Ready to Conceive
The measurable quality of each person's reproductive cells is called "fertility". Generally, men who are physically fit, under 35, and have healthy eating habits are more fertile than overweight men over 35. Likewise, healthy women under 35 are much more fertile, and a woman's ability to conceive stops entirely when she enters menopause, between ages 45 and 55.
Many people associate fertility with femininity. While it's true that women must have healthy, receptive eggs in order to become pregnant, it's equally important for men to have sperm that can survive in the harsh reproductive environment, are strong swimmers, and can penetrate the outer layer of the egg. It's only when both conditions are met that a positive pregnancy test result is possible. Technically, the correct term for male fertility is "virility".
Fertility can be affected by environment, economics, nutrition, lifestyle, culture, instinct, and hormonal balance or lack thereof. It can also be affected in the moment by emotional state and timing. Getting a positive pregnancy test is not as easy as you might have thought!
When Am I Most Fertile?
Women can track their fertility cycles using a basal thermometer, allowing them to determine when they are ovulating and when they are infertile. For most women, there is a "fertility window" two weeks after the end of their last period. Since sperm are able to survive from three to five days in the vagina, having intercourse prior to ovulation can still result in a positive pregnancy test.
Women can help their partners increase their fertility rate by actually having sex more frequently. This does more than just increase the odds of getting pregnant. As the demand for sperm rises, so does the sperm quality, meaning that a steady and regular schedule of intercourse can lead to the pregnancy test results you want!
Increasing Your Fertility
It's entirely possible to increase your fertility through a combination of lifestyle changes, body awareness methods, and research. It goes without saying that a positive pregnancy test result is much more likely for a healthy couple than for one that is overweight, eats poorly, smokes, or drinks alcohol on a regular basis. Exercise and a focus on healthy foods can turn the tide of your fertility, and lead you to the pregnancy test results you've been wishing for. However, many experts recommend against dieting (for men and women), as restricting your caloric intake can actually hinder fertilisation.
Scientific studies have shown a peak in both male and female fertility between October and March. While the cause of this peak is still vague, the theory is that it relates to pituitary or pineal gland function, or may be because the endometrium is more receptive during winter months. Whatever the cause, consider this the go-ahead to go at it all winter long! Nothing warms you in winter like a positive pregnancy test.
If you're unsure about your fertility, or you've been chasing those positive pregnancy test results for months or years, you may need to consult a fertility specialist. Also, keep in mind that no pregnancy test is guaranteed to be accurate; your doctor can perform a pregnancy test that is much more accurate than the take-home variety of pregnancy test.
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