To Do's for the Infertile Couples

In some couples, infertility may be the result of a complex medical problem. In others, it may be due to something easily correctable. These suggestions can help you create the best possible conditions for conception:

Both women and men should avoid getting sexually transmitted diseases, a cause of infertility. If either partner has symptoms of an STD, avoid having sex and see a doctor. Early treatment is important to prevent STDs from damaging the reproductive system.


You are most likely to conceive around 14 days before your next menstrual period is due to begin. If you have a 28-day cycle, this would be days 13-15 of your menstrual cycle (with day 1 being the first day of the last menstrual period). Mark the dates when pregnancy is most likely on a calendar and make time for sex without stress. There is no need for your partner to save up sperm by delaying intercourse before these times. Just try to have intercourse during the middle of your cycle.

Because sperm need to be kept cool, your partner should avoid tight clothing or underwear, long, hot baths; and especially soaks in hot tubs, whirlpools, or saunas.

During intercourse, all positions can produce pregnancy. After ejaculation, stay in bed for at least a half hour. Don't use any jellies, douches or creams because they can inhibit sperm. Some lubricants affect sperm as well.

Both you and your partner should avoid the use of any illicit (street) drugs. Some affect fertility, and others harm the fetus if conception occurs.

Stop smoking and limit your alcohol consumption, since these things may interfere with ovulation and sperm production. Some experts even suggest limiting caffeinated beverages, but less is known about the effects of caffeine.

Maintain a normal weight. Women who are either very overweight or underweight may have problems becoming pregnant.

Avoid exercising excessively, as too much exercise can interfere with ovulation.

Infertility may not be permanent. Many couples simply have reduced fertility and take longer to get pregnant.

First thing to do if failed to get pregnant:

If pregnancy has not occurred after a year of intercourse without birth control, you may wish to consult a doctor. Because fertility naturally declines with age, couples in their late thirties or forties may not want to wait this long to seek help.

Some couples are able to conceive almost immediately during the two to three months that it takes for the initial medical workup. Others need several months of diagnostic testing and treatment. About 30-40 percent of couples treated for infertility are able to conceive eventually.

Today, even the most difficult cases often can be treated successfully because of medical advances in the study and treatment of infertility during in the last 30 years. Your likelihood of getting pregnant depends on several factors: how long you've been trying to conceive, how old you are, and the exact cause of your infertility.

A variety of physicians may be able to help you find the cause of your infertility and treat it. Start with your obstetrician-gynecologist, who will perform the initial series of tests and further procedures if needed. Although men sometimes seek the assistance of urologists, some gynecologists can help them, too, as a part of treating the couple.

Some gynecologists have special interests or training in fertility issues and can coordinate most of the needed care themselves. Some have extra training in reproductive endocrinology, the study of how hormones affect fertility.