AD. If you’re struggling to conceive, you’re likely going through a lot right now. It’s an emotionally draining process, and when something as big as starting a family is at stake, it’s only natural to feel this way.
At the moment, though, it’s essential to take a deep breath. All is not lost – far from it, in fact. There are a million and one reasons why someone can’t conceive, and the situation is rarely irresolvable. Today, there are many fantastic methods you can utilise to overcome whatever fertility issue you’re facing.
However, given the fact that you’re likely quite stressed at the moment, it can be difficult to conduct the necessary research into each method and assimilate the information. There’s plenty to learn, and this, in and of itself, can be overwhelming for many people.
This article is here to help with that. Here are four strategies you should be investigating if you’re having trouble conceiving, so that you can go into your doctor's office ready and informed.
Four Strategies to Consider When You're Struggling to Concieve
1. In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
The gold standard for fertility problems is In Vitro Fertilisation, which is otherwise known as IVF.
The IVF process works by stimulating the ovaries, carefully taking multiple eggs out of the body, fertilising those eggs in a laboratory with sperm, and then transferring the new embryo back into the uterus to develop normally.
IVF is considered the most powerful option available, and is usually used as the final step in the process if other methods haven’t worked. It works particularly well for fertility issues stemming from endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation problems, and otherwise unexplained infertility. There’s also the option of Donor IVF, which, as the name suggests, uses donor sperm to fertilize the egg. This can be used if there are complications due to the male’s sperm, and you’ll need to discuss this at length with your partner before considering it.
2. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
When a doctor is first alerted to potential fertility issues, the viability of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is usually considered. This procedure is less invasive than IVF, and uses prepared sperm that is placed directly into the uterus during the time of ovulation, significantly increasing the chance of the sperm reaching and fertilizing the egg.
IUI is used for a wide variety of fertility and conception problems, such as cervical mucus issues and mild male factor infertility. It’s often suggested that before you look at IVF you explore the option of IUI, and you’re able to try the procedure multiple times before moving on to another method.
3. Changing Your Lifestyle
Some fertility issues can stem from something as simple as your lifestyle. Eating unhealthy food, not getting enough regular exercise, not sleeping well at night, stress and anxiety, and smoking and alcohol consumption can each play a key role.
Take a look at your lifestyle as a whole and see if there are any changes that need to be made. You should do this as a couple, too, as you can work to motivate each other by attending joint gym sessions or classes, playing sports, meal prepping, and having meals together.
When it comes to reducing stress, joining a meditation class, or even just finding a guided video to watch regularly on YouTube, can be a great start. It’s also important to spend time in nature – something that’s been proven to positively impact mental health but that far too few people do in modern life.
4. Ovulation Tracking
One of the least invasive methods of all is ovulation tracking. Many people trying to conceive are unaware of their need to try during their fertile window, and tracking your ovulation simply involves lining up the dates and optimal conditions to give you your best chance of success.
There are various ways of doing this. You can buy physical kits, use a standard thermometer and diary, or give one of the many available apps a try. It’s also key to remember that your natural cycle can be influenced by other factors besides the dates you try on: pay close attention to maintaining good sleeping habits and reducing daily stress, as both of these factors can make a big difference.
Wrapping Up
You should now have a better idea of what’s available. This list hasn’t covered every method, and your doctor will be able to inform you on what else is out there, but this is a start, and just getting started is often the hardest part. Good luck!
