Yes, IVF is expensive! It may be difficult for many couples to invest in the treatment options available with ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) such as IVF etc. But this should not be the reason for you to give up your hopes on having a baby!
Starting Your Journey to Fertility
If you are trying to conceive despite having had regular unprotected intercourse for a year, you should look for other simple ways to try and boost your fertility. Your doctor will begin checking for reasons preventing conception after 1 year but he/she may advise you to start even after 6 months of trying seriously.
Your doctor will ask questions to find out possible medical causes for infertility. He/she will ask you questions about your sexual history and examine you clinically. An ultrasound examination of the abdomen and pelvis, blood investigations including hormonal evaluation will be done if needed. Your partner’s semen analysis will be done. If felt necessary, a test to check the patency of your fallopian tubes called a Hysterosalpingography (HSG) will be done. A laparoscopy may be needed to visualize the organs to diagnose any problem.
To increase your chances of conceiving, having intercourse as close as possible to ovulation will certainly help. Keep track of ovulation with the calendar method (ovulation occurs around 14 days before the menstrual period is due) or by using an ovulation predictor kit. Some other ways to boost your fertility are:
- Frequent sex boosts your chances of conceiving. Have a happy sex life. It’s important to have sex often throughout the month.
- Keep your weight under control: Keeping a healthy weight can help you conceive. Being underweight or overweight can delay the time it takes a woman to conceive. Exercise regularly and eat healthy. The exercise will help boost the levels of endorphins and help you feel good about yourself.
- Control your intake of coffee and alcohol. Drinking too much coffee or too much alcohol can impair a woman’s fertility: moderation is the key-1-2 cups of coffee would be fine. So also, more than two alcoholic drinks a day should be avoided when trying to get pregnant. You should not have alcohol at all once you are pregnant. Drinking while pregnant increases the risk of serious birth defects
- Quit smoking: Smoking can impair both a woman’s and a man’s fertility. Smoking affects how receptive the uterus is to the egg. In men, smoking can reduce sperm production and damage DNA. Smoking while pregnant increases the risk of miscarriage.
So, stop worrying anymore about your financial status or its impact on your fertility. Relax and try to keep the stress levels down. Look for simple pleasures in life to bring the fun back into your life. Worrying will not improve your chances of conception but a positive attitude will definitely help!
