Getting Pregnant
Many people have questions about getting pregnant, such as when is the best time to conceive, how to track ovulation, and what factors affect fertility. Here are some answers to the most common questions about getting pregnant.Ovulation Calculator
An ovulation calculator is a tool that can help you estimate when you are most likely to ovulate, or release an egg from your ovaries. Ovulation is the key to getting pregnant, as it is the only time when you can conceive.
Results are based on the information you have provided and data from the publication below: Sarah Johnson, Lorrae Marriott & Michael Zinaman (2018): “Can apps and calendar methods predict ovulation with accuracy?”, Current Medical Research and Opinion, DOI:10.1080/03007995.2018.1475348
You can use an ovulation calculator as a guide, but keep in mind that it is not 100% accurate. There are many factors that can affect your ovulation, such as stress, illness, medication, or lifestyle changes.
Get Pregnant
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Frequently Asked Questions
What factors affect fertility?
Fertility is influenced by many factors, such as age, lifestyle, health conditions, genetics, and environmental exposures. Age is one of the most important factors, as fertility declines with age for both men and women. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, which decrease in quantity and quality over time. Men also experience a decline in sperm count, motility, and morphology as they age. Lifestyle factors that can affect fertility include smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, diet, exercise, stress, weight, and sleep. These factors can affect hormone levels, ovulation, sperm production, implantation, and pregnancy outcomes. Health conditions that can affect fertility include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), thyroid disorders, diabetes, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and male factor infertility (such as low sperm count or blockage of sperm ducts). Some of these conditions can be treated with medication or surgery to improve fertility. Genetics can also play a role in fertility, as some people may inherit chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders that affect their reproductive function or increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects. Environmental exposures to chemicals, radiation, heat, or infections can also affect fertility by damaging the eggs or sperm or interfering with hormone function.
How long does it take to get pregnant?
It depends on many factors, such as your age, health, lifestyle, and how often you have sex. On average, about 80% of couples get pregnant within a year of trying, and about 90% within 2 years. If you are under 35 and have been trying for more than a year, or over 35 and have been trying for more than 6 months, you may want to see a doctor for a fertility evaluation.
When is the best time to conceive?
The best time to conceive is during the fertile window, which is the six-day period that ends on the day of ovulation. Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary and travels to the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by a sperm. The fertile window varies from person to person, depending on their menstrual cycle length and regularity. Generally, ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of the next period, but this can vary by a few days. To increase the chances of getting pregnant, it is recommended to have sex every other day during the fertile window.
How to track ovulation?
There are several methods to track ovulation, such as using an ovulation predictor kit (OPK), measuring basal body temperature (BBT), checking cervical mucus, or using a fertility app. An OPK is a urine test that detects a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), which happens about 24 to 36 hours before ovulation. A positive OPK indicates that ovulation is likely to occur soon and that it is a good time to have sex. BBT is the lowest body temperature in a 24-hour period, which usually rises slightly after ovulation. By measuring BBT every morning and recording it on a chart or an app, one can identify a pattern of ovulation over time. Cervical mucus is the fluid secreted by the cervix, which changes in consistency and color throughout the menstrual cycle. Around ovulation, cervical mucus becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy, resembling raw egg white. This type of mucus helps sperm swim and survive in the reproductive tract. A fertility app is a tool that uses algorithms and data to predict ovulation and fertility based on various inputs, such as period dates, BBT, OPK results, cervical mucus, and other symptoms.
How can I increase my chances of getting pregnant?
The best way to increase your chances of getting pregnant is to have regular sex (every 2 or 3 days) around the time of ovulation. Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary, usually around the middle of your menstrual cycle. You can use an ovulation predictor kit, a basal body temperature chart, or track your cervical mucus changes to estimate when you are ovulating. You are most fertile in the 2 or 3 days before and on the day of ovulation.
