MEN
Avoid tobacco, marijuana and other drugs.
Try vitamin C supplements 500 mg/day.
Avoid anything that increases the temperature in the groin, for example tight or synthetic clothing, excessive hot baths/saunas.
Possibly a trial of antibiotic therapy to improve sperm quality.
Remember that 24-48 hours is required to completely “restock” sperm counts for some men.
WOMEN
1) Avoid tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs. 2) Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin, Aspirin, Anaprox, Aleve, Advil, Nuprin, etc. around mid-cycle-they can interfere with ovulation. (You may, however, take these for menstrual cramping).
The woman lying on her back is the optimal position for fertility during intercourse, although not necessary.
You may be able to predict ovulation time (fertile time) by counting backwards from your start of predicted menses by 14 days. This calculated day is the middle day of your “fertile week”.
You may also note increasing mucus discharge (clear, jelly-like) just before and at the fertile time.
Avoid chemicals, douches, non-waterbased lubricants and tampons for optimal cervical mucus.
BOTH
Try to keep a low emphasis on fertility….a good attitude towards your relationship helps tremendously. Consider achieving pregnancy a hobby, not your life’s work. Feel free to call and discuss problems, attitudes, etc.
The average time to achieve pregnancy is 3 months for a couple with a child and 5 months for a couple without a child.
© G. M. Swor, 1990, 1997
