Improving the Odds

There are several things that a couple can do to help bolster the odds of conceiving. Some of these simple methods involve a change in lifestyle or health habits.

Smoking

Smoking has been associated with a change in estrogen levels and egg production in women. Male smokers have been found to have lower sperm counts, poorer sperm mobility, and a higher incidence of deformed sperm than non-smokers. Nicotine can also be toxic to sperm in the cervical mucus.

Alcohol and Drugs

Excessive alcohol consumption can lower sperm count and cause the development of abnormal sperm. Drugs such as marijuana and cocaine disrupt a woman's hormone production and lower sperm count in men.

Weight Problems

Women who are significantly under or overweight often experience fertility problems. In women, too much or too little body fat may cause a hormone imbalance and impair ovulation. Excess body fat in men can raise the temperature in the testicles thereby decreasing sperm count.

Strenuous Exercise

Excessive strenuous exercise (such as long distance running) can decrease hormone production in women and sometimes in men. Women who participate in frequent strenuous exercise can also experience amenorrhea.

Testicular Heat

It is crucial for sperm development that a man's testicles remain several degrees cooler than his body. Should the testicles become too warm, sperm production can decrease. Conditions which might raise testicular heat include: a high fever, excessive body fat, a hot work environment, hot tubs and saunas, and tight trousers.

Other factors

There are a variety of other factors that can have an impact on fertility. Certain lubricants can destroy sperm and some medications can decrease sperm count. Women who are experiencing high levels of anxiety may have problems ovulating.

The Importance of Timing

When conception is concerned, timing is everything. In order for conception to occur, it is crucial that a couple have intercourse just prior to or during ovulation. There are several signals sent out by a woman's body that indicate that she is ready to conceive.

A Rise in Body Temperature

A good indication of ovulation is basal body temperature (BBT). Just prior to ovulation a woman's body temperature drops. Just after ovulation has occurred, it begins to rise again as levels of progesterone increase. It is best to have intercourse on the day that body temperature drops or right before the time it usually begins to increase.

It is relatively simple to record basal body temperature. Before getting out of bed each morning, a woman should take her temperature four to five minutes using a BBT thermometer (available at the Tulsa Center for Fertility). Each day she should plot the cycle making notes of any significant events such as illness, intercourse, or a sleepless night.

Cervical Mucus Changes

During most of the month cervical mucus is thick and cloudy. Usually nine to ten days into the menstrual cycle, the mucus increases and becomes clear and stretchy. This change signals the onset of ovulation. It is best to have sexual intercourse within one or two days after the change is observed and at least every other day until the mucus thickens again.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Surges

Because LH stimulates ovulation, a woman's body will experience a surge just prior to ovulating. Ovulation predictor kits can detect the surge and you will know that ovulation is about to occur. It is best to have sexual intercourse within one or two days after the LH surge.