Understanding fertility can be complicated and frustrating if you’re trying to get pregnant, but can’t. The more you know about fertility and how your ovulation cycles and lifestyle choices play into it, however, the better your odds of conceiving are. There are also many fertility treatments that can help you get pregnant. Read this article to learn about fertility, how it works, and some fertility treatment options and how much they cost and how effective they are.
Fertility and reproduction are fundamentals of life. But what does fertility mean? Fertility in is the ability to conceive and give birth to a baby. Fertility involves the female reproductive system: fallopian tubes, the uterus, vagina, cervix and ovaries.
Every body is different so chances of getting pregnant on the first try vary from person to person. Generally, it’s pretty difficult, however. A 2003 study by the Human Reproduction journal, showed 38 percent of 346 women surveyed got pregnant after one month. According to the study, most couples conceive “within six cycles with timed intercourse.”
Your period can say a lot about your fertility. The fertility window — the time you’re most likely to conceive — is during the last five days of the follicular phase of your period and during ovulation. Someone who consistently has irregular cycles, however, may have an abnormal ovulation. This can affect their ability to conceive naturally.
- Stay healthy. Have a healthy lifestyle — no excessive drinking, smoking, or caffeine — and maintain a healthy weight.
- Know your cycles. Track your basal body temperature and cervical fluid to have intercourse at optimal times. You can try an ovulation predictor kit.
- Stay in bed for 10 to 15 minutes after intercourse. No need to lay on your back and put your legs up, but it’s advised to stay put for 10 to 15 minutes and to not go to the bathroom.
- Consult a fertility specialist. After six months of trying, consider visiting a fertility specialist to explore other options to help you get pregnant.
- Stay healthy. Have a healthy lifestyle — no excessive drinking, smoking, or caffeine — and maintain a healthy weight.
- Know your cycles. Track your basal body temperature and cervical fluid to have intercourse at optimal times. You can try an ovulation predictor kit.
- Try supplements. Certain supplements are intended to make your eggs healthier.
- Consult a fertility specialist. After six months of trying, consider visiting a fertility specialist to explore other options to help you get pregnant.
If you’re having difficulty getting pregnant, you might look into fertility treatment options. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) includes various methods to help conception.
- In vitro fertilization
- Intrauterine insemination
- Cryopreservation
- Medication to aid ovulation and hormones
You may try one or a combination of these methods to get pregnant. Talk to a reproductive endocrinologist to see what’s best for you.
The cost of a fertility test varies depending on the test, your insurance, and where you live. Here are some cost ranges for common fertility tests if you have a high deductible or no health insurance:
Health insurance often covers these tests. Ask your doctor for pricing as it can vary greatly, and your doctor may recommend a combination of tests as there is no one best way to test for infertility.
Having trouble getting pregnant (when you want to be pregnant) can be one of the most frustrating things. Having all the information you need about fertility — how it works, your treatment options, and what lifestyle choices you can make to boost fertility — is the best way to start your fertility options. Just remember that if you are having trouble conceiving, you are not alone.
Louise Bourchier, MPH
Louise Bourchier is a sex educator and sex researcher with 8 years experience in the field. She teaches about sexual health, sexual pleasure, and communication in relationships through workshops, live-streams, and with written content. Using a sex-positive approach, a dash of humour, and bag full of fun props, Louise’s style of sex education for adults is not what you got in high school! Since 2011 she has taught over a hundred workshops to a wide range of audiences, from university students, to refugees, to medical professionals, to adult store clientele. She has a Masters of Public Health, and is currently a PhD candidate.
