Can I do anything to avoid becoming infertile?
Many factors can affect the fertility of men and women; for example, some sexually transmitted diseases can lead to infertility if left un-treated. Some prescribed drugs can affect ovulation in women, and sperm production and erections in men. Anyone taking prescription medicines should consult their doctor before attempting to conceive.
What you eat can also affect your fertility; both men and women should stick to a balanced diet, to improve their chances of conceiving. Some general lifestyle issues can also affect levels of fertility.
Visit the sections to read in more detail how men and women might be able to improve their fertility and increase their chances of conception.
When is the best time to have intercourse?
Sperm can live in the woman's body for two or three days, but the egg will only survive for a maximum of 24 hours. For the best chance of conception, a couple should ideally have intercourse a day or two before the time that the woman ovulates to ensure that the sperm is already in the fallopian tube when the egg is released.
The best time of day for conception to occur is first thing in the morning as male hormones peak and a man's sperm count is highest at this time.
How do I know when I'm ovulating?
It isn't easy to predict ovulation on your own and research has shown that the time of ovulation can vary even if menstrual cycles are regular. Very few women can actually tell when they are ovulating, but some subtle signs could include tenderness of the breasts, slight discomfort in the middle abdomen or a change in vaginal discharge which might increase in quantity and become similar to egg whites in texture. Your basal body temperature may also increase slightly.
Fertility Check.com can help women test their fertility by providing ovulation predictors. These tests will help women find out when ovulation should begin (when she will be most fertile). The ovulation process is triggered by the release of a hormone from the brain called Luteinising Hormone (LH). OvuQuick One-Step Ovulation Predictor kits offer a cost-effective, fast, easy test which detects the LH surge. Once the LH surge occurs, ovulation will usually follow in the next 24 - 40 hours.
What if my periods are irregular?
If your periods are irregular, then it might be more difficult to predict ovulation, but not impossible, if you have intercourse two or three times a week you should be having sex at the right time.
