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Making Babies have tried to cover some of the basic FAQ with regards to TTC. Please note that the answers on this page are not necessarily of my own opinion, but rather information gathered over the last two years from different fertility websites. Please refer to our "The Lingo" page in order to understand any acronyms that are used below: How long will it take after coming off Birth Control pills?
Each woman is different. You can conceive the first month after going off the pill. It all depends how long your body takes to “rid” itself of the BC hormones. The average time after going off BCP is 6months to as late as a year. With every passing month your chances are only getting better.
Can my weight play a role?
Yes and no. If your weight affects your ability to ovulate then obviously yes. Because you aren’t going to get PG if you aren’t ovulating. I guess the important fact is that you want to be healthy when you fall PG. So it can’t do any harm to lose a few extra kilos.
How long will it take until I conceive?
It has been stated that a healthy couple has a 25% chance of conceiving every cycle, with a success rate of falling pregnant within 6-12months.
Does a short or long cycle affect fertility?
The length of your actual cycle does not affect your fertility. It’s the length of your luteal phase that can make it difficult to conceive. As long as your LP is around 12-16 days long the length of your cycle shouldn’t matter.
Can you feel ovulation?
Some women report having ovulation cramps mid cycle. It tends to be a one sided pain that can last a few hours to a day or two. But the cramps don’t necessary mean that you are ovulating right at that moment. Some women have cramps a few days before, the day of or a day after ovulation.
Can you ovulate twice in one cycle?
If you were to ovulate twice it would happen within a space of 24 hours after the first egg was released.
Can ovulation be delayed?
Yes, ovulation can be delayed by a few days due to stress or illness.
What is an Anovulatory Cycle?
When ovulation does not happen in that cycle. You will still however experience a bleeding episode (which isn’t regarded as a normal AF.) Due to your uterine lining still “building up” and getting thicker throughout the cycle.
Can you get a positive OPK and still not ovulate?
Yes you can. Your body can build up to O and still have the test pick up a LH surge but then never release your egg. This can be due to hormonal imbalance or cysts. Best is to confirm your positive OPK with tracking your BBT. Making sure you have a thermal shift confirming that ovulation has indeed taken place.
Is there such a thing as too much BD?
Men with a normal sperm count can BD every day if so wished. But it is recommended that you BD every other day giving the sperm some time to “refresh its stock”.
What position is best for TTC?
There are many debates on this subject, most will say “whatever floats your boat”. While others stay strong to the rule of missionary or rear entry position.
Should I elevate my hips after BD?
It really couldn’t do any harm. They say elevating your hips by putting a pillow under your bum can help by keeping as much fluid/sperm from leaking out. But don’t think you have to be strapped to the bed for the next 8 hours to ensure this, 20-30 minutes is more than enough time for sperm to find its way to your cervix.
How much sperm is in the fluid that leaks out?
Most of the fluid that leaks out afterwards is seminal fluid. Rest assured that the needed sperm is already making its way to your egg.
Can showering/bathing straight after BD be bad for TTC?
They say as long as you aren’t douching after BD then you wont be “damaging” any potential sperm that is still near your cervix. You ideally don’t want to change the pH balance by using any soaps, this could “kill” any remaining sperm.
How do you tell the difference between seminal fluid and fertile CM?
Seminal fluid will be a lot thinner and will not “stretch”. CM has a stickier feel to it, with more elasticity.
Is there a way to ensure we conceive a girl or a boy?
There are a couple of “recipes” out there that you can read. Including the Shettles Method which states the following for a girl: BD two to three days before O since female sperm live longer than male sperm. For a boy: BD on the day of O since male sperm don’t live as long and are faster swimmers, hence getting to the egg quicker. These methods have worked for some, and obviously not for others.
Why do I have EWCM in the 2ww after I have Oed?
You can have a second surge of estrogen which can bring on the EWCM; this is usually followed by a dip in temperature (if you are tracking your BBT.)
What can affect my BBT readings?
Restless sleep, getting up a few times in the night, illness, not taking it at the same time everyday and drinking alcohol the night before.
What vitamins or supplements should I be taking while TTC?
The most important one is Folic Acid; it is recommended that you start taking folic acid up to 3 months before you start TTC. Vitamin B6 can also aid in lengthening your Luteal phase. You can of course take your daily multi vitamins too. Another supplement is Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) but please note this does not play a role in increasing your fertility. EPO helps increase your CM.
Can you have pregnancy symptoms immediately after conception?
Realistically no, because you can only have PG signs once hCG is being produced. And that only happens once the fertilized egg has implanted. Any early symptoms like tiredness, nausea, headaches can be blamed on rising levels of progesterone in the early 2ww stage.
What is a chemical pregnancy?
Is when a fertilized egg does not implant successfully. This is simply an early miscarriage where you will experience what you think is AF. Most woman are unaware if they have had chemical pregnancies since AF comes either right on time or a day or two late.
I am late for AF but my HPT keeps coming back negative?
For some reason you could have ovulated later this cycle, and since your LP stays consistent you would be “late” for AF. Another possible reason could be that you have developed a cyst. But this is not always the case. If you have any concerns its always best to consult with your doctor.
Can a yeast infection affect TTC?
Yeast infections are over all pretty easy to clear up with some meds from your doctor or OTC at the chemist. The only effect a YI can have is that it can cause a “hostile” environment in your vagina for the sperm to survive. It has no effect on ovulation or conception itself.
When to see your Doctor or Gynecologist?
It is recommended that after one year of TTC, or 6 months if you are over the age of 35, you should see your gynecologist. Also if you find you aren't ovulating regularly, or have cramps and pain with intercourse, its best to get checked out.
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