About one in six couples have some problem getting pregnant, either for a first or subsequent baby.

Among couples who conceive naturally, 75 percent do so within six months of having regular unprotected sex.

If you’ve been trying for a baby for a year – making love two or three times a week – it’s sensible to discuss
the situation with your doctor who may do some initial tests. Also if you’re worried for any reason.
If you are over 35, when a woman’s fertility starts to decline sharply, you will probably be referred for
specialist tests immediately. (If your doctor doesn’t suggest them, do discuss this.)

It used to be thought that the problem always lay with the woman. Not true!
For about 25 to 27 percent of childless couples the problem is sperm function.

Not ovulating (releasing an egg) normally affects about 20 percent, and blocked fallopian tubes
another 15 percent. In many cases, however, the cause can’t be found, which is called ‘undiagnosed infertility’.
Some of the great medical advances of the late 20th century have been in the field of assisted conception,
which means that nowadays many childless couples can have a longed-for baby.

Before embarking on assisted conception, a couple will both go through a range of tests, examinations
and investigations.

Depending on the results, the specialist may advise different options including:

• Trying natural intercourse again

• Tubal Surgery

• Ovulation induction – where tablets or injections
  are given to stimulate release of eggs

• In vitro fertilisation (IVF) using own eggs

• GIFT (Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer): eggs removed then placed with sperm (unmixed) in
  one of your Fallopian tubes, under anaesthetic

• Donor eggs/sperm/embryo

• ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection): where sperm quantity and mobility are very poor,
  ICSI takes viable sperm and injects them directly into the egg/s

If you’re trying to conceive, you and your partner’s general health is crucial.
So it’s vital that you and your partner have an optimal health regime.
The great thing is that it is under your control.

Remember:

• Eat well
• Take a good multivitamin/mineral supplement
• If either of you is overweight, or underweight, aim for a sensible size
• Take at least 30 minutes to one hour moderate enjoyable exercise daily,
  but avoid high-impact activity
• Don’t smoke
• Avoid alcohol, or drink very little; the more you drink the less like you are to conceive
• If you or your partner is taking any medication, discuss with your doctor
• Try not to get worried about conceiving.

To help you relax consider:

• meditation, massage, aromatherapy, reiki, reflexology

Try alternative medical therapies such as:

Acupuncture
Chinese herbal medicine
Western herbalism

Remember to talk to your fertility expert about what you’re doing.

• Make love!

At the clinic we offer a Diagnostic Cycle which can be viewed by clicking on the
following link:

View Diagnostic Cycle

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