1. Have intercourse every 1-2 days beginning soon after your period is over, to obtain the highest pregnancy rates. Although intercourse at least 2-3 times a week, during the rest of the month, can result in nearly the same conception chances.

2. For couples who don’t want to maintain this love-making schedule all month, use of an ovulation prediction device to time intercourse can benefit pregnancy rates.

Dr. E’s Pick to learn more about ovulation tests from Clearblue and other ovulation predictors from Fairhaven.

3. Using “everyday” commercial lubricants (such as KY Jelly or Astroglide) may decrease fertility rates because they are toxic to sperm. These lubricants should be avoided when couples are trying to conceive. In contrast, Pre-Seed is suggested for this group as it does not harm sperm.

4. The “fertile window” in women is for 6 days ending on the day of ovulation. During this time, women should have an increased quantity of cervical mucus (CM) and it should become slippery and clear.

Dr. E’s Pick to learn more Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler www.tcoyf.com/.

5. Time to conception increases with age. Women over 35 yrs of age should consult a fertility specialist if they have been trying to conceive for 6 months or more without success.

6. Smoking; drinking more than two servings of alcohol or caffeine each day; or being very under or over weight can decrease fertility and should be avoided when you are trying to conceive.

* For couples with no history of infertility or reproductive problems