Planning a pregnancy if it doesn't work out. What to do if you can't get pregnant? Use an ovulation calculator

For some women, the ability to get pregnant seems like a mystical combination of luck and genetics. Why do some people succeed the first time, while others try for years? For the latter, the very idea of conception often turns into a nightmare. The thing is that many people make the same mistakes. Below we list the most common ones.

May 18, 2015 · Text: Lyudmila Kleimenova· Photo: GettyImages

Mistake #1: Worrying too often

Most likely, you have at least one friend who, when she became pregnant, said: “It happened exactly at the moment when I stopped thinking about it.” It's annoying, frustrating and nerve-wracking, especially when all you want to do is have a baby. And it seems that nothing will work - but your friend is telling the truth. Stress can be one of the main reasons why you can't get pregnant: high levels of the stress hormone cortisol can negatively impact your fertility. A study by American scientists who followed 400 couples trying to conceive found that women with high levels of alpha-amylase (a stress indicator) were 29% less likely to become pregnant than women with normal levels. Experts say that constant stress reduces the production of hormones responsible for a stable cycle.

Relax and try to let go of the situation for a while. Learn to meditate, sign up for yoga. Some asanas promote blood flow to the pelvis, thus stimulating the production of necessary hormones. And this has a beneficial effect on the ability to conceive. Stop planning your pregnancy so much and remind yourself every day that this is a miracle that actually happens very, very often.

Mistake #2: Doing too much/too little

If you're going to do this, do it right! Many couples believe that if they “save” sperm and don’t have sex for a week, their chances of conceiving will increase significantly. This is wrong. After about a week of abstinence, sperm motility decreases noticeably. For successful conception, doctors recommend having sex every day or every other day for a week leading up to and including the day of ovulation. Having sex more often can negatively affect the ability of sperm to fertilize, and if you do it less often, you may miss the window of conception. So if your sex life is no longer as stormy as at the beginning of the relationship, this is a good reason to diversify it. In addition, it has been proven that regular sex helps improve your cycle: your partner's body releases hormones that affect your reproductive system, so regular sex helps to produce more estrogen.

Mistake #3: Resorting to dubious methods

It would seem that the 21st century is just around the corner, but many women still continue to believe in the miraculous power of douching. It seems that everything is logical: with any infection, poor diet, or bad habits, the environment in the vagina becomes acidic. Sperm dies in such an environment and cannot fertilize an egg, which is why many people use a weak solution of soda to make the environment alkaline and create favorable conditions for conception. But doctors are opposed to this method: soda kills not only harmful microorganisms, but also beneficial ones, thus disrupting the natural pH of the vagina. In addition, douching with soda can exacerbate inflammatory processes and diseases such as erosion and damage to the cervix, which a woman often does not know about without visiting a gynecologist.

Mistake #4: Blaming yourself

When talking about infertility, we usually think that the problem is on the woman’s side. But in fact, the responsibility lies equally with both partners. Doctors say that in 40% of cases of infertility, the cause must be sought on the part of the man, and in another 40% - on the part of the woman. The remaining 20% is compatibility, a combination of both partners. But don't panic ahead of time. Remember that it takes 6 months to a year for a healthy couple to successfully conceive.

Mistake #5: Making mistakes in calculations

The most common mistake is incorrectly determining the day of ovulation. For most women, it occurs mid-cycle, but it affects women with a 28-32 day cycle. Ovulation usually occurs 14 days before the start of menstruation. Therefore, if you have a 24-day cycle, then ovulation will occur on the 10th day. If your cycle is noticeably longer, say 42 days, then it can be assumed that you are ovulating less frequently, not every cycle. In this case, and also if you have an irregular cycle (in this case, ovulation can be either on the 6th day or on the 21st), or you don’t remember the last time you had your period, forget these rules. Here you cannot do without a test to determine ovulation, with which you can easily find out when your window of conception is.

Another common mistake is not counting the start of the cycle from the first day of menstruation. The first day of your period is when you start bleeding. Not the day before, not the day after. For successful conception, the clock literally counts, which is why it is so important to know the exact day the cycle begins.

Mistake #6: Living according to a schedule

No matter how hard you try, pregnancy cannot be planned. As mentioned above, a healthy couple takes 6 months to a year to conceive. But many women need six months just to normalize their cycle after finishing taking it contraceptives. There will be no ovulation until the cycle becomes regular. Therefore, if after 6 months your cycle has not returned to normal or you are not sure that you are ovulating, you should visit a doctor.

Mistake #7: Rushing

No one knows why so many people are sarcastic about the statement that after sexual intercourse it is advisable to lie on your back with your buttocks slightly raised for about 20 minutes. Doctors unanimously claim that this method increases the possibility of conception by as much as 80%! Therefore, if you want to do a victory dance after what you think is a successful conception, refrain - at least for 20 minutes.

Mistake #8: Ignoring your “crazy” worries

Maybe you've always had irregular periods and are having difficulty conceiving because of this. Or perhaps you have diabetes and want to make sure everything is under control before you get pregnant. Consulting with a specialist does not mean being paranoid! There are situations in which you should not ignore your worries: here you are thinking not only about yourself, but also about your future child. If you have any questions or concerns, it is better to immediately find a specialist who will explain everything and tell you about the pitfalls that may come your way. This way, if you encounter difficulties when trying to get pregnant, you will already be prepared for them.

Mistake #9: Not giving up bad habits

A lot has already been said on this topic, but it would still be worth repeating: you need to give up bad habits at least a year before trying to get pregnant. Why do women continue to drink alcohol and smoke, knowing how detrimental this is to their ability to conceive? Doctors all over the world warn: the first trimester is the most important in the formation of a child’s body. There is no amount of alcohol that would be safe for him. But some expectant mothers, drinking alcohol early stages, do not yet know that they are pregnant. Therefore, if you are not protecting yourself, in relation to alcohol and cigarettes, act as if you were already pregnant - simply, do not use it or at least reduce it to a minimum.

Mistake #10: Forgetting about his health

What's bad for your fertility can also be bad for your partner's fertility. Cigarettes, alcohol, unbalanced diet - all this negatively affects the quality and quantity of sperm. Studies have also shown that smoking and alcohol abuse lead to sperm damage at the chromosomal level. Sperm is completely renewed in 3 months, so your partner should give up bad habits at least for this time. Make sure he gets enough nutrients, selenium, vitamins E and C - they are especially useful for men.

As for the influence of temperatures on a man’s ability to conceive, opinions differ. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine states that it has no special significance for the functioning of the male genital organs. Some doctors, however, recommend against frequent hot baths, even if a man does not have problems with sperm quality.

There is a study that shows that the temperature of the scrotum increases if you hold a laptop on your lap for a long time. Another group of experts found that exposure to radiation from mobile phones may harm a man's fertility, especially if he keeps his phone in his pants pocket. However, no study has found a clear link specifically between heat exposure and male fertility.

In the life of most women, sooner or later there comes a period when she realizes that she is ready to become a mother. But, unfortunately, due to some factors, not everyone succeeds. So how to get pregnant if you can't?

There are quite a few reasons why you can't get pregnant. First of all, of course, it is necessary to pay attention to 2 fundamental factors of each person - nutrition and lifestyle in general.

Proper nutrition to get pregnant quickly

If a woman wants to get pregnant quickly, then she first needs to reconsider her daily diet. Although scientists have not yet proven the effect of any specific products on reproductive function and conception in general.

It is necessary to exclude fatty, salty foods and add more vitamins - vegetables, fruits. Oysters will be useful as they have a beneficial effect on conception and ovulation sensitivity. Well, few people don’t know that this is one of the popular aphrodisiacs. Also, for a quick pregnancy, it is advisable to start eating cereals, dairy products, lean meat and fish. It is better not to add salt, as it tends to retain water. If a woman has problems with excess weight, then first she should diet a little.

To achieve the desired pregnancy, coffee should be excluded from the list of products. Why? The answer is simple: at the cellular level, caffeine can suppress fertility due to its effects on the central nervous system. Basically, coffee is consumed precisely for the reason that it gives a sudden burst of energy. At the same time, the whole body suddenly begins to be in good shape and because of this, androgens do not have time to transform into sex hormones. Therefore, experts do not advise women planning to conceive to indulge in coffee.

Bringing your lifestyle back to normal

The human body is a complex mechanism, the organs of which are closely interconnected. Constant stress, smoking, drinking alcohol and low immunity - under the influence of all these factors, the body realizes that it is not yet ready for pregnancy. Accordingly, conception does not occur.

Therefore, to get pregnant, you first need to get in shape. As already mentioned, the first factor affecting fertilization is weight. Exercise and stick to a diet for a while to make your attempts to have a baby successful.

However, low weight will not affect your upcoming pregnancy either. As a rule, in women who weigh little, menstrual cycle and ovulation can “merge” with each other, which also makes conception virtually impossible.

Should we talk about bad habits? Women who drink alcohol, abuse cigarettes and even drugs may not get pregnant at all. If the long-awaited moment does happen, then preserving the fetus will be dangerous, both for its health and for the mother. Men who want to see themselves as a future father also need to give up bad habits.

In what cases is it necessary to undergo examination by a gynecologist?

It also happens that a woman, having reached despair with the question “what to do?”, turns to a gynecologist for help and this is the right decision.

Specialist help may be needed in the following cases:

Previous sexually transmitted diseases and venereal diseases.
Current problems of a woman’s reproductive system that interfere with normal conception and development of pregnancy.
Abortion.
Ectopic pregnancy.
Irregular menstrual cycle.
Use oral contraceptives and other hormonal drugs.
Early or late onset of sexual activity.

Don't be shy about the doctor. It’s better to tell your gynecologist everything as it is and then he will be able to help in your situation. Nowadays, infertility is far from a death sentence. Now there are many methods to get pregnant, and specialists are seizing on the slightest opportunity.

One of these methods is in vitro fertilization or, in other words, IVF. An egg is taken from a woman, a sperm from a man, and they are placed in a beneficial environment. Fertilization occurs there, and the fertilized egg is attached to the uterine wall, after which the woman becomes pregnant.

Female cycle - how to calculate correctly?

When a woman reaches menarche (her first period), a new period begins in her life: she is now capable of childbearing. It is often recommended to use the calendar method of calculation " auspicious days"when the likelihood of conception is highest.

So, the first day of menstruation is the first day of the female cycle. It is counted from the first day of menstruation to the first day of the next. Normally, the menstrual cycle can range from 28 to 40 days. To find out when a woman will ovulate, you need to calculate average length cycle and divide it by 2. For example, if menstruation occurs exactly once a month on the same day, then the cycle is 30 days. This means that the “favorable moment” occurs 15 days after the arrival of menstruation.

Do not forget that 2 days before and 2 after ovulation are also good for pregnancy planning and “dangerous” regarding unwanted conception. Another name for this period is the fertile period. Now there are many tests that determine the onset of ovulation, but usually the woman herself intuitively senses its arrival. The body is designed in such a way that during this period a woman’s libido increases significantly, and she becomes more attractive to men.

Basal temperature - help in the process of conception

Measuring basal temperature allows a woman to determine the level of hormones in the body. To plan a pregnancy, you should start counting from the first day of the menstrual cycle at the same time every day. You need to use the same thermometer. In addition, you need to record your own feelings on this day: depression, calm, joy, etc.

Typically, basal temperature is measured in the mouth, rectum or vagina. For women, the latter method is preferable. The measurement is taken immediately after waking up, without unnecessary movements. You should also not talk at this moment.

The onset of ovulation is indicated by an increase in temperature of approximately 0.4 degrees. Normally, this figure is 37.2. A reading below 37 is usually in the first half of the cycle, when a woman has more estrogen than progesterone.

It is necessary to constantly measure basal temperature even after pregnancy to avoid further problems with its course. This is especially worth paying attention to if a woman has previously had a spontaneous miscarriage. If the temperature is 0.8-1 degrees below normal, then you should definitely consult a doctor to exclude fetal freezing and possible deviations.

Poses for conceiving a child

So how to get pregnant if you can't? Approach the problem from the beginning. Sexologists recommend a whole list of positions for successful conception.

First of all, it is worth noting that they are not suitable for everyone, only for women with a traditional uterine shape without any deviations:

Missionary position. In this position, the male seed immediately enters the uterus, and from there into the tubes, and if the number of viable sperm is sufficient, then fertilization occurs.
"Doggy style". Again, in this position the seed also goes directly into the cervix. Experts are accustomed to noticing that in this position there is a high chance of conceiving a boy, since the fastest sperm will have access to the eggs.
On the side. The woman bends her knees towards herself and lies on her side, and the man is behind her. Friction and close proximity of bodies can ensure rapid conception, especially if a woman is ovulating that day.

As practice shows, for pregnancy to occur, it is necessary to have sex regularly, but not constantly. Otherwise, the man’s production of viable sperm will decrease, and all attempts to conceive a child will be in vain.

Do not rule out discomfort. Also, women with structural features of the uterus (curved, etc.) should have sex in positions that are comfortable for them. It is complete trust and pleasure from the process that will increase the chances of success.

Preparations in traditional medicine

As practice shows, most problems causing infertility can be resolved using the methods offered by traditional medicine.

Doctors distinguish several methods:

Hormonal drugs. Often, a woman cannot become pregnant due to hormonal imbalance. An experienced specialist selects a set of drugs for the patient aimed at establishing normal hormonal levels, thanks to which conception occurs.
Surgical intervention. If pathological processes occur in the reproductive system (formation of adhesions, fibroids, cysts, etc.), then it is necessary to begin therapy as early as possible, affecting the patency of the tubes and the ability of the uterus to bear a child. If hormonal and drug treatment did not give any results, then an operation is prescribed to excise adhesions and other formations.
ECO. As already mentioned, in vitro fertilization is suitable for those women who have not been helped by previous treatment methods. The operation is not cheap, but the percentage of the long-awaited pregnancy after it will still occur is higher.

Folk remedies

There are also many means traditional medicine that help you get pregnant quickly. However, doctors do not recommend resorting to them without special need and consultation. Some may not only not work, but also cause significant harm to the expectant mother, permanently depriving her of the ability to bear children.

Among the neutral methods of conception, it is worth noting the following:

Positive attitude. If a woman is happy and satisfied with herself, then, as ancient healers claimed, her chances of becoming pregnant increase. And from a modern point of view, this point will be useful. After all, with depression and stress, the body is depressed and independently determines that now is not the time to bear a baby.
Moon phase. It happens that for a girl, the favorable period of conception is considered to be the lunar cycle when she herself was born.
Herbal decoctions. For example, from sage. A teaspoon of dried flower is poured into a mug with hot water. This tea needs to be taken for a couple of weeks. A bonus will be the miraculous effect of sage on the immunity of the expectant mother.

How to quickly get pregnant with your second child?

Many women, after the birth of their first child, when trying to conceive a second baby, are faced with a problem such as secondary infertility.

It may be due to the following factors:

Hormonal disbalance.
Past diseases of the reproductive system and vagina.
Damage to the endometrium during an abortion, as a result of which the fertilized egg cannot attach to the wall of the uterus.
Biological incompatibility of partners. Scientists still cannot fully explain this phenomenon, but, unfortunately, it does occur.
Age from 35 years.

It makes no difference whether previous pregnancies ended in childbirth or not. To diagnose secondary infertility, you must consult a doctor to exclude the possibility of diseases and pathologies. If they are present, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment or give a referral for surgery.

Do not despair; while a woman is of childbearing age, she still has a chance of becoming pregnant with a second child. It is necessary to consult a specialist in time and reconsider your lifestyle. The same should be done for the partner from whom the lady wants to give birth to a baby.

Signs and superstitions - the most popular myths about conceiving a baby

Pregnancy and childbirth are shrouded in many myths, most of which date back to the times of Ancient Rus'.

Here is a list of the most popular ones:

Pregnant women are prohibited from cutting their hair, otherwise there will be a risk of premature birth. Scientists have long refuted the connection between childbirth and hair, but here’s a neat appearance for a woman, even in a position, it will certainly not be superfluous.
A woman needs to hide the fact that she is carrying a baby under her heart for as long as possible, otherwise he may be jinxed.
You cannot look at scary and frightening things, otherwise the child may be born ugly.
If fluff appears on the belly, then a boy will be born. The appearance of vellus hair indicates increased content in the body of male hormones, but even women with similar vegetation often gave birth to girls.
Before the baby is born, you cannot buy baby clothes, a stroller or a playpen. All this is nothing more than prejudices. Even in ancient times, most problems were attributed to something inexplicable. Try not to pay attention to this.
You should watch your words: do not swear and do not say about yourself “I am infertile.” This myth takes place in real life, since a person forms a mood with his thoughts, which can be positive or negative.
Pregnant women need to eat for two. In part, this is also true. Since now a woman needs to worry not only about herself, but also about the child who is receiving most of nutrients received by the expectant mother from food.

specialists from the Briochinka school of conscious parenting: obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category Elena Korsak (right) and family psychologist, candidate of psychological sciences, associate professor Olesya Konkova (left)

World statistics are not encouraging

- Is it true that in Lately Are infertility problems and difficulties conceiving becoming more common? And if so, why is this happening?

Elena Korsak:— In Belarus today, about 15% of married couples cannot conceive a child. The general global trend is approximately the same, although, of course, the situation in each country is different. In Russia, for example, according to various sources, this figure is 2-3% higher.

In the USA, according to in vitro fertilization centers, it is also 15%. It is impossible to estimate what the real numbers are due to the fact that about 20% of couples do not register their marriage, and therefore are not included in official statistics; many prefer not to advertise the problem at all and do not seek medical help.

— By the way, according to WHO criteria, if the level of infertile couples of reproductive age exceeds 15 percent, this indicator is considered a threat to demographic national security.

Why is the trend becoming so unfavorable? Each doctor will have his own opinion on this matter. I believe that this is primarily due to the low level sexual culture: early intimate relationships, promiscuity, unwanted pregnancies that are interrupted, inability to take precautions and protect oneself from sexually transmitted infections (although the situation in our country has recently improved in this regard). After all, 70% of STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are detected in the group from 15 to 29 years old, that is, these are precisely young people of reproductive age.

Civil marriages, in my opinion, also play a negative role. The fact is that in such a relationship a woman does not feel protected because she cannot be sure of the future.

Today it has also become fashionable to think that you need to first build a career and decide housing issue, and childbearing is postponed until later. However, the body has its own program, and when you finally decide, it may already be too late.

The older the woman, the lower the likelihood of conception

— What are the main reasons for difficulties in conceiving in women?

- In fact, there are a lot of them. The main factors are:

Genetic- congenital problems that make pregnancy impossible (for example, chromosomal abnormalities);
Trubyperitoneal— obstruction of the fallopian tubes, including due to adhesions in the abdominal organs;
Endocrine;
Infertility associated with gynecological diseases (endometriosis, uterine fibroids and others);
Immunological when antisperm antibodies are formed in the cervical mucus, which destroy sperm;
Premature ovarian failure(menopause occurs early, more and more often it begins in women as early as 40 years old);
Idiopathic infertility. When both a man and a woman are absolutely healthy, but for unknown reasons, conception does not occur;
Psychological infertility— increased anxiety and frequent stress cause physical disorders of the reproductive system.

The last two points are often considered synonymous. In fact, in every fourth case of infertility, the cause cannot be determined.

Smoking and alcohol are additional risks

— How does age influence?

— As I already said, with age, the follicular reserve of the ovaries is depleted, and the frequency of anovulatory cycles increases. Naturally, the older the woman, the lower the likelihood of conception.

— Can being overweight or underweight be an obstacle?

— A woman’s body needs adipose tissue. It contains estrogens - female sex hormones.

If you are underweight as a result of exhausting diets and fasting, the menstrual cycle is often disrupted. With very sudden and significant weight loss, periods may stop altogether. And it is very difficult to restore them later! Of course, all this can lead to infertility.

— To know your normal weight, you can calculate it using the body mass index formula. The calculation is simple: divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. In accordance with WHO recommendations, a special scale has been developed; it can be found on the Internet to look at your indicator and understand whether everything is normal for you.

Excess weight is less dangerous. In itself, it does not cause infertility, but it can lead to metabolic disorders in the body and, as a result, to diabetes mellitus, changes in the concentration of sex hormones in the blood, and polycystic ovary syndrome. In addition, extra pounds complicate the course of pregnancy and childbirth, and miscarriage often occurs.

— Does smoking and drinking alcohol have an effect?

— Smoking is very harmful to a woman’s body, because intoxication is dangerous in principle for the ovaries. If smoking is regular and the amount of nicotine entering the blood is large, all this has a depressing effect on ovarian function.

The situation with alcohol is interesting. It seems that this is also intoxication, but, probably, many have noticed that women who drink do not have problems conceiving. This is probably where the method of cortical inhibition works—the absence of psychological anxiety, tension, and a state of certain relaxation. But every coin has a second side: women who regularly drink alcohol give birth to children with alcoholic encephalopathy.

In some cases we can talk about incompatibility

— Does it happen that a couple is simply incompatible?

— Yes, this happens with immunological infertility. When antisperm antibodies are formed in cervical mucus (secretions produced in the cervix), which destroy the sperm of a particular man.

When antisperm antibodies are formed in a woman’s body, we are talking about immunological incompatibility of partners. If antisperm antibodies are formed in a man’s body (and this also happens), we are talking about an autoimmune process.

In case of infertility in women, the presence of antisperm antibodies is determined in the blood or cervical mucus, but a man must donate sperm for testing, and a blood test will only be an additional confirmation of the diagnosis.

— There is a scientific opinion that the more sexual partners a woman has had, the higher the risk of developing antisperm antibodies.

And yet this is not a verdict. The problem can be worked on. And, by the way, not only doctors, but also psychologists need to get down to business here. After all, our psyche, our brain directly influence the reactions of the immune system.

- If the method is chosen correctly, then it works. So, today the method of recognizing fertility is becoming more and more popular - when a woman learns to observe her body and subsequently can accurately feel the most favorable time to conceive a baby.

In general, it is believed that ideally a woman is free to conceive for 12 hours in her cycle. You just need to learn to understand when best time is coming. Today this technique is available for study both in our and other centers.

Tips from Elena

No matter how strange it may sound, you need to prepare for future motherhood from childhood. The moral education of a girl is important. If she always remembers that she needs to take care of her body, her chances of conceiving, bearing and giving birth healthy child there's a lot more in the future.
I recommend that couples do not put off planning a pregnancy for too long in order to minimize risks. The body, which has been taught for many years that the time for pregnancy has not yet come, cannot be rebuilt overnight.
If you understand that there is a problem with conception, do not delay going to specialists. Moreover, both the woman and the man must undergo the examination.
Don't rule out going to a psychologist. Often, deviations in the state of the reproductive system are a consequence psychological problems.

Psychological causes of infertility can be divided into 5 levels

— Olesya, let’s take a closer look at psychological infertility and its causes. What could they be?

— First of all, I would like to note that both my colleague Elena and I try to avoid the word “infertility.” Agree, it sounds like a sentence. It is better to replace it, for example, with “an unrealized desire to have children.” This expression is perceived as much less hopeless, because any desire has a chance to come true.

There are also many reasons for psychological problems with conception. The first thing I would like to note is that women are becoming more emancipated, independent and courageous, increasingly competing with men and forgetting about their own feminine essence. Do you know what level of equality with men is the highest for women? That's right, the inability to give birth to a child. The body simply accepts our rules of the game.

We are complex. We not only have a body that for some reason does not want to go into conception, but we also have thoughts and emotions that make up our mental (subjective) reality. The latter can be filled with unlived grievances, fears, corresponding ideas about ourselves, limiting beliefs, internalized family messages regarding pregnancy and childbirth, memories of some events in our own history and the history of our family. And, of course, this affects our body, which is a kind of screen on which everything that relates to our inner reality is reflected.

1. Personal history of a woman

Adverse experiences, abortions, emotional consequences of illnesses associated with the reproductive system, a woman’s self-image and self-worth, discrepancy between physical and psychological ages and, as I already said, an imbalance of male and female energies.

2. History of the couple’s relationship

The level of trust between partners and their role settings are very important here - sometimes they are not entirely correct, for example, when someone in a couple takes on the role of a parent, and someone takes on the role of a child (as is known, in such relationships even the sexual act itself unnatural, not to mention children, which is why emotional obstacles arise).

3. Childhood experience and parental family history

It is necessary to restore the tones of a person’s childhood. Was it joyful, what kind of relationship did you have with your mother, how did your parents’ lives turn out after your birth (for example, if your parents immediately separated after that, a subconscious fear may form that the child will destroy your family too). This also includes your own perinatal experience.

4. Genus level

IN last years Sciences such as neurobiology and epigenetics are intensively developing. Scientists are researching cellular memory. It stores not only biological information, but also data about the experience that our ancestors received and which we inherit. Each of us has our own family history. Some of it can have a serious impact on reproductive function.

These include the following events: the death of women in childbirth, the death of children at an early age, the loss of children, tragic events after the birth of children, the appearance of children with special needs of psychophysical development, adverse experiences of parenthood, etc. In this case, the “price” of having a child is too high.

Another interesting fact is that the egg from which we emerge is laid in our mother during the period when she was in the womb of her mother, that is, our grandmother. This means that what both grandmother and mother experienced during the perinatal period can be passed on to us. These experiences influence us and the way we think about conception, pregnancy, and childbirth.

5. Society

Here we are talking about those messages that the state, culture, religion have and which are recognized as unsafe for the family and for the child. This also includes moving to another country. If, for example, a married couple feels unstable, then this can also become the reason for the inability to realize the desire to have a child.

Everything is in our head

- What about the shutdown command? reproductive function takes place on the physical plane?

— Our brain consists of three parts that were formed during the process of evolution: the reptilian brain, the limbic system and the neocortex.

The neocortex or cerebral cortex allows us to be thinking, intelligent beings, and the very thought “I want a child” appears here. But the “decision” about whether a woman’s body will implement this thought or not is made in the limbic system.

The limbic system is responsible for the most important functions related to survival, as well as our emotions and feelings. The hypothalamus is located here, one of whose functions is the regulation of reproductive processes. But reproductive processes are possible only in a situation where everything is in order at the emotional level. If a woman has anxieties, fears, worries, she is in chronic stress, her body is exhausted, the limbic system recognizes this as danger. At this moment, the brain “forgets” about the need to reproduce and begins to solve the problem of survival.

For example, during wars, due to enormous stress, many women simply stopped menstruating. The body mobilized its forces in order to survive. Then it was understandable, pronounced stress. Experiences can be no less intense, but closed. However, the program in the body works the same. In an emergency, it turns on the mode necessary to ensure safety and survival.

Tips from Olesya

It is important for women to remember that they are women. Watch yourself and your body, find time to relax and rest, wear dresses and skirts. Respect men and let them remember their strength, masculinity and responsibility.

Try to reduce control over your life, trust it and believe in miracles. After all, the appearance of a child in our lives is truly something completely incomprehensible and wonderful.
-Have the right motivation to conceive. Invite your child not because it’s time and “the clock is ticking”, you need to feel like a “full-fledged woman”, with the help of your child bring more meaning into your life, etc., but because you have a lot of love and a lot of resources that you want for him give.
Before immediately agreeing to medications and surgical interventions, with your doctor's permission, take a little time to understand yourself first. Sometimes the true cause of illness lies deep inside.
Try not to get hung up on the desire to have a child. Such super-tasks can put the body's systems on extreme alert. Constant tension has a bad effect on reproductive function. Sometimes you need to switch your attention. Take a vacation, relax, let go of the situation, and maybe get carried away by some activity that can be as attractive in its appeal as the desire to have a child.

In any case, don't despair. According to statistics, infertility is curable in 80% of cases. We invite you to a master class where my colleagues and I will talk about infertility, as well as the problems of miscarriage. The event will take place at the Briochinka School of Conscious Parenting on September 18 at 18:00. Pre-registration on the website briochinka.by is required.

Problems with conceiving a child in 60% of cases occur due to disturbances in the functioning of the female body. And there are many more reasons for female infertility than male ones. This may be lack of ovulation, endocrinological diseases, obstruction of the fallopian tubes, cervical mucus with antibodies to sperm and many other factors.

Preparing for pregnancy is an important stage on the path to motherhood. And the main factor in preparing for this exciting moment is proper nutrition. It is important for the expectant mother, as well as the father, to change her diet in favor natural products. Today the shelves grocery stores are inundated with products whose list of ingredients is replete with various flavors, emulsifiers, sweeteners, preservatives and other harmful compounds.

IMPORTANT: Some nutritional supplements Not only can they harm the body, but they can also cause infertility. Most of them have a negative effect on male sperm. But it is also advisable for women who dream of becoming pregnant to avoid eating such not very healthy foods.

IN food ration When planning a pregnancy, you need to include various vitamins. This should be done 3-4 months before the conception process. Vitamins are especially useful for women who are planning a pregnancy in winter or spring.

When preparing for pregnancy, partners need to get rid of various sexually transmitted infections. Some of them put an end to the process of conceiving a child. But, there are also those that have a detrimental effect on the development of the fetus and can pose a threat of miscarriage and developmental pathologies.

It is also very important to eliminate stress from your life when preparing for pregnancy. In such conditions, the body produces corticosteroid hormones. Not only can they cause various diseases, but will also negatively affect pregnancy.

Why does pregnancy not occur for a long time?

The absence of a desired pregnancy may be associated with problems of both female and male body. If, when the spouses want to conceive a child, the desired moment does not happen, then they need to undergo a comprehensive examination to identify the cause of this problem.
Factors that negatively affect pregnancy include gynecological and hormonal problems. Stress, hypertension, bad habits and other problems can also cause failure to conceive a child.
Specialists at the antenatal clinic may ask you to tell them about the transferable infectious diseases and operations. If a woman has already experienced the happiness of motherhood, then the doctor can ask about how the pregnancy proceeded. In order for a specialist to provide qualified assistance, you must try to truthfully answer all his questions.
If difficulties arise with pregnancy, then specialists at a family planning center or antenatal clinic can prescribe tests for progesterone levels, a post-coital test (checking vaginal mucus 6-10 hours after intercourse for the presence of antibodies that kill sperm), a blood test for coagulation and a thyroid examination

How to prepare for pregnancy mentally?

A woman should approach pregnancy consciously, without fear or anxiety. Emotional condition plays an important role not only in carrying a child, but also in conceiving it. Before this exciting moment, you need to try to reduce the level of stress in your life as much as possible. The higher the stress level, the lower the likelihood of conceiving a child. Harmonization of the internal state has a positive effect not only on the ability to get pregnant, but on the health of the unborn child and his mother.

IMPORTANT: Not only the mother, but also the father of the unborn child must prepare morally to become a parent. He must surround his wife with care and love.

How can a woman physically prepare for pregnancy?

Even before pregnancy, you need to get your body in shape, improve muscle tone and balance your desired weight. It is very important to include foods rich in... useful substances. Such products include vegetables, fruits, seafood, etc.

Before conceiving a child and during pregnancy, it is important to exclude alcohol and smoking from your diet. Some scientists believe that nicotine can negatively affect the fetus, even if future mom gave up smoking a few weeks before conception.

Physical preparation for pregnancy also includes solving vision problems. Women with nearsightedness and some fiber conditions may lose their vision completely during childbirth. Therefore, it is important to have your eyes checked by specialized specialists
A few months before pregnancy, it is advisable for a woman to take up fitness, swimming or dancing. If you don’t have time for this, then you can just walk in the park. Regular walking in an oxygen-rich place will perfectly prepare a woman for pregnancy.
In addition, it is advisable to allocate 15-20 minutes in the morning for daily exercises. Walking in place, squats, bending the body and other simple movements will strengthen the muscles and prepare the body for carrying a baby.

What should you drink to get pregnant?

Very often, the reason for the inability to get pregnant is associated with low levels of the hormone progesterone. If a woman is diagnosed with this reason, then the level of this hormone can be increased using a drug such as "Duphason". Unlike progesterone injections, this drug comes in tablet form. Its reception does not cause great difficulties.

Sometimes, if there is difficulty conceiving, specialists may prescribe drugs that stimulate ovulation. Such drugs include "Klostilbegit", "Puregon" And "Rotten". After taking them, ovulation occurs within 24-36 hours. Taking such medicinal ovulation stimulants can only be done under the supervision of a doctor.

What vitamins should you take to get pregnant?

A woman who wants to become a mother needs the following vitamins:

Folic acid is necessary for the proper formation of the child’s nervous system and begins to act from the first days of pregnancy
Tocopherol helps the fertilized egg implant in the uterine cavity
B vitamins are responsible for protein synthesis and the growth of muscle and bone tissue. Lack of vitamins B1, B6, B12 can cause severe toxicosis
Vitamins A, C and D are important for proper tissue formation and immune system support. But their excess is more dangerous than their deficiency

IMPORTANT: When planning a pregnancy, you should not select the dosage of each vitamin separately. It is more convenient to take a special complex of vitamins for women. There are specially developed vitamin complexes that need to be consumed before conceiving a child.

In addition to vitamins, a woman should receive minerals such as zinc, selenium and magnesium from food. If you can’t consume them with food, you can buy dietary supplements or vitamin complexes which contain these macronutrients.

What medications does a man need to take to make a woman pregnant?

Folic acid is indicated not only for women before pregnancy, but also for men. The expectant father needs to take 400 mg of vitamin B9 until his wife becomes pregnant. Flaw folic acid increases the number of sperm with various defects (incorrect chromosome composition, lack of tail or head)
Another important drug that a man needs when planning a pregnancy is tocopherol. Vitamin E provides a man normal level testosterone and activates sperm synthesis
On good quality sperm are affected by vitamin B6. Pyridoxine is found in many meat products, bananas and nuts
All these vitamins can be consumed individually or in combination. For example, as part of such products as: "Alphabet for men", "Viardot forte", "Duovit for men", "SpermActive"
But antibiotics, hormonal steroids and medications for asthma and allergies negatively affect sperm quality

What tests must be taken when planning a pregnancy?

Mandatory tests for women include:

General blood analysis. It is carried out so that the doctor can identify the presence of viruses and diseases before conception.
General urine analysis. It is carried out to identify problems of the genitourinary system. If pathologies are detected, treatment is prescribed
Determination of blood group and Rh factor. Blood is drawn from a vein to assess the risk of Rh conflict
Blood sugar test. Pregnancy with diabetes mellitus is possible, but it must proceed under special control
Blood for biochemistry. Conducted to provide general and functional status of internal organs
Bacteriological culture of vaginal microflora. Assessment of microflora to exclude pathogenic microorganisms
Tests for infections. An analysis is carried out to ensure the absence of HIV infections, syphilis, viral hepatitis B and C

When planning a pregnancy, expectant fathers need to do: a general blood test, tests to determine blood type and Rh factor, and to detect infection.

Additional tests when planning pregnancy include:

TORCH-complex. Blood test for the presence of antibodies to rubella, herpes, cytomegalovirus and toxoplasmosis. This test will show if a woman is immune to such diseases. If not, then to minimize the risk negative influence these diseases require a number of medicinal procedures
Research by polymerase chain reaction . Blood test for hidden infections: ureaplasmosis, gardnerellosis, chlamydia, HPV (papilloma virus), genital herpes

When are your chances of getting pregnant the best?

The best chance of getting pregnant is between 14 and 16 days after the start of menstruation. It is at this time that the mature egg enters fallopian tube and can meet the sperm. But conception can occur earlier. The thing is that sperm have a vitality of 2-6 days. And if the egg meets them earlier, then fertilization is quite possible.

But the lowest probability of conception occurs during the days of menstruation and immediately after its end. After days 16-18 of the cycle, the possibility of getting pregnant also decreases.

Why does pregnancy not occur after an abortion?

An abortion can have a negative impact on both the mental and physical well-being of a woman. After such a procedure, the hormonal balance in a woman’s body may be disrupted and other problems may arise that lead to the inability to conceive or bear a child. According to statistics, one out of 10 women who decide to have an abortion remains infertile after this procedure.

During mechanical cleaning, the uterine mucosa may be damaged. This can in turn lead to the fact that the fertilized egg will not be able to attach to the wall of the uterus. The risk of becoming pregnant after a medical abortion increases. This method is less traumatic, but can only be carried out on the most early stages pregnancy.

Abortion leads to problems that can put an end to pregnancy such as:

Hormonal cycle disruption
Metabolic disorders in the body
Development of breast disease
Inflammation of the internal genital organs
Tubal obstruction
Cervical erosion
Dysplasia

If a woman decides to become pregnant after an abortion, then she cannot be planned earlier than 6 months after this procedure. A woman’s body must have time to recover. Early pregnancy after an abortion is fraught with severe pathologies in the fetus and can affect the child’s health subsequently.

Sveta. I couldn't get pregnant for a long time. After the examination, my gynecologist forbade me from dieting and prescribed a complex of vitamins. I don't know if they or other factors helped. But, after 3 months I became pregnant.

Olesya. A friend was able to get pregnant only after she began to raise her pelvis after intercourse so that the seminal fluid did not leak out, but remained in the body. She simply lay on her back and raised her legs, leaning on the wall. I am sure that this is what helped her become a mother.

Video. How to get pregnant if you can't. Why. Causes of infertility. What to do?

Pregnancy is a natural process that occurs in the female body. In order for conception to occur, the participation of another partner - a man - is necessary. This article will tell you about what can make you pregnant. Perhaps every representative of the fairer sex who fears unwanted fertilization asked a similar question. The process of fertilization of a female gamete by a male cell will be described below. It is worth noting that sperm motility plays an important role in this.

Fertilization process

How many days does egg fertilization last? Before answering this question, let's try to understand the process of gamete fusion itself.

In order for conception to occur, it is necessary to have sexual intercourse in How is this time determined? A man is considered fertile if sperm motility and sperm count are within normal limits. An analysis called a spermogram will help determine this. In women, they are determined by ovulation. This suggests that a representative of the fairer sex may not be fertilized at any time. Yes, quite problematic. Immediately after the end of bleeding, the hormone estrogen begins to be actively produced. It is under its influence that one or more follicles grow in the ovary. Having reached its maximum size, the bubble bursts, and abdominal cavity a gamete enters - an egg.

If sexual contact with a fertile man occurs a week before or within a few days after the process described above, fertilization of the egg will occur. How many days can sperm live in a woman's body? It all depends on the individual characteristics of the male body and the state of the microflora of the fairer sex. On average this time is one week.

When sexual intercourse occurs, a powerful stream of male ejaculate enters the vagina. There, there is a slight liquefaction and movement into the uterus. Then the substance ends up in the uterine cavity and moves through the fallopian tubes. This is where the main process takes place. The sperm reaches the egg and penetrates its membrane. It is worth noting that only one male gamete can do this. However, to achieve her goal, she must advance in the powerful stream of her fellows. Immediately after fertilization, the continuous division of embryonic cells begins and their advancement into the uterine cavity. It is there that they will have to develop and transform during the long months of pregnancy.

What can make you pregnant?

The unequivocal answer to this question is as follows: “From male ejaculate.” However, many representatives of the fairer sex are not satisfied with the information received. Such women are interested in whether it is possible to conceive a child during oral intercourse or during interrupted sexual intercourse. Also, some people are afraid of getting pregnant during anal intercourse and while taking a bath together.

What is it in all of the above cases? Let's try to understand each individual episode in detail.

Coitus interruptus

Is it possible to become pregnant after intercourse? Absolutely yes. Many couples use this method to protect against unwanted conception. Doctors say that this is very dangerous.

During such contacts, the man does not ejaculate into the woman’s body. However, during intercourse, mucus may be released containing a small amount of So, if this substance reaches the egg, then conception is inevitable.

Fertilization with male lubricant

What else can make you pregnant? Doctors say that conception is quite possible with contact that does not even end in ejaculation. It's all about the following.

During foreplay, both sexual partners become very excited. It is necessary for more comfortable and pleasant contact. So, at this time lubricant is released. It is needed to prepare the male vas deferens for more comfortable conditions for sperm. Feminine lubricant eliminates the acidic environment of the vagina, turning it alkaline. Scientists claim that such male secretions contain single sperm. Moreover, the stronger the excitement, the more gametes will be found in the mucus. If an unprotected insertion of the penis into the vagina occurs, the male cells will quickly rush to their goal. Fertilization from such intercourse does not occur as often as from an interrupted act, but it is still possible.

Anal and oral contacts

If sperm gets into the intestines or stomach, is it possible to get pregnant? Doctors unanimously say that in such cases, conception cannot occur. The thing is that for fertilization, sperm need to get into the uterus or abdominal cavity. From the area digestive tract the cells are simply unable to move there. That is why such contacts never lead to conception.

Repeated unprotected sexual intercourse

If a man ejaculates, and within a few hours he resumes sexual intercourse, then the woman may well become pregnant. It is worth remembering that we are only talking about contact without a condom or the use of other methods of contraception.

The thing is that after the last ejaculation, a certain amount of sperm remains in the man’s urethra. During the next arousal, it is released and remains on the head of the penis. When an organ is inserted into the vagina, sperm actively begin to perform their function.

Is it possible to get pregnant through water?

Many representatives of the fairer sex fear that conception will occur while simultaneously taking water procedures. So, if you are in the bath with your partner and you have caresses that lead to ejaculation, is fertilization possible? What is the probability of getting pregnant in this case? The opinion of doctors on this matter is ambiguous.

Some experts say that sperm are unable to survive in ordinary water. As you know, water supply also contains bleach, which has a detrimental effect on living microorganisms. The opinion of this group of doctors is that conception cannot occur.

What do other professionals say? Some experts convince the population that conception may well occur not only in an ordinary bath, but also in a public reservoir. To do this, the condition must be met that the cells instantly entered the female body, and the fairer sex was aroused.