When infertile couples walk into a fertility clinic, they are full of hope and dreams of having a baby, and in most cases (with some luck sprinkled for good measure), those dreams will be fulfilled. But most of these couples are also just too eager to get on with the process which ends-up doing more harm than good.
Over the years, I have counselled and treated scores of infertile couples and many feel that they know what they are doing. They check “fertile” dates, surf the internet for fertility foods, and make lifestyle changes . Many will flaunt their knowledge and will leave no stone unturned in their attempt to make that much-wanted conception take place.
The Road Blocks
Unfortunately, there are a number of misconceptions around fertility which eventually leads to no conceptions. Let’s take a look at what these rumble strips are:
Ignoring the “Frisky” Factor- If you have a bosom buddy who also faced infertility, shone through it and had a baby, you must definitely be exchanging notes. You are sure to have heard how she eventually managed to have a baby only when she “stopped worrying about it”. As a matter of fact, there is an element of truth to this aspect. When you are stressed out about getting pregnant, your cortisol (stress hormone) levels rise and this affects ovulation and fertility. I consistently find myself telling my patients that they need to stop trying so hard and let their bodies take their course and get a little frisky while having intercourse ·
Not Doing it Right-
Once you have set your mind to it, do it right. When you know what your most fertile period is, have intercourse every other day. Don’t worry that "overdoing" it will end up depleting your partner’s sperm count - he cannot run out of sperm, so relax ! If you “underachieve”, you may just miss the crucial fertility window
Reaching for Fancy Products-
Many women feel that douching is a good thing, but when you are on a baby-making run, it’s a terrible idea to use douches as they alter the pH-level of your vagina and impair fertility. It’s the same with personal lubricants. Studies have proved that they lower sperm count and impact sperm motility too
The Blame Game
Whenever there is talk about infertility; the first thought that crops up in a couple’s mind is that the issue is with the woman’s condition; while the fact is that 40% of fertility cases are male-related. The point I’m trying to make here is that when it comes to diagnoses, it’s an even playing-field. Its best to scrap the blame game and focus how to make that baby ·
Math Confusion
Well, you don’t have to be an Albert Einstein to get the fertility dates right, but you will have to hone your math skills. You will find couples circling dates on calendars, pulling out calculators and counting on their fingers. And so, if you are confusing yourself silly with all the math, please use our free MyFertilityDiary app to make your life easier !
Is it all in the Planning?
The one thing that I would like to state here is that no matter how much you try and how well you time everything, you cannot really plan a pregnancy. All you can do is avoid the rumble strips on the path to fertility. Take your time, follow your doctor’s instructions, relax a bit after you have had intercourse, avoid alcohol and smoking and definitely stay away from drugs.
Every person’s body is different and will react differently and so, when you are following all the “fertility mantras” that your doctor has advised you about, enjoy sex, time it right and wait for lady luck to do the rest! For more information and guidance about how you can improve your fertility, contact me via this online form, so that I can guide you in a better way!
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