Tips for Getting Pregnant the Second Time Around

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If you have already had a child then you may be thinking that it will be easy to get pregnant a second time. Obviously, getting pregnant worked the first time so why would it not work the next time around? The truth is, getting pregnant a second time may be more difficult then you are thinking.

The truth about getting pregnant is that there are several biological things that have to perfectly line up in order to create a baby. Secondary infertility is actually pretty common among parents. Basically, there is no medical reason for why a woman who has had a child is unable to get pregnant again. However, there are some simple lifestyle changes that can make getting pregnant easier.

Many women do not realize how much their personal health will effect the likelihood of them getting pregnant again. Making changes like eating healthy, exercising, and losing weight will all help you to increase your probability of getting pregnant again. You should also consider cutting back on your intake of caffeine and alcohol.

It might also be important for you to become more knowledgeable about what your body is doing reproductively. The better you understand your cycle, the more likely you are to conceive. We have all heard that there are optimal times for a woman to conceive and what we have heard is absolutely correct. So consult your OBGYN to determine when you are most fertile.

You should also consult with your doctor to make sure that you are getting enough vitamins and minerals to ensure that when you get pregnant you will have a healthy baby.

Filed Under: Advice, Health, Reproductive health Tagged With: , ,

Getting in tip top form before trying for a baby

If you’re planning for a child you want to give that little person the very best start in life possible and here are a few tips to get your bodies in tip top form and ready to fall pregnant!

Firstly don’t put too much pressure on yourselves! Relax and enjoy the quiet times as all too soon you will have another person in your life waking you up for 2am feeds.  Stress on a relationship is not good for you and certainly not good for your bodies!

Know your bodies.  Really get in tune with yourself.  Work out the menstural cycle and the optimum window of opportunity for conception. A general rule is five days leading up to ovulation and 12 hours after.  Work within this timeframe for optimum chances of conception

CYCLE : menstrual cycle tracker for women

Image by *Luana* via Flickr

Enjoy yourselves! Dont make sex a chore, or something that has to get done before you go to work because its the “right time”.  If you know your cycle then plan intimate dates and romantic dinners around these times.  Discover each other again and re-ignite that passion!

Look after your body externally.  Be careful which tampons you use and the chemicals that are in vaginal washes and sprays. Go for organic, natural products where possible.

Look after your body on the inside, and that goes for the men too!  Take extra vitamins and look at your diet.  For healthy sperm go for a healthy heart diet full of oatmeal, veggies and a reduction in red meat and alcohol which can be attributed to restricted blood flow.

In summary, listen to your body, go natural and organic where possible and get your body in the best shape it can be to increasst your chances of conception.

Newborn Baby - Edinburgh Photographer

Filed Under: Reproductive health Tagged With: , ,

A Look at the Belief That Hot Tubs and Jacuzzis Could Cause Lower Sperm Count

One of the leading causes of infertility in male is low sperm count. When trying to have a child it is important that there be enough sperm in order to conceive a child. There are list of things that males are encouraged to do to increase the amount of sperm that their body produces. One of the most commonly recommended things males are to do is to avoid using a Jacuzzi or hot tub. Here’s a look at this common belief and whether or not avoiding Jacuzzis and hot tubs can really increase a male sperm count.

The male sexual reproductive system is dependent upon the testes. This part of the male reproductive system stores and produces sperm. The testes are usually cooler than the rest of the body. This means that when the body is heated up this firm is several degrees cooler than the rest of the body. This is a common problem when a male enters hot tub or Jacuzzi as the body will up.

All hot tubs and Jacuzzis are kept at a temperature of 102 to 104°F. When the male uses the Jacuzzi or hot tub this temperature of the water will increase the body’s internal temperature. When the body’s temperature is increased it will decrease the amount of sperm that the body produces. This can be a problem if there is already a low amount of sperm being produced by the body.

It is believed that the use of a hot tub or Jacuzzi could decrease the amount of sperm produced by the body as much as 40%. Regular or prolonged exposure and use of hot dogs or Jacuzzi could lead to permanent male infertility.

Luckily, the body will usually recover from the heat exposure it has received from the hot tub or Jacuzzi. The male’s body will often start to recover a week to 10 days after it has used the Jacuzzi or hot tub.

Filed Under: Reproductive health, Sexual health Tagged With: , ,

Increasing Male Libido Through Vitamins

Many men as they age experience a decrease in sexual desire. This is known as a decrease in male libido. While there are many prescription drugs such as Viagra that work to increase male libido there are many natural ways that you can increase the male libido. This is usually done by increasing vitamins and supplements but the male takes. Here is a look at some of vitamins that can increase a male’s sexual desire and libido.

Zinc. Zinc is known to produce a higher amount of hormones that increase testosterone and can also increase the sperm count. Having a low amount of zinc in the body can result in lower sperm count, infertility problems and decreased in sexual drive. Zinc can be increased by taking supplements or by eating certain foods that are high in zinc such as chicken, beef, peanut butter and raw oysters.

Vitamin E. Increased male fertility and a higher amount of testosterone is often attributed to vitamin E. Low amounts of vitamin E can often lead to a decrease in sexual drive. Vitamin E can be increased by eating certain foods such as asparagus, brussels sprouts and broccoli.

The B vitamins. There are several B vitamins that are known to increase the male sexual drive. These vitamins include B5, B6 and B12. All of these vitamins are known to increase testosterone and can help the male reproductive health. Foods that are rich in the B vitamins include avocados, eggs, salmon and other types of fish. However the B vitamins can also be increased by various vitamins and supplements.

Filed Under: Reproductive health, Sexual health Tagged With: ,

Questions to Bring Up On Your Gynocological Exam

Many women will only visit the gynecologist once a year. It is important to make the most out of your gynecological visit. This can be getting the proper testing done, asking the right questions and making sure that you are prepared with the proper medications and birth control. Here’s a look at some of the questions and concerns you should bring up on your next gynecological visit which would make sure that you are getting the most out of your healthcare visit.

STD testing. Many STDs can be treated or cured when caught early. It is important for you to bring up any potential STDs you may have been exposed to in the recent year. Your gynecologist may order a complete STD panel to make sure that there are no hidden STDs that you may not be aware of.

Incontinence. Incontinence is an issue that you can bring up with both your healthcare provider or your gynecologist. Many gynecological problems can often result in incontinence in women. Gynecologist can recommend exercises or even a prescription medicine which can help with incontinence.

The Morning After Pill. The morning after pill is used by many women as an extra level of protection against pregnancy. Consider bringing up with her gynecologist whether or not you would like to have the morning-after pill as an extra precaution against pregnancy.

Birth Control. You should also bring up the type of birth control that you use with your gynecologist. They will help you evaluate whether or not your current birth control is effective and whether you should make any switches to the type of birth control that you are using.

Filed Under: Reproductive health, Sexual health Tagged With: ,

Deciding What Birth Control is Right for You

Image of vaginal birth control device NuvaRing

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There are hundreds of different types of birth control methods out there that women can use. The type of birth control that you want to use will depend on your lifestyle, how often you want to take it, and what you feel comfortable with. If you are considering starting birth control or making a switch from the current birth control here is a look at some of the things you should consider which will help you decide which birth control is right for you.

Method Of Birth Control. Some birth control can be taken in pill form, patch, vaginal ring or through injections. Some people do not like having to take a pill every day or having to insert the vaginal ring. Consider the method of birth control in what you feel comfortable with. This will help you decide which birth control is right for you.

Frequency of Birth Control. You must decide how often you want to have to take the birth control. Some pills are taken every day for a month, the patches maybe once a week, the vaginal ring is monthly and injections can be once every 3 to 4 months. Consider how often you want to handle birth control and what fits your schedule.

Hormone Levels. The hormone levels in some birth controls are higher than others. Consider how much hormones you want in your body as some may be administering high dosages of hormones.

Considering these factors will help you determine which birth controls are right for you and will offer you the best protection.

Filed Under: Reproductive health, Sexual Education Tagged With: , ,
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