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However, whatever path you choose in life, it is beneficial to grasp the facts regarding fertility so that you may make informed decisions and plan as best as possible for your future.
Here are some facts you may not know:
You Lose Eggs Every Minute of The Day
When it comes to having a baby, time is quite important. Dr James Elangbam, Managing Director, Acme Fertility & Healthcare Centre, Imphal, Manipur explains that when a woman is in her early 30s, doctors are concerned about more than just her egg count. Starting in your 30s, which is the time most people plan to start their family, not only do your egg numbers start to decline, but the quality of your eggs is ageing too. As you grow older, your eggs are more likely to contain genetic defects and DNA damage. To put it into perspective, experts estimate that egg abnormalities will be roughly 30% in a 30-year-old woman, 40% when she's 35, and more than 90% when she's 40. It Will Take A Lot Longer Than You Anticipate To Get Pregnant
In a healthy couple at the peak of their fertility, chances per month of conceiving are only about 20 per cent — which is really low. Fortunately, your chances of getting pregnant will not always be this low. For couples who have been trying for six months, there is a 60% chance of conception. Couples who have been trying for a year have a 90 per cent chance of becoming pregnant.You Can Get Pregnant While Taking The Pill
It is not impossible to get pregnant while taking the pill — and if you use a seven-day placebo, your chances improve even more. It's called 'escape ovulation and when you're on a seven-day placebo, your body is still creating an egg and ovulating, which means you can get pregnant, even when you're not trying to.If you miss two to three days of taking your tablet, your body will have enough time to begin producing a new egg. The same goes for an IUD. There have been reports that intercourse has pushed a woman's IUD out of the way.
Your Home Pregnancy Test May Not Show You're Pregnant, But You Most Likely Are
The trouble with home pregnancy tests is that they're not always as sensitive as they claim to be. So if you get a negative reading, it doesn't necessarily mean you're not pregnant. If you believe you are pregnant (and are experiencing symptoms), you should see your doctor to ensure that your feelings are indeed pregnancy-related. They'll sample blood and run tests to see if you're carrying a baby. You Can Become Pregnant After Up To Three Days
It's not as if you only had 24 hours to become pregnant following intercourse. Sperm can live in your uterus for up to 72 hours, and your eggs are actually viable for 24 hours. But don't grab for the pregnancy test the moment sex ends; it's too early to know if you're pregnant or not. Lube Is The Enemy
A little extra lubrication can sometimes be useful, but if your objective is to conceive, you should stick to natural methods. According to experts, most (but not all) lubricants on the market make it extremely difficult for sperm to swim through and enter your cervix. It is best to err on the side of caution and go without.Miscarriages Are More Prevalent Than You Think—It's Simply That No One Discusses Them
About 30 per cent of all pregnancies end in , and the reason it's so shocking to everyone is because no one is talking about it. The most important thing to remember is that it's not something you did wrong. Sometimes, it just happens — and it's happening to 30 per cent of all pregnancies, so you shouldn't feel alone. Spotting Is Acceptable—And Common
That small patch of blood you noticed while in the bathroom? It does not always imply that you have started your period (or are not pregnant). There are plenty of pregnancies that have spotting and bleeding in early pregnancy and it's completely normal. Simply because you are spotting or bleeding does not mean you are doomed or that something is amiss. In fact, in certain situations, it could be implantation-related, which is a wonderful thing while trying to conceive. However, if it persists, contact your doctor. They can look closer and tell you whether it is normal or something to be concerned about.The Weight Of The Male Partner Can Have An Impact On The Couple's Capacity To Conceive
Being a healthy weight might boost the chances of becoming pregnant and having a healthy baby for both men and women. Men who are overweight or obese have lower sperm quality and are less fertile than men of normal weight. For women, being overweight or underweight can have an impact on hormone levels, the menstrual cycle, and egg quality.Healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and shedding even a little weight can improve male and female fertility.
A Woman's Caffeine Intake May Influence How Long It Takes To Become Pregnant
The evidence on this topic is not clear, although some studies have shown that women who use substantial levels of caffeine may take longer to conceive and are more likely to miscarry.Coffee, black and green tea, energy drinks, chocolate, and various soft drinks, such as cola, all contain caffeine in varying levels.
If a woman is pregnant or attempting to conceive, it is recommended that she limit her caffeine intake to 200mg per day (approximately two cups of coffee).
STIs (Sexually Transmissible Infections) Can Harm Reproductive Organs And Result In Infertility
If left untreated, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including chlamydia and gonorrhoea can lead to reproductive issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can induce fallopian tube blockage, resulting in infertility.If not treated, these STIs might harm male fertility. They can reduce sperm quality and damage the male tubes.
Furthermore, chlamydia and gonorrhoea frequently cause no symptoms or are misdiagnosed as something else, and people may be unaware they are sick and/or risk others.
The good news is that many STIs may be easily recognised and treated by your doctor, therefore it's critical to have regular STI testing and always practise safer sex.
Even If You've Already Had One Child, That Doesn't Mean You Can Have Another
If a woman has already had one or two children and wishes to have a second or third child, her age at the time determines the likelihood of this occurring.So, if a woman is 38 when she has her first child and then tries for a second child when she is 40, her monthly probability of becoming pregnant remains the same as that of a 40-year-old who has not yet had a child: only 5%.
Sperm Do Not Act Alone On Their Journey To The Egg
While sperm must be excellent swimmers to reach the egg's final destination, they are not functioning alone in their mission.In truth, the woman's muscles in her uterus (womb) spontaneously tense and relax to gently encourage the sperm along the fallopian tubes towards the egg, assisting it on much of its journey.
It's important to realise that getting pregnant can be difficult, regardless of how healthy or young you are. If you've been trying to conceive for 12 months or longer, or six months if you're a woman over the age of 35, it's time to consult with your doctor about your next steps.
FAQs on Surprising Facts About Trying to Get Pregnant
- How can I boost my chances of getting pregnant?
Having intercourse before ovulation is critical. Knowing when you ovulate and having intercourse consistently from three to four days before to one day after ovulation increases your chances of becoming pregnant. - What are the two facts concerning infertility?
Infertility affects both men and women equally. Twenty-five per cent of infertile couples have more than one cause of infertility. In over 40% of infertile couples, the male spouse is either the only or contributing cause of infertility.
