Preseed.com Blog

Over 75% of the time couples that are not conceiving (that are infertile), have one of the following four problems. If you are younger than 35 yrs of age (for the woman)- have these checked out if you have not conceived in a year. If you are 35 yrs old or older, after 6 months of trying you may want to get checked out!

1) Poor sperm quality At least 50% of the time, when a couple is not conceiving there is some component of abnormal or poor quality sperm. This may be all of the problem, or partially the problem (so that both the man and the woman are contributing). A sperm analysis should be done by an ANDROLOGIST or a fertility Urologist. Many RE clinics do not do sperm analyses correctly (read our other FAQs about this). IF his test is abnormal, repeat it once more to confirm the results. Also, remember with guys, quality counts! The better intercourse feels for him, and the more foreplay the MORE sperm he can make. Pre~Seed can help here to make things slippery fun!

2) Abnormal Cycle This often has to do with hormonal abnormalities, and can be seen as failure to ovulate or cycle normally, or chemical pregnancy and losses. Working with an ObGyn or RE to evaluate how your ovaries are functioning is critical. While you are waiting, keep a careful, detailed log of when you have your period, when you have any ovulation mucus, and any other information on your cycle. The very best book on monitoring this is Toni Weschler’s book “Taking Charge of Your Fertility”.

3) Tubal Problems Many women have blocked tubes, that keep the sperm and egg from meeting. The only way to know if this is the case is to have special testing done. In general, couples often wait too long to have this testing. It can be helpful to know what is going on, and in some cases the testing itself can help promote conception. Especially if you have had a history of Chlamydia or bacterial vaginosis, have this checked!

4) Poorly Timed Intercourse Many couples do not have intercourse at the right time. Specifically, some women ovulate a little later than OPKs suggest. So they are quitting the baby dance too soon. If you are unsure at all, regular intercourse 2-3 times a week has been shown to be almost as effective as every day well timed intercourse. Too many couples have daily sex for 2-3 days early on at ovulation and then stop, only to have actually missed her peak time.

If you have ruled all these out, then I also suggest you have a sperm chromatin assay done, to make sure the DNA in his sperm is of an adequate quality to support conception. There is a FAQ on this at our site also.

Take Care-