Our Tips to Help You to Conceive Faster
Ovulation tracking
Tracking ovulation is essential for those planning to conceive, but be cautious with apps—they can often give conflicting information.
I personally used two popular apps, but each predicted a different fertility window, which was frustrating.
The most reliable methods I found were ovulation strips and tracking basal body temperature, which helped me understand my true fertile days.
How to track?
- Ovulation Strips: These strips detect a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine, which peaks right before ovulation. When the test shows this LH spike, it’s a strong indicator that ovulation is about to occur within the next 24-36 hours, marking the most fertile window. This method is straightforward, providing clear results to help time intercourse effectively.
- Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Tracking BBT involves measuring your body’s resting temperature every morning before getting out of bed. You’ll notice a slight increase (around 0.5°F) after ovulation. Recording this data daily can reveal patterns and help confirm ovulation timing each month.
Accupuncture and cupping
Acupuncture is gaining popularity as a supportive therapy for fertility, especially among women balancing cycles and preparing for conception. It’s been suggested to improve blood flow to reproductive organs, balance hormones, and thicken the uterine lining. Some couples also explore acupuncture for male fertility.
Cupping is another traditional technique that may help relieve stress and improve blood flow. Cupping therapy creates suction on the skin, which is thought to increase circulation.
How long?
1. Duration of treatment:
- It’s generally recommended to start acupuncture at least 3 months (90 days) before trying to conceive.
- This allows for at least three menstrual cycles to prepare the body for implantation
- For those with egg quality issues or low follicle counts, starting 6 months ahead is advised
2. Frequency during IVF/IUI cycles:
- More frequent treatments may be recommended, such as twice-weekly sessions in the weeks leading up to embryo transfer.
- A minimum of 12 treatments is suggested during the stimulation phase to maximize egg quality and quantity.
Sleep quality and routine
Sleep plays an essential role in fertility for both men and women. It helps regulate key reproductive hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which are essential for ovulation and sperm production. Studies show that sleep deprivation can disrupt the menstrual cycle, potentially delaying ovulation, and in men, lack of quality sleep can impair sperm count and mobility.
To optimize sleep for fertility, set a consistent bedtime, avoid screens before bed to support melatonin, and ensure your sleep environment is cool, dark, and quiet.
How much sleep is ideal for you?
Experts recommend 7-9 hours per night for adults, with women trying to conceive benefiting from closer to 8-9 hours. Too little—or even too much—sleep can interfere with hormone balance, so aim for a steady sleep routine.
Some studies suggest that melatonin supplements may support reproductive health by helping regulate sleep cycles and protecting egg quality. However, before starting melatonin or any supplement, consult your doctor, as the dosage and timing can vary based on individual health needs and can potentially interfere with other fertility treatments.
Essential Acupuncture Points to Support Your Fertility Journey
After navigating my own path to motherhood in my 40s, let me share the most effective acupuncture points that can support your fertility journey. Think of these points as your body’s natural power buttons for reproductive health.
The Foundation: Ren and Du Meridians
These energy channels run along your body’s midline (front and back) and are crucial for your reproductive health. Regular stimulation of these meridians helps maintain healthy energy flow throughout your reproductive system.
Key Points to Know:
For Your Monthly Cycle & Hormones:
– Ren-4 and Ren-6: Find these precious spots on your lower abdomen. They’re like natural hormone balancers, helping regulate your cycles and supporting your reproductive organs. I recommend gentle massage here daily.
For Blood Flow & Cycle Health:
– Spleen-6: Located on your inner leg, this point is fertility gold. It boosts blood flow to your pelvis and helps regulate your cycle. Remember: healthy blood flow = healthy eggs.
For Hormone Support:
– Kidney-3: Near your inner ankle lies this powerful point. It’s your hormonal harmony helper. Make it part of your daily self-care routine.
For Emotional Balance:
– Liver-3: This point is your stress-relief button, helping regulate both emotions and cycles. Because let’s face it, darling – staying calm is crucial when trying to conceive.
💫 Pro Tip: While you can gently massage these points at home, I always recommend working with a qualified fertility acupuncturist for optimal results. They’ll know exactly how to customize treatments for your unique fertility journey.
Remember, beautiful – your body is designed to nurture life. Sometimes it just needs a little extra support to find its natural rhythm.
Want more personalized guidance? Let’s connect and discuss how to integrate these ancient wisdom practices into your modern fertility journey.
With love and baby dust,
Katie Legrand
Founder, BEcome Mum
“After trying for a few months to get pregnant, I started tracking my ovulation more closely. I used several ovulation apps, but they all seemed to have different advice, which made it confusing. Finally, I turned to ovulation strips, which gave me much clearer answers and helped me pinpoint my fertility window accurately.
It took about four months, but then—bingo! I found out I was pregnant with our second child. Now our little Philippe is almost a year old, and we’re so grateful. For anyone in a similar situation, I definitely recommend using ovulation strips to get an accurate read.”
Key facts about conception
- The chance of conception is highest within 24 hours of ovulation and drops significantly after that.
- Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for about 3 to 5 days after sex. This creates a “fertile window” of about 6 days around ovulation.
- Even with perfect timing, the chance of conception is only about 25% to 30% in any given cycle for healthy couples.
- Implantation occurs when the blastocyst attaches to the uterine lining, usually 6-10 days after fertilization.
- Age significantly impacts fertility; women’s fertility begins to decline more rapidly after age 35.
- At age 40, there is still a 5% chance to conceive naturally every month. At age 45, the chance of natural conception per cycle drops to about 1%.
- If you’re over 35 and have been trying to conceive for six months, it’s recommended to consult with a doctor to explore your options.
- By age 40, a woman is likely to have only 3% of her original egg supply remaining.
- Quit smoking and avoid alcohol: Both substances can reduce fertility and implantation rates.
- Women who conceive later in life often have established careers and financial stability, which can be beneficial for raising a child. But hurry up, dears!!!