QuestionMy husband and I have been trying to have a baby for about 3 months now. Just to give you a little history...I am 28 yrs old and have been on BCP since the age of 18. I recently got off of the pill 5/19/06. We begin trying to have a baby on 9/1/06. We have been unsuccessful. We have tried ovulation tracker (stick) but that did not work either. Since being off of the pill my period has not been regular, although I think I am getting on track now. My last period was 11/16/06 so i am expecting the next one to come on 12/14/06. I am not sure ovulation would be but we have been trying at least 2 times in one week. My questions is when is the highest day for ovulation? When we have sex how long does it take for the sperm to reach the egg and is there a certain amt of time I should wait after ejaculation? Would it take us a long time to get pregnant and is there something we can do different to speed up the process? Thanks for your help!
AnswerHi Trice :)
Just keep in mind, that it can take healthy couples up to 1 year to get pregnant. I know 3 months can feel like an eternity when you are trying to get pregnant, so please dont worry at this point.
Birthcontrol pills, can have a lingering effect on a ladies cycle. For some, they can have a regular natural period immediately, and for others it can take longer. Usually, its reccomended that a lady give her cycle 3 months birthcontrol free before trying to concieve. However, even then a woman can experience irregular cycles due to the effect of the controception.
The great news, is that you are indeed ovulating. You are having a period, so this is an indicator. The question, is when. And well timing is essential!
The General rule is that on day 14, counting from day 1 of your period, is when you will go into ovulation. However, this isnt for everywoman, especially for those whom have slight to moderate irregular cycles.
It is possible that from anywhere between day 10 and day 20 a lady can ovulate. Not every lady will ovulate on day 14. You said that ovulation kits havent worked. So in being active between day 10-20, you know pretty much that you will be ovulating at some point in that time frame.
Now, what I think you should do, is from day 10-20, have intercourse with your husband every second day. By doing ever other day, you are allowing your husbands sperm count to double, perhaps even triple. dont worry about missing a day. Sperm can live 3-4 days or so ..so there will be sperm living in your body, just waiting for that egg.
After having intercourse, you can get pregnant within hours, or it could happen a day or 2 later. Depends on ovulation, and ofcourse as I said .. sperm can live 3-4 days, so if there are active sperm still inside the body, and you ovulate a day or so later, then you are still able to get pregnant.
So, Again Trice, given that we dont know exactly when you are ovulating, I think being active every other day between day 10-20 of your cycle will greatly increase your chances of becomming pregnant. Its not a sure thing, but Its safe to say your chances will be higher.
Hope this answers your question, and thanks for writing!
-Kristy
