When a couple decides to have children after careful thought and planning, they wait for pregnancy to occur as soon as possible and during the next ovulation days. They begin to wonder if time passes and pregnancy does not occur. It is normal for it to take some time and several attempts each month during the ovulation days until pregnancy occurs. There is no need to worry if it does not occur from the first cycle, but there are some steps that can be used to increase the chances of pregnancy.
Choosing the right time
Not every time intercourse occurs can lead to pregnancy. This is a common but incorrect notion, because every woman has a 28-day menstrual cycle. Pregnancy only occurs during the ovulation days of each cycle, which are the days before and after ovulation. As mentioned, ovulation occurs on day 14, when the egg is ready and mature. Therefore, to have a chance of pregnancy, intercourse should take place a few days before, during, and after ovulation. Start having intercourse about 5 days before ovulation so that the sperm can settle inside the uterus, and have intercourse on the day of ovulation and then on days 16 and 17. These seven days are the optimal time when the chances of pregnancy are high.
Steps that can help you determine your fertile periods (the best time for intercourse)
- Monitor your ovulation symptoms so you can know the right time and that your fertile period has begun.
- Ovulation patches from the pharmacy can be used to help you know when you are ovulating by following the instructions on the products and how to use them. They give indications of when ovulation has started.
- It is preferable to use an application that helps you know when you are approaching ovulation time so that it makes calculations and guesses easier for you. You can do this through the Tahara application. Record your menstrual cycle and the date of your last period and the period before it so that the period between the two periods can be calculated, and thus it tells you about the periods you go through during your menstrual cycle, including the fertile period.
- Monitoring cervical mucus is important and a good indicator of when ovulation is approaching. When ovulation is approaching, the cervix changes and becomes thin, transparent, and slippery, meaning you feel that there is a natural lubricant that facilitates intercourse without the use of any lubricant, due to the rise in estrogen levels. When ovulation occurs on day 14, cervical mucus becomes thick and sticky, making it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus due to the mucus's viscosity, or not as easily as before ovulation. Therefore, having intercourse before ovulation is the best time.
- Sometimes the doctor prefers to monitor ovulation via ultrasound to tell you that ovulation is occurring properly and to give you the necessary advice and instructions. Therefore, when you make the decision to have children, it is good to inform the doctor and follow up with him to get the best results.
Other factors that can help you
Is sleeping in a certain position or taking a certain position during intercourse beneficial? In fact, there are no specific positions for intercourse that contribute to getting pregnant faster. This myth, which has been widespread for many years, has no scientific basis. What is beneficial is to ensure that the penis enters the vagina thoroughly and deeply, thus ensuring that the sperm reach close to the cervix.
Some steps help sperm on their journey to fertilize the egg, but these steps are useful after intercourse has taken place. These steps do not guarantee the likelihood of pregnancy, but they may help sperm to settle more inside the uterus.
- It is okay to continue sleeping on your back for 10-15 minutes after intercourse.
- You can place a pillow under your thighs to help support your pelvis and assist sperm to reach and settle more easily inside the uterus.
- If you feel fluid coming out of you after intercourse, don't worry, this is just the liquid part of the sperm. The healthy sperm know their way well and indeed head and settle inside the uterus within 10-15 minutes of intercourse.
- It is also preferable to urinate and empty your bladder well after intercourse in order to get rid of any surrounding bacteria that could cause a urinary tract infection.
- It is not necessary to have sex every day during ovulation. Sperm live inside the uterus for 5 days, so you do not need to have intercourse frequently every day for pregnancy to occur, but at least three times during this period so that there is enough sperm.
- Avoid using intimate wash immediately after intercourse and washing the vagina deeply because you need to preserve the sperm, not expel it.
- Also avoid strenuous physical activity or intense exercise after intercourse, as this will make you feel anxious and uncomfortable. There is no strong scientific evidence that prevents you from exercising after intercourse, but many specialists have indicated that it is best to avoid it.
intimate lubricants
The most important thing that I should think about is the type of intimate lubricant used during intercourse, as it has a significant impact on ensuring that sperm reach the uterus. Some lubricants can hinder sperm movement and survival.
Avoid
Lubricants purchased from the store or from unreliable sources negatively affect sperm quality and its ability to move upwards towards the cervix.
Avoid using saliva, coconut oil, or olive oil.
Use
- Intimate lubricants containing hydroxyethylcellulose, a substance very similar to vaginal mucus, help sperm reach the uterus.
- Canola oil.
- Mineral oil.
Consult your doctor to find out which type is right for you.
A healthy body equals a healthy pregnancy
When planning for pregnancy, you can follow several important steps mentioned here. In addition, your doctor will advise you on some lifestyle changes.
- Trying to reach a healthy weight and follow a healthy, balanced diet that includes many nutrients.
- Exercise as much as possible to improve your body's performance.
- Alcohol and smoking should be prohibited due to their negative effects on fertility in both women and men.
- Try to reduce the amount of caffeine you consume during your day. 200 ml of caffeine per day is sufficient.
- Consult your doctor to prescribe the necessary vitamins and nutritional supplements to support your body before pregnancy.