If you're just beginning the conception journey, you and your partner are likely feeling a mix of emotions -- joy, nervous anticipation, and possibly even worry. You may be wondering whether you'll conceive quickly or whether you'll need to seek outside assistance to help the process along. Fortunately, there are now a number of readily available applications and devices that can help you pinpoint the times you're most likely to conceive. Read on to learn about a few of these options to determine whether they're a good choice for you and your partner.
Smartphone apps
As the saying goes, "there's an app for that" -- and fertility is no exception. There are a number of free and low-cost smartphone applications that can help track your menstrual cycle to determine your most fertile days. Because this cycle can be slightly different for each woman, most apps will also allow you the option of plugging in additional criteria (like the consistency and color of your cervical mucus or your basal body temperature--both of which can indicate upcoming ovulation).
After your information has been inputted, this app will be able to tell you on precisely which days you and your partner should attempt to conceive. (And if you decide it's not the right time to get pregnant, you can use these days as guidelines on when you shouldn't have unprotected sex.)
Men shouldn't feel left out of this process -- there are also smartphone apps with tips on boosting male fertility, with advice on certain foods to eat and to avoid, as well as information on the potential impact hot baths or tight underwear can have on sperm production.
Ovulation prediction kits
If you have a condition like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or another hormonal issue that can make your menstrual cycles a little wacky, you may also benefit from using over-the-counter ovulation prediction kits (OPKs). These test strips are similar to a pregnancy test -- you'll just need to urinate on the strip (or place it in a cup of urine) and wait to see whether the dye indicates you're having a fertile day. If the OPK result is positive, this means that you and your partner could conceive immediately. If the OPK result is negative, it means you haven't yet ovulated this month or are about to begin your menstrual period and should check back later.
For the best results, you'll likely need to take an OPK at least once per day. Because ovulation happens during such a short period of time, and you'll need to ensure that sperm have access to your egg during ovulation, waiting a few days between tests could mean that you and your partner miss this quick window. Fortunately, many online retailers sell these test strips in bulk, ensuring that you can track your fertile days for months at a time at low cost. Talk with someone like Patricia A. Giuffre, MD for more advice if you are struggling with infertility.
Share31 July 2015
