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Trying to Get Pregnant? Fertility Tips and Tests for Conceiving a Baby

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You’re trying to get pregnant, disappointed every month, and feeling powerless. These fertility tips and tests for conceiving a baby will give you somewhere to start. About 33% of couples have unexplained infertility, say the fertility experts at the Mayo Clinic. About 10% to 15% of infertile couples are diagnosed as having unexplained infertility, say the experts at MedicineNet.com. The difference in these sets of fertility statistics may relate to how the numbers are compiled, and the definition of “infertile couple.”

But if you’re trying to get pregnant and can’t, then it really doesn’t matter what the fertility statistics are, or even if only 1% of infertile couples can’t get pregnant! What matters is that you can’t conceive a baby…and that can be heartbreaking.

Don’t give up hope yet — learn as much as you can about getting pregnant. And, remember that knowing when you ovulate — when the most fertile time of the month is for you — is one of the best ways to get pregnant. If you haven’t tried the Clearblue Advanced Pregnancy Test With Weeks Estimator, then try some this month. You need to make sure the sperms are meeting the eggs at the exact right time. And, learn as much as you can about getting pregnant without fertility drugs.

Trying to Get Pregnant? Fertility Tips

Talk to your family doctor, ob-gyn, or a naturopath. If you can’t get pregnant after a year of trying, the first step is to talk to a medical health professional. You need to figure out if there is a health issue that is preventing pregnancy. Both partners — both men and women — need to take fertility or other health tests to determine if something is preventing conception. Remember that both men and women are equally responsible for providing the healthy sperm and eggs necessary for conceiving a baby. It takes two to tango!

Ask your doctor about the four basic fertility tests. A semen analysis or sperm test, an ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries  to rule out severe endometriosis, an HSG (X-ray to evaluate the fallopian tubes and the uterine cavity), and documentation of ovulation are the basic tests. If there’s a health issue preventing you from getting pregnant, it must be identified before it can be treated.

Male and Female Fertility Tests

Fertility Tests for Men

  • General physical examination. This includes a examination of your “man stuff.” You’ll answer questions about your medical history, illnesses and disabilities, medications and habits.
  • Semen analysis. This is the most important test for men who are trying to get women pregnant! Your doctor may ask for one or more semen samples. A laboratory analyzes your semen for quantity, color, infections or blood. A detailed analysis of the sperm also is done. The laboratory will determine the number of sperm present and any abnormalities in the shape and movement (motility) of the sperm.
  • Hormone testing. A blood test will determine the level of testosterone and other male hormones. This may reveal the underlying causes of sperm problems.
  • Transrectal and scrotal ultrasound. An ultrasound can help your doctor see conditions such as retrograde ejaculation and ejaculatory duct obstruction.

Fertility Tests for Women

  • Ovulation testing. A blood test is sometimes performed to measure hormone levels to determine whether you are ovulating. If you don’t know when ovulation happens, you’re less likely to get pregnant (which means you may need to keep trying to get pregnant until the proverbial cows come home!).
  • Hysterosalpingography (HSG). This test evaluates the condition of your uterus and fallopian tubes. Fluid is injected into your uterus, and an X-ray is taken to determine whether the fluid progresses out of the uterus and into your fallopian tubes. Blockage or problems often can be located and treated – which can be the most successful tips for conceiving a baby.
  • Laparoscopy. This procedure involves inserting a thin viewing device into your abdomen and pelvis to examine your fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. A small incision (8 to 10 millimeters) is made beneath your navel, and a needle is inserted into your abdominal cavity. A small amount of gas (usually carbon dioxide) is injected into the abdominal cavity to create space for entry of the laparoscope — an illuminated, fiber-optic telescope. The most common problems identified by laparoscopy are endometriosis and scarring. Your doctor can also detect blockages or irregularities of the fallopian tubes and uterus.
  • Hormone testing. Hormone tests may be done to check levels of ovulatory hormones as well as thyroid and pituitary hormones. If you’re hormones aren’t balanced, then your period won’t be regular…and you’ll have trouble getting pregnant.
  • Ovarian reserve testing. Testing may be done to determine the potential effectiveness of the eggs after ovulation. This approach often begins with hormone testing early in a woman’s menstrual cycle.
  • Genetic testing. Genetic testing may determine a cause of infertility.
  • Pelvic ultrasound. A pelvic ultrasound may be done to look for uterine or fallopian tube disease, which can prevent pregnancy.
fertility tips tests

“Trying to Get Pregnant” image via Nina-81, Pixabay, CC license

Consider alternative medicine, such as acupuncture. Though natural medicines (natural herbs or supplements, yoga for fertility, acupuncture for fertility, etc) have not been proven effective in medical science research or journals, there is anecdotal evidence that Chinese medicine therapy can help if you’re trying to get pregnant. Of course, it depends on the reason for you’re not conceiving a baby; acupuncture or herbal supplements can’t solve every health problem! But, if you’ve tried every fertility test and have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, why not give traditional Chinese medicine a try?

And, get a second opinion if you get an “unexplained infertility” diagnosis,  no matter how much you like your doctor or fertility treatment center. Look for different types of infertility specialists or fertility treatment centers in your area. Don’t forget to get a copy of your medical tests and reports to take to your new treatment center or doctor.

For more tips, read The Most Common Health Problems That Prevent Pregnancy.

If you have any thoughts on trying to get pregnant, please comment below…but remember: I can’t offer medical advice for couples who are hoping to conceive a baby.

The post Trying to Get Pregnant? Fertility Tips and Tests for Conceiving a Baby appeared first on Health Blossoms.


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