A Systematic Fertility Guide for Young Couples

The chances of conceiving for a young couple during a single fertile period of the woman’s cycle is around 15%. Around 70-80% of couples conceive within the first year of their planning. But the rest who fail to conceive during this first year, require assistance and good guidance. Today, the global infertility rate is increasing, so are genetic and lifestyle diseases and the changes in the environment. Just like you do a thorough and comprehensive research prior to planning your education or career, or selecting a partner or buying a house, you need to understand and be aware of your own fertility status and that of your partner’s. This knowledge will help you conceive easily, and will help you plan it according to your desire.

Following Are a Few Steps for Enhancing Fertility

• The first step is to understand the fertile period of your partner. Commonly, the fertile period for a female starts about 4 days prior to ovulation and ends on the day of ovulation. Which means, a girl with a regular cycle of 28 days is fertile between day 10 up to day 16 of her cycle. This is not applicable if the cycles are irregular.
• Follow a healthy, high-protein and nutritious diet at least six months before planning the pregnancy. Avoid fast food, artificial colours, genital surgeries, tuberculosis preservatives, taste makers, canned foods, caffeinated drinks, alcohol and smoking.
• Be physically active. Start any exercise regimen such as yoga, workouts, swimming or games like badminton. Remember to get adequate sunlight exposure.
• Have a harmonious relationship with your partner and try to plan short holidays during the fertile period. This will help you to be away from the usual ‘same-old setting’ and away from work-related stress, to enjoy new places and relaxed atmosphere.
• Avoid night shifts as they affect the hormone release patterns.
• Keep an open mind about your sexual needs and likings. There are many factors which can affect your sexual life like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, decreased libido or vaginismus and painful intercourse. Performance anxiety can be an important factor which is often mistaken for many such sexual dysfunctions. All of these need to be addressed early on in your marital life. Don’t let simple things to keep you away from having a fruitful sexual life.

When to Consult a Fertility Specialist?

• If a sexually active couple fail to conceive within twelve months of trying regularly during the fertile days.
• If the female partner’s age is above thirty years, consult within six months of failed trying.

Pre-conceptional evaluation is required if:

• There is history of genetic problems within the family.
• There are irregularities in menstrual cycle, painful periods, and painful intercourse.
• The female partner has history of tuberculosis, pelvic surgeries, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy or abortion.
• The male partner has history of childhood genitals surgeries, tuberculosis and mumps.
• The female partner is on chronic medications for thyroid, hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, or psychiatric illness etc.