4 facts about fertility you may not know

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Struggling to conceive brings a mixed bag of emotions, and myths all over the internet about increasing your chances of getting pregnant aren’t likely to make you feel any better about the situation.

The truth is, getting pregnant is a complicated matter with a long list of variables, some beyond your control. Only 20 percent of couples who are trying to conceive will get pregnant each month, so it’s normal to be unsuccessful even after several months of trying.

Another important thing to understand is fertility is not purely a female issue. Men and women of all ages deal with health challenges that impact fertility.

Here are four facts about fertility you need to know:

• It’s commonly believed that the day you ovulate is a great day to have sex if you’re hoping to get pregnant. But it turns out, you’re actually most likely to get pregnant if you start trying several days prior and continue a day or so after ovulation. Once ovulated, an egg only lives for 24 hours, so if there are lots of “swimmers” in the tank in the few days before ovulation, it’s only going to help the process.
• Although fertility in advanced age has a higher probability among men than women, the ticking of the biological clock is a factor for both genders, and it definitely plays a role in the time it takes to conceive.
• Another factor — in both men and women — is stress. Although stress has not been shown to directly cause infertility, it can affect health and impact fertility.
• Fertility IS a family matter. There are certain things you inherited from your parents that may be an obstacle in your ability to conceive. So if you’re not familiar with your family’s unique medical conditions or issues, now is a good time to get up to speed.

As you navigate your way through this complex and often emotional journey, remember to be patient with yourself and your partner as you try to understand the challenges you face in bringing a child into the world.