If you and your partner have been having unprotected sexual intercourse for over a year and are still not able to conceive a baby, chances are that either one of you has a problem relating to fertility. There may be several causes behind this problem. In men, a low sperm count is one of the primary reasons for infertility. In women, a blockage in the fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids or cysts in the ovaries could be the cause of infertility. Also, as a woman enters her 30s, her reproductive system starts showing signs of ageing and produces lesser hormones and eggs, this could cause difficulty in conceiving. There are several sophisticated medical procedures for helping infertile couples conceive, such as artificial insemination, invitrio fertilization and test tube babies. Though the exact nature of the problem and the best way of dealing with it can be determined only by a doctor, there are a few basic rules that you should follow to increase your chances of conceiving naturally.
Make sure you have sex while you are ovulating during the menstrual cycle. Using an ovulation predictor test kit to determine exactly when you start ovulating is a good idea. Generally, ovulation begins around the 14th day of the menstrual cycle and the female egg survives only for 24 hours. The male sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days. Thus, it is advisable to start having sex 2 or 3 days prior to ovulation. It is also believed that placing a pillow under the hips after having sex allows the sperm to travel down the reproductive tract faster and improves the chances of fertilization. You should also try to enjoy sex instead of worrying about getting pregnant while you are at it. Stress and anxiety makes the vaginal tract dry and contracts the vaginal muscles, making it difficult for the sperm to travel up the reproductive tract. Relaxing the mind and the body during intercourse has a positive impact on the chances of fertilization. In addition, quit smoking and drinking in order to increase chances of conceiving. It is also useful to opt for natural, organic food instead of processed or packaged, ready-to-eat foodstuff, as the latter can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body and may be responsible for difficulty in conceiving. Also, maintain an optimum body weight and eat a healthy diet rich in minerals like zinc and iron.