoking, drugs, and heavy drinking, eating a healthy diet, exercising moderately, achieving a healthy weight, and reducing caffeine consumption.
- Seeing a fertility specialist too soon: It is not unusual for women under the age of 35 to wait up to a year to conceive. It's also quite natural to get disappointed after a few months, but if you don't have any underlying health issues, you should definitely wait before seeing a reproductive doctor. About 80 % of healthy patients will get pregnant during this period. If you are over 35, schedule an appointment with a specialist after six months of trying, rather than a year. We understand how frustrating waiting may be at times.
- Waiting too long to see a specialist: There are certain exceptions to the one-year wait rule: If your cycle is shorter than 25 days or longer than 35 days if you have really painful or heavy periods, or if you've previously had a serious pelvic infection, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to have things checked out. One additional reason not to postpone a doctor's appointment? if you've already had sexually transmitted infections.
- Assuming the 'Problem' is with you: Many couples concentrate their fertility research on the woman, but 40% of reproductive difficulties might be attributable to the guy. So, if you haven't conceived after a year of trying and are under 35, you should both see a doctor. Your spouse will likely need a sperm study to rule out any problems on his end.
- Waiting too long to try: We understand—you probably have a lot left on your pre-baby to-do list (starting a profession, increasing your money, purchasing a larger home, etc.). However, age is a determinant of fertility. When you hit 35, you officially enter what is known as "advanced maternal age," a phrase that recognises the risks of having difficulty conceiving and carrying a healthy pregnancy as you mature. A woman's capacity to conceive diminishes by around 50% between the ages of 20 and 40. If you're in a solid relationship and want to have a baby, don't put it off simply because you believe it'll be easy to become pregnant later on.
FAQs on Common Fertility Mistakes When Trying to Conceive:
- What symptoms indicate that a man is fertile?
In general, having more normal-shaped sperm indicates that you are more fertile. However, there are many exceptions to this. Many men with low or aberrant sperm counts are nevertheless fertile. Furthermore, around 15% of infertile men have normal sperm and sperm count - Do individuals become pregnant on the first try?
Conception is most likely to occur during the first month of attempting (about 30%). The likelihood then gradually decreases to about 5% by the end of the first year. Cumulative conception rates are around 75% after six months, 90% after a year, and 95% after two years.
