A Man's Guide to Pregnancy
Sperm is the colloquial name for male reproductive cells. During intercourse, sperm enter the fallopian tubes in search of an egg to fertilise. When the egg is penetrated, it begins the process of chemical changes which has the potential to become a viable fetus.
Sperm vary in size, quantity, and quality from man to man. A man with a low sperm count has a slim chance of getting a woman pregnant, while a man with strong and plentiful sperm might be considered very fertile. Couples who are having difficulty getting pregnant may find a problem with the male's sperm count, sperm quality, or his ability to effectively release sperm, which can be limited by problems with the urinary tract.
Male Fertility and its Effects
While women have a complicated but rhythmic pattern of fertility, men are in a more or less constant state of fertility. Sperm have a lifespan of about three days, and the man's body is constantly replenishing this supply. It is therefore reasonable to assume that a fertile, healthy woman who has unprotected sex with a man is likely to get pregnant.
If a woman is monitoring her fertility cycles, she may be able to predict when would be the best time for reproduction, down to a window of about four hours; but the results won't be known until she takes a pregnancy test. Taking a home pregnancy test is very easy but can be stressful, especially if the couple is very intent on having children or concerned about fertility issues.
When the pregnancy test is finished, it might be a good idea for the couple to discuss the results together. A negative result on a pregnancy test can be upsetting if the couple was trying to conceive, so being there for each other will help both of them deal with their emotions. Keep in mind that any pregnancy test can be wrong! It's a good idea to repeat the pregnancy test in a day or a week, especially if the woman's period is late, and if you want a definitive answer, have the doctor conduct a pregnancy test as well. A home pregnancy test and a doctor's pregnancy test measure different hormones, and taking both versions will yield a more reliable result.
Fears of Infertility
Couples who have been trying for a long while to conceive may become concerned that one or both of them might be infertile. Infertility, or low fertility, is more common in men than in women, but there are numerous "home remedies" that can and should be tried before visiting a fertility specialist. Keep your favorite brand of pregnancy test in stock, and try some of these cures before you lose hope.
First of all, alcohol and drugs have a depleting effect on a man's sperm count. They should be stopped altogether to increase fertility. Think of it as trading in bad habits for a positive pregnancy test and a child!
Physical fitness also increases fertility by helping to balance out testosterone levels. You don't need to be big and buff - you just need to eat sensibly and do moderate exercise for about half an hour three to four times a week. Wear loose-fitting clothes (including underwear) and try not to get overheated; sperm grow better in a cool temperature.
It may sound silly, but to win the pregnancy test results you desire, you can simply increase the frequency of sex each week. Because a man's body is constantly filtering out weak and decayed sperm, having sex more regularly will build up a stronger and healthier supply, which will get you positive pregnancy test results sooner!
Trying to conceive can be damaging to your ego, especially if you hope to "get it right" on the very first try. No two people are on the exact same fertility wavelength, so it may take months or even years before you have success; but keep trying! With a little lifestyle adjustment and extra effort, you'll get the baby you want in due time.
