Aside from improving the overall health of an individual by avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, and excessive weight gain, there are some things that can be done to improve fertility. Here are a few of them:

Learn about positions. Some sexual positions are touted to be more conducive to pregnancy. The missionary position, for instance, is thought to be one such position, as it allows the uterus to receive more sperm. (In this position, a woman lies down on her back while the man is on top.) After ejaculation, a woman should lie still for at least five to ten minutes, without significant changes in posture. This gives the sperm time to reach the cervix. Note that other positions may work better for some couples; so be sure to ask your doctor about the possibilities.

Use the proper lubrication. Many lubricants on the market today are known sperm-killers. This includes petroleum jelly or K-Y jelly. Some experts recommend liquid paraffin (available from a chemist) or just some plain old egg whites. (Egg whites must not be used if either partner is allergic to poultry and poultry products.)

Temporary sexual abstinence. Regular intercourse places a strain on a man’s ability to produce sperm. Temporary abstinence from sex allows the male glands to produce more sperm. A period of three to seven days is optimal.

Avoid tight underwear. This is for men only. Underwear that constricts the testicles may reduce sperm count.

Consult your doctor. The causes of infertility are varied and often complex. If you are unable to pinpoint the cause of the problem or a prospective solution, consult a professional.

By applying a few of these tips, you can improve your chances of conception.

Female infertility can be caused by a host of different factors; most of them discernable only with the help of a medical professional. Some conditions that are hostile to pregnancy include the following:

Ovulation disorders. Women who do not have regular periods are possibly not ovulating. No ovulation, no pregnancy.

Inflammation of the Fallopian tube. Inflammation of the fallopian tube may lead to blockage. Blocked tubes do not allow the entry of sperm, and therefore interrupts the fertilization process.

Menopause and old age. After a certain age women are less likely to conceive children. When a woman is in her early to mid-thirties, she will be up to 20% less fertile; from her mid to late thirties, she will be up to 50% less fertile. After the age of forty, fertility declines by over 90%. The reason for this is that the quality and quantity of eggs produced by a woman declines with old age. The best time for pregnancy is the early twenties.

Improving the Odds of Pregnancy

Increase your awareness. All women should be aware of their fertile time. Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before the next period. For women with 28-day cycles, the fourteenth day is generally regarded as the best day for getting pregnant.

Monitor yourself. Changes in a woman’s basal temperature and cervical mucus may signal increased fertility periods. Elevations in a woman’s temperature signals greater chances of pregnancy, as do changes in the appearance and consistency of the cervical mucus (Its color and density resembles egg whites during periods of great fertility).