Mistakes of spouses who seek to conceive a child. Is it possible to get pregnant having gynecological and other diseases available? What can affect the possibility of getting pregnant?

13.07.2021 Recipes

What you need to know to conceive a healthy child.

Can't get pregnant? First you need to reconsider what needs to be changed in f NS znie? Let's talk about the most common reasons that prevent becoming parents:

1. Control your weight

Being overweight or underweight has a negative effect on the process of conception. A significant deviation from the normal weight in a woman causes ovulation disorders without which conception is not possible. Excess weight in men also has a negative effect on the conception of a child.

2. To give up smoking

Smoking decreases the certainty of conception. Nicotine disrupts spermatogenesis in a man, in a woman it interferes with the implantation of an egg. Keep in mind: we are talking about both active and passive smoking.

3. Healthy eating

You need to eat right, Even give up all kinds of fast food. Review your diet. Eat less fried, fatty and starchy foods in the diet, as it reduces sperm activity, and excessive doses of caffeine impair the ability to conceive in women.

4. Regular sex

It might surprise you, but sex marathons in no way increase your chances of becoming a parent. Indeed, as a result of them, the male body is depleted and begins to produce weak spermatozoa, which are simply not capable of fertilization. But also long pauses are not needed, since you can skip the same days of ovulation in which there is a high probability of getting pregnant.

5. Watch the temperature

This only applies to men. The future dad should not get carried away with baths, saunas and hot baths, and also wear tight underwear so as not to cause overheating of the sperm.

6. Moderate exercise, especially abs

Usually, physical activity is necessary for the normal functioning of the body. And the expectant mother is nowhere without them. But don't go overboard with your workouts. When preparing for conception, do not fanatically pump up the abs. At the moment, you need to be careful with exercises for the abdominal muscles: their build-up can interfere with fertilization and even lead to an ectopic pregnancy.

7. Psychological reasons

It often happens that a couple is absolutely healthy, but cannot conceive a child. The cause of infertility can be psychological. The reason may be thoughts that are buried deep in the subconscious, when couples are afraid of responsibility after the birth of a child, they are afraid of cardinal changes in the rhythm of life. You need to forget about such thoughts and enjoy each other, and most importantly, love each other and you will definitely have a healthy and happy child.

Mistake # 1: Worrying too often

Most likely, you have at least one friend who, having become pregnant, said: "It happened exactly at the moment when I stopped thinking about it." It's annoying, frustrating and annoying, especially when all you want is to have a baby. And it seems that nothing will work - but your friend is telling the truth. Stress can be one of the main reasons why you can't get pregnant: high levels of the stress hormone cortisol can negatively affect fertility. A study by American scientists who followed 400 couples trying to get pregnant showed that women with high levels of alpha-amylase (stress score) were 29% less likely to get pregnant than women with normal scores. Experts say that constant stress reduces the production of hormones that are responsible for a stable cycle.

Relax and try to let go of the situation for a while. Learn to meditate, sign up for yoga. Some asanas promote blood flow to the pelvis, thus stimulating the production of the necessary hormones. And this has a beneficial effect on the ability to conceive. Stop planning your pregnancy so much and remind yourself every day that this is a miracle that actually happens very, very often.

Mistake # 2: Doing too much / too little

If you're going to do it, do it right! Many couples believe that if you "save" sperm and do not have sex for a week, then the chances of conception will increase significantly. This is wrong. After about a week of abstinence, sperm motility is markedly reduced. For a successful conception, doctors recommend having sex every day or every other day for a week before and including ovulation. More frequent sex can negatively affect the sperm's ability to fertilize, and if you do it less often, you can skip the conception window. So, if your sex life has not been as turbulent for a long time as it was at the beginning of a relationship, this is a good reason to diversify it. Plus, having sex regularly has been shown to help improve your cycle: your partner's body releases hormones that affect your reproductive system, so having sex regularly can help you produce more estrogen.

Mistake # 3: Using questionable techniques

It would seem that the 21st century is in the yard, but many women still continue to believe in the miraculous power of douching. It seems that everything is logical: with any infection, improper diet, the presence of bad habits, the environment in the vagina becomes acidic. Sperm in such an environment dies and cannot fertilize an egg, so many people use a weak solution of soda to make the environment alkaline and create favorable conditions for conception. But doctors are opposed to this method: soda kills not only harmful microorganisms, but also beneficial ones, thus disrupting the natural pH of the vagina. In addition, douching with soda can exacerbate inflammation and diseases such as erosion and damage to the cervix, which a woman often does not know about without visiting a gynecologist.

Mistake # 4: Blame Yourself

When we talk about infertility, we usually think that the problem is on the part of the woman. But in reality, the responsibility lies equally with both partners. Doctors say that in 40% of cases of infertility, the cause must be sought from the side of the man, in another 40% - from the side of the woman. The remaining 20% is compatibility, a combination of both partners. But don't panic ahead of time. Remember that it takes 6 months to a year for a healthy couple to conceive successfully.

Mistake # 5: Making a mistake in calculations

The most common mistake is incorrect determination of the day of ovulation. For most women, it occurs in the middle of the cycle, but this applies to women with a 28-32 day cycle. Ovulation usually occurs 14 days before your period starts. Therefore, if you have a 24-day cycle, then ovulation will occur on day 10. If your cycle is noticeably longer, say 42 days, then it can be assumed that you ovulate less often, not in every cycle. In this case, and also if you have an irregular cycle (in this case, ovulation can be either on day 6 or on day 21), or you do not remember when you last had your period, forget these rules. Here you can not do without an ovulation test, with which you can easily find out when you have a conception window.

Another common mistake is counting the beginning of the cycle not from the first day of menstruation. The first day of your period is when you bleed. Not the day before, not the day after. For a successful conception, it literally counts for hours, which is why it is so important to know the exact day of the beginning of the cycle.

Mistake # 6: Living on schedule

No matter how much you try, pregnancy cannot be planned. As mentioned above, it takes a healthy couple 6 months to a year to conceive. But many women need six months just to normalize their cycle after they stop taking contraceptives. Ovulation will not occur until the cycle is regular. Therefore, if after 6 months your cycle has not returned to normal or you are not sure if you are ovulating, it is worth visiting your doctor.

Mistake # 7: Hurry

No one knows why so many people are sarcastic about the statement that after intercourse, it is advisable to lie on your back with slightly raised buttocks for about 20 minutes. Doctors unanimously say that this method increases the possibility of conception by as much as 80%! Therefore, if you want to dance a victory dance after a successful, as it seems to you, conception, abstain - at least for 20 minutes.

Mistake # 8: Ignoring your "crazy" worries

Maybe you have always had an irregular cycle and are having difficulty conceiving because of this. Or perhaps you have diabetes and want to make sure everything is under control before getting pregnant. Consulting a specialist doesn't mean being paranoid! There are situations in which you should not ignore your concerns: here you think not only about yourself, but also about your future child. If you have any questions or concerns, it is better to immediately find a specialist who will explain everything and tell you about the pitfalls that may occur specifically on your way. Thus, when faced with difficulties trying to get pregnant, you will already be ready for them.

Mistake # 9: Not giving up bad habits

A lot has already been said on this topic, but it will still not be superfluous to repeat: it is necessary to give up bad habits at least a year before trying to get pregnant. Why do women continue to drink alcohol and smoke, knowing how detrimental it affects the ability to conceive? Doctors all over the world warn: the first trimester is the most important in the formation of a child's body. There is no amount of alcohol that is safe for him. But some expectant mothers, drinking alcohol in the early stages, do not yet know that they are pregnant. Therefore, if you do not use protection, with regard to alcohol and cigarettes, act as if you are already pregnant - simply do not use it, or at least minimize it.

Mistake # 10: Forgetting his health

What is harmful to your fertility can also harm your partner's ability to conceive. Cigarettes, alcohol, unbalanced diet - all this negatively affects the quality and quantity of sperm. Research has also shown that smoking and alcohol abuse can damage sperm at the chromosomal level. The sperm is completely renewed in 3 months, so your partner should give up bad habits at least for this time. Make sure he gets enough nutrients, selenium, vitamins E and C - these are especially beneficial for men.

As for the effect of temperatures on a man's ability to conceive, opinions differ. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine claims that it is not essential for the functioning of the male genital organs. Some doctors, however, recommend refraining from frequent hot baths, even if the man has no sperm quality issues.

There is research showing that the temperature of the scrotum rises when you hold the laptop on your lap for a long time. Another group has found that exposure to radiation from mobile phones can harm a man's fertility, especially if the phone is kept in his pants pocket. However, no studies have found a clear link between heat exposure and male fertility.

Have you lost a lot of weight and now your body mass index is less than 18?

With a lack of weight in the body, the ratio of sex hormones changes: the number of female hormones decreases, and the number of male ones increases. This can disrupt the normal functioning of the ovaries, namely the maturation and release of eggs.

To restore a full two-phase cycle, you need to gain weight. Eat high-calorie foods, but it shouldn't be junk food and chemically-packed convenience foods. The original Russian menu will suit you - porridge with butter, rich borscht, dumplings with sour cream, baked pies with all kinds of fillings.

Do you take echinacea for the prevention and treatment of viral infections throughout the cold season?

The juice of this plant is really useful. However, its excess affects the ability to conceive.

At the time of planning pregnancy, stop using echinacea and other immunostimulants. Their effect on growing eggs is not fully understood. Avoid drafts, hypothermia, and contact with sick people. When going to public places, lubricate your nose with Viferon or Infagel.

Are you taking ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs?

It turns out that these drugs can negatively affect fertility. Therefore, it is not recommended for women planning pregnancy.

Replace ibuprofen and tablets containing ibuprofen with other pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. Carefully read the instructions for the drugs you are taking during the planning period. If it is written that "the remedy is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women", it should not be taken even at the stage of conception.

Do you have a lot of herbs and spices in your diet, in particular parsley, bay leaves, cloves, oregano? Also, do you eat a lot of peas?

The listed products have a weak contraceptive effect, so those planning a pregnancy are contraindicated. Moreover, they are dangerous for pregnant women, as they can provoke premature contractions and miscarriage.

Exclude the listed foods from your menu. Be especially vigilant when eating in cafes and restaurants. Always be interested in the composition of the chosen dish and, if in the slightest doubt, look for a safe alternative.

Does your intimate hygiene go to the extreme: do you not just shower, but use vaginal sprays or antibacterial douching solutions every time?

As a result of such a craving for sterility, the acidity of the intimate zone changes. This can make it difficult for the sperm to survive. Instead of the "prescribed" 5-7 days of life inside the female body, they risk dying in minutes.

To maintain hygiene, it is sufficient to shower once a day. The internal genitals do not need to be washed. If you suspect you have an intimate infection, contact your gynecologist and get tested.

Are you allergic and take antihistamines?

To speed up conception, you will have to give up antiallergic pills. Moreover, their intake is prohibited during pregnancy. Better create a hypoallergenic atmosphere around you. Install air purifiers at home and in your car. Buy special bedding and an allergy-friendly vacuum cleaner. Wear clothes made from natural fabrics. Do not eat foods with an abundance of dyes and preservatives.

Do you use perfumed panty liners and tampons that occasionally irritate you?

As a result of such an allergic reaction in the intimate tract, the amount of the so-called cervical fluid decreases. And it is necessary for the normal movement of sperm to the egg.

The need for panty liners is largely ad-driven. This is not a basic necessity. Give up the "dailies" at least for the time of planning. Wear natural underwear and change it every one to two days.

Have you used long-term contraception for several years - injectables, subcutaneous implants and intrauterine devices?

The restoration of the ability to conceive can come only after a few months. And for some women, this process takes a year and a half.

If you want to speed up this process, see your fertility specialist. Perhaps he will select a drug for you to stimulate the "asleep" ovaries. You can independently use agents from the cytamine group and homeopathy, for example, ovariamine or ovarium-compositum.

Have you recently received antibiotic treatment?

This could provoke a violation of the intimate microflora, which prevents successful conception.

Wait one to two months and your condition will return to normal. Additionally, you can take drugs to restore immunity and beneficial microflora - both internally and locally. For example, vaginal suppositories and capsules ecofemin, acipol, acylact.

Are you experiencing severe stress or chronic nervous tension?

Stress inevitably affects the function of the pituitary gland, which produces hormones for egg growth. The more nervous you are, the less the ovaries receive the correct "commands".

Think about who and what is your source of stress, and try not to interact with them. Focus on positive people and positive emotions. Doctors have noticed that women who often laugh are more likely to get pregnant. So watch comedies more often and read jokes.

Are you often exposed to radiation, magnetic, microwave radiation, come into contact with toxic substances, work in conditions of high air temperature and vibration?

All this can negatively affect reproductive function. Cause the death of eggs and even gene disruption.

Remember: young women who do not yet have children, and all those planning to become a mother again categorically cannot work with "occupational hazards." Change your job and wait at least six months. Give your body time to cleanse.

Do you smoke or have to passively inhale smoke at home or work?

Smoking makes it difficult to fertilize and implant eggs. In addition, nicotine can damage their quality, increasing the risk of having a sick baby.

Find a way to quit smoking that's right for you. For the duration of the struggle, it is better to suspend attempts to conceive a child. But don't waste your time. Get screened for hidden infections. Get the necessary vaccinations. Start taking a prenatal multivitamin.

Not sure if you're planning your intimacy days correctly?

Even a completely healthy woman is able to become pregnant only at a certain time of the cycle - on the day of the rupture of a mature follicle, which is called ovulation, and two to three days before its onset.

There are three main ways to determine when ovulation is occurring. This is the compilation of a personal basal temperature chart. Using pharmacy ovulation tests. And tracking the growth of the follicle using ultrasound.

The first two methods are available to every woman and do not require a visit to a doctor. And ultrasound monitoring of follicles is now done not only in specialized clinics, but also in large laboratories, for example, "Invitro" or "Gemotest".

Are you drinking a little liquid - just a liter a day?

In this case, you have too little cervical fluid, which is needed to move male cells to female cells.

You should drink at least one and a half to two liters of liquid per day. It can be plain water, juices, fruit drinks, compotes, jelly, soups, milkshakes, kefir and drinking yoghurts.

In order for a little man to be born, two cells must meet: a male - a sperm cell and a female - an egg cell. And for this meeting to take place, a lot of events must happen in the body of the future mom and dad, coinciding in time. The timing of pregnancy largely depends on their synchronicity.

Favorable moment for conceiving a child

Every month, a follicle, which contains an egg, matures in a woman's ovary. Under the influence of female hormones, it develops and bursts in the middle of the menstrual cycle, releasing the egg. This process is called ovulation. Coming out of the ovary, the egg is "captured" by the fallopian tube and, thanks to its contractions, moves towards the uterus. It retains its ability to fertilize for an average of 24 hours. For fertilization, the most favorable moment is when ovulation is about to begin - then the sperm will have enough time to get to the fallopian tubes, where they will meet with the female reproductive cell. With regular sex life and a normal menstrual cycle, there is no need to specifically calculate this moment.

However, there are times when calculating the exact date of ovulation helps to quickly achieve the desired result. The easiest and most accurate method is to use special ovulation test strips. In addition, the release of the egg can be found out by ultrasound, changes in basal body temperature, using a special device for the pattern of saliva crystallization, by the calendar method.

Ovulation disorders and what is wartime infertility?

Ovulation disorders can be observed for a variety of reasons: for example, in diseases of the pituitary gland (with an excess of prolactin - a hormone that stimulates lactation), the thyroid gland (with a decrease in its function), ovaries (cysts, polycystic, inflammation), adrenal glands (with an excess of male sex hormones ).

Overweight, underweight, and rapid weight loss can also be the cause. Excessive physical activity temporarily blocks this process. And stress negatively affects the ability to conceive. Its effect on reproductive function was first described as “wartime sterility”. Such a psychological effect is associated with the fact that in critical situations the instinct of self-preservation turns out to be much stronger than the instinct of procreation. An organism that is struggling to survive blocks all secondary functions, including reproduction. Is this why our grandmothers advised women who want a child to lead a calm lifestyle, play with children more often, sew beautiful children's things, read children's books? All this "tunes" the body to conception.

Sperm: What Causes Male Infertility?

Spermatozoa are formed in the paired male gonads - the testes. The cycle of their formation is 70–75 days. During sexual intercourse, 3-5 ml of sperm enters the woman's vagina, which contains 300-500 million sperm. Before reaching the egg, the sperm have to cross the uterine cavity and enter the fallopian tube, while not all participants in the race reach the goal. They cover this path in 2–2.5 hours, and retain their fertilizing ability in the fallopian tube, according to various sources, from 2 to 7 days. In order for fertilization to take place, the sperm must overcome the barrier of the cells of the radiant crown (follicular cells surrounding the egg) and the shell of the egg. For this, the "strength" of one sperm is not enough, an "attack" from 100 to 400 thousand of its fellows is necessary, although only one of them will penetrate into the egg! A sufficient number of motile sperm in the ejaculate and their ability to fertilize an egg is the key to a quick pregnancy.

Of course, the likelihood of conception depends on the quality of the sperm. But the connection between potency and infertility is a myth. In reality, a man with a very weak potency can have good sperm for conception, and a "sexual giant" - suffer from infertility. The fact is that sperm cells appear in the male body during puberty, when the immune system is already formed. In some men, sperm is perceived by her as foreign to her own body, which leads to the formation of antisperm antibodies that impair the quality of the semen. The most common causes of such resistance are the following diseases: testicular injury, cryptorchidism, varicocele (enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord), obstruction of the vas deferens, chronic infection of the genitourinary system, and sexually transmitted diseases.

If a man is healthy, then the main guarantee of sperm quality is his Lifestyle... So, low physical activity, sedentary work, being overweight and smoking can lead to stagnation of blood in the pelvic organs and inflammation. Spermatogenesis, like the female menstrual cycle, is regulated by the body's hormonal system. Therefore, if a man takes anabolic steroids, then the natural balance of hormones in the body is disrupted, which can lead to.

There is one more factor, characteristic only for men, that affects reproduction. This is overheating... The number of sperm produced in the testes increases at temperatures that are slightly below the general body temperature. It is not for nothing that northern peoples often used the bath as a method of contraception. For the same reason, a man who wants to become a father should not go to the sauna often, wear tight synthetic underwear and tight trousers, as this can increase the temperature of the testicles. Any feverish conditions also lead to a deterioration in the quality of sperm. Moreover, the fertilizing ability can be reduced within 3 months after the temperature rises, since this is how much maturation of each sperm in the testicles lasts.

Another common and quite dangerous risk factor for the development of infertility in men is chronic stress... From a biological point of view, offspring should be born in the most favorable environmental conditions. Such regulation is provided by the close relationship of the reproductive and all other systems of the body, primarily the nervous one.

Where and how does fertilization take place?

Fertility depends on the health status of the partners. Before the male reproductive cell meets the female in the fallopian tube, it takes 3 to 6 hours. During the first 12 hours after fertilization, the genetic material is combined to form a zygote (unicellular embryo), which will remain in the fallopian tube for another 7 days and only then will descend into the uterus, where it will begin to "look after" the site for attachment. Therefore, the condition of the fallopian tubes often becomes a factor determining conception, because it is here that the meeting and the first days of a new life take place. The tubal factor is one of the main causes of female infertility. Obstruction of the tubes most often occurs after acute or chronic inflammation of the genitals and leads to the impossibility of meeting the egg and sperm. But, fortunately, such infertility is reversible. It can be cured with plastic reconstructive surgery on the fallopian tubes or overcome with assisted reproductive technologies (IVF).

Choosing a posture for fertilization

Another important point for the "meeting" of the sperm and the egg is the posture during intercourse. Note that a correctly chosen position can increase the likelihood of conception, since it depends on which part of the vagina the sperm enters. In some positions (for example, a woman on top or a standing position), some of the sperm will simply be lost. The position of "man on top" or "man behind" will be optimal. It is better if the woman lies on her back with raised legs for 20-30 minutes after intercourse.

Do you need to have sex more often to get pregnant?

Many couples believe that the more often they are, the sooner the pregnancy will come. But this is not entirely true. So, the likelihood of conception during repeated intercourse is reduced due to the fact that the second portion of sperm contains fewer full-fledged sperm, and the excess volume leads to its leakage from the vagina. When intimate relationships happen at long intervals, that's also bad. It is not so much the number of spermatozoa that decreases, but their mobility - they no longer rush to the goal so quickly. Optimal for the full maturation of spermatozoa is the rhythm of sexual activity every other day (3 times a week) during the period of probable ovulation with the desired abstinence 4-5 days the day before.

Contraception and conception

The best method of contraception at the planning stage of pregnancy is a barrier method, it does not affect the ability to conceive in any way. Other contraceptive methods for some time after their cancellation can make fertilization difficult. In particular, the use of intrauterine devices can negatively affect the function of the fallopian tubes and uterus. After removing the coil, it is recommended to refrain from conceiving for 2-3 cycles to restore their work and reduce the risk of spontaneous miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. In the first months after the cancellation of any hormonal contraceptives, a situation may arise when an immature egg that is not capable of conceiving comes out of the ovary, or, conversely, the egg matures, but never leaves the ovary. Therefore, it is recommended to stop using them also 2-3 months before the planned conception.

Is the balance normal?

The normal environment in the vagina, uterine cavity and fallopian tubes provides active movement of sperm. Do not use vaginal lubricants if you are trying to get pregnant. Lubricants sometimes contain substances that alter the acid-base environment of the vagina and destroy sperm. Any infection in a woman's genital tract, as well as the use of various vaginal drugs, antibacterial and aromatized hygiene products, douching also disrupts the acid-base balance in the vagina, which reduces the chances of pregnancy.

Health

One of the biggest ironies in our lives is that we spend years trying to prevent pregnancy, and then when we are ready, we can no longer. For those who are planning to conceive a child or are already trying, it is worth knowing about those factors that can interfere with this natural process. Here are the most common things that affect our fertility:

Who does it affect: for men

The enzymes that are needed for sperm production are very sensitive to high temperatures. Men who frequent saunas or hot tubs, wear tight underwear, or sit or stand in front of a hot stove all day can inadvertently expose their testicles to heat, resulting in disrupted sperm production. The reason the testes are outward is that they maintain a lower temperature than body temperature, which is necessary for sperm to form.

What can be done?

Avoid overheating your reproductive organs by limiting your use of saunas and hot tubs, and keeping your laptop on your lap. If your job requires prolonged sitting, get up and move more often, and do not sit cross-legged. Wear loose underwear and clothing.

Who does it affect: for women and men

If both of you are busy building a career, it can be difficult to carve out time for two at the right time of the month.

What can be done?

Monitor your basal body temperature or use special tests that predict the onset of ovulation to know when your fertile period is coming. Try to have sex at least one day before ovulation. Once ovulation occurs, it is too late.

Who does it affect: for women and men

There are several common medications that affect fertility. Men who take medications containing cimetidine or heart medicine with digitalis have a low sperm count. Some medications used for high blood pressure can affect ejaculation, sperm motility, and their ability to travel to the egg, and antibiotics for urinary tract infections can suppress sperm production. Women using decongestants can inadvertently dry out mucus secreted by the cervix, which is important for fertility, although this rarely causes infertility.

What can be done?

Talk to your doctor about any medications you and your partner are taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Alternative medicine may be preventing you from getting pregnant. You may also need to temporarily stop taking any medications.

Who does it affect: for women and men

The egg and sperm need a relatively clear path to meet. If a woman has uterine fibroids or polyps, endometriosis or scars on the reproductive organs, and a man has such a congenital anomaly as the absence of the vas deferens, then this makes it difficult for the egg and sperm to meet.

What can be done?

If you fall into this category, then most likely you have already sought help from a specialist. But if you tried to conceive a child and did not succeed, you may not be aware of your condition, since there are no symptoms with these disorders. It is worth consulting with your doctor to identify the problem.

Who does it affect: for women and men

Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in men between the ages of 15 and 45. While cancer itself does not lead to infertility, cancer treatment can. Cancer treatments such as lymphoma and leukemia can cause temporary infertility.

Women who are treated for cancer with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy may experience early menopause, which prevents pregnancy.

What can be done?

If you are facing cancer treatment, talk with your doctor about freezing sperm, eggs, or ovarian tissue that can be used for future conception.

Who does it affect: for men

Varicocele is a varicose vein of the spermatic cord. Dilated veins cause blood to accumulate, which increases the temperature in the scrotum, which affects sperm production. This is the most common cause of male infertility. About 15 percent of men have this disorder and most are unaware of it.

What can be done?

Varicocele is corrected with a minor surgical procedure, during which the surgeon pinches the varicose veins.

Who does it affect: for women

The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. At the same time, it is worth noting that a cycle of 23 to 35 days is considered normal. Ovulation, during which the egg moves from the fallopian tube to the uterus, occurs about 14 days before the first day of your next period. But there are a number of diseases that cause irregular ovulation, such as polycystic ovary disease, hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid function) or hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid function), hormonal imbalances (for example, having too many male hormones), under or overweight, stress , diet, perimenopause and others.

What can be done?

Monitor your basal body temperature so you know when you ovulate and when is the best time to have sex. You can purchase tests that predict ovulation. Most of them analyze the surge of luteinizing hormone in the urine, which indicates the upcoming ovulation. Of course, if you have any of the above conditions, then you should see your doctor, as there are several treatments available to help stimulate ovulation.

Who does it affect: for women and men

Alcohol is a "gonadotoxin" which means it is a "poison" to the testicles that affects sperm production. Men should limit their alcohol consumption to two drinks per week. Women who want to get pregnant should also abstain from alcohol and give up alcohol altogether as soon as they find out that they are pregnant.

Both marijuana and cigarettes lead to sperm abnormalities. Women who smoke tend to deplete their egg stores more quickly than non-smokers, and smoking also affects estrogen production. Estrogen plays an important role in the production of cervical mucus, which helps the sperm move towards the egg. Nicotine in a woman's cervical mucus kills sperm, decreasing the chances of conception.

What can be done?

If you smoke or use drugs, it’s time to stop. Limit alcohol consumption to rare, or rather stop altogether.

Who does it affect: for women and men

Women who are underweight and overweight may suffer from hormonal imbalances. Underweight men may have lower testosterone levels, and both underweight and overweight have been associated with lower sperm count and concentration.

What can be done?

If your weight is abnormal, make adjustments to bring it back to a healthy weight. Exercise in moderation and make sure your diet is complete.

Who does it affect: for women and men

In men, stress affects fertility by decreasing sperm volume and increasing abnormal sperm count. Women suffering from chronic stress produce less gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which leads to a number of hormonal changes associated with ovulation.

What can be done?

Learn to manage stress through exercise and meditation. Set aside at least 15 minutes a day for yourself to relax and get all the problems out of your head.

Who does it affect: for women and men

If left untreated, infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can scar the fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries, preventing sperm from reaching the egg or preventing a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. Tubal scarring can also lead to an ectopic pregnancy. In men, scarring in the ducts of the epididymis and the vas deferens can block the path of sperm to the egg and prevent fertilization.

What can be done?

If any of you have a sexually transmitted infection, tell your doctor. In many cases, scar tissue can be surgically removed, resulting in the desired pregnancy.

Who does it affect: for women and men

By the time a woman reaches 35, she has lost many viable eggs through menstruation and natural exhaustion. The optimal age for conceiving a child, at least in terms of biology, is between 20 and 30 years of age. And although men can technically become fathers in old age, the risk of conceiving a child with chromosomal abnormalities, especially Down syndrome, increases after age 35, as well as in women.

What can be done?

If you are under 35, most doctors will not refer you to a fertility specialist until you have tried to conceive for at least a year. If you are over 35, you should consult with a specialist as early as possible. The sooner you seek help, the higher your chances of conceiving.