Keeping Sex Fun While TTC

“It’s time!”  Those two little words quickly replaced lace lingerie, and making out on the couch as prerequisites to sex.  While the old cliché that married life drastically reduces a couple’s sex life and drive may be true – it is the complete opposite when a couple begins ‘trying’ to conceive (TTC).  In just a few short weeks, you can go from knowing very little about the intricacies of ovulation and conception, to rivaling the know-how of any good doctor in town.  And of course, the sex is an absolutely important part of the plan.

What happens in far too many instances is that sex becomes an act of creation rather than an act of passion and romance.  Sure, it might be sort of fun, but basically man and woman are simply waiting for the big finale, going through the motions so to speak – so that the woman can lie on the bed with her feet stuck straight up in the air for the suggested ten minutes.  You know… to allow the sperm to sink in to the uterus so those silly fellows can find the awaiting egg.  It’s funny really.  If baby making truly took a bunch of tricks and acrobatic acts to be successful, I imagine that pregnancy rates would be a lot lower than they are today!

There are all sorts of methods of conception that can help you to plan a birth date or sway the chances of conceiving one gender or another.  In the time it takes you to read all these books and effectively subtract the ‘fun’ out of your sex life, you could have conceived already.  Today, we are a society that tries to control too much, and in some instances of life, such as having a baby, we should leave things up to destiny to show us the path.

After a month or two of this TTC, partners often feel lifeless in the sack and completely exhausted from the stress and pressure of trying to make a baby.  If it doesn’t work right away, worry sets in heightening anxiety and often distancing partners sexually and otherwise.  Research strongly suggests, that in many cases this is exactly what keeps us from conceiving.  The release of stress hormones just doesn’t coincide with the hormonal reactions necessary to producing children.  Perhaps that is why so many babies are conceived in the most precarious of places, like the backseat of the car, the kitchen counter, an elevator or during a Christmas Party at your folk’s house during a quick trip to the bathroom with your partner.  (Ooh la la)

Wanting to have a baby definitely changes your life.  However, you should take this opportunity to enjoy the freedom of being able to make love anytime you want without worrying about waking up children.  Trust me, once a child is born you will reminisce about the old days of sex!  Remember to keep it real and rather than try to make stringent plans that fall in line with your lifestyle or desire to give birth in a certain month of the year – take the stance of simply ‘not trying to NOT get pregnant.’ That is exactly how MOST folks end up pregnant to begin with.

Remember, HAVE FUN.  Keeping sex fun while TTC can help reduce the stress of wanting a baby. And we all know, stress is not good for couples trying to conceive.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2014. All rights reserved.

 

Common Infertility Issues

When it comes to infertility, finding the reason for it is the most important factor. Since both men and women can have issues that lead to infertility, we break down the MOST COMMON infertility issues in both men and women.  

In women, the most common causes of infertility are:

  • Anovulation – Most common in women with irregular periods.  Essentially, this means there is a problem with ovulation where an egg does not mature, is not released, or cannot be implanted in the uterus.
  • Tubal Issues – Blockages in the fallopian tubes that restrict the fertilized egg from making its way to the uterus for implantation.  Clear fallopian tubes are essential for natural pregnancy to occur.
  • Unhealthy Uterus – Sometimes structural defects in the uterus make it difficult for implantation to occur.  Additionally, fibroid cysts, polyps, or adhesions may be the problem.
  • Problems with Cervical Mucous – In order for sperm to survive in there must be adequate cervical mucous (increased by hormones during ovulation).  This mucous also helps the sperm and egg to travel throughout the female reproductive organs.
  • Endometriosis / Adhesions – This can be present in any of the reproductive organs.  Most women are aware they have these problems, as they often require surgery or tremendous amounts of pain.
  • Genetic Problems

In men, the most common causes of infertility are as follows:  

  • Genital Abnormalities – This may be with the penis, testicles or inner workings of the male genitalia.  These can sometimes cause blockages in the seminal tract.
  • Low Sperm Quality – This can indicate that the sperm do not move well, are not shaped properly, or are not ejaculated in high enough amounts.
  • Varicocele – An enlargement of the certain veins and reduces sperm production.
  • Hormonal Imbalances
  • Genetic Problems

For both men and women with problems like these, there are treatments available.  For very problematic cases, surgery is necessary and in some cases – can completely reverse infertility. Without underlying medical conditions or problems, most OBGYN’s will not send their patients to a fertility doctor until a couple has been trying to conceive for 6 months or more.

No matter what – KEEP HEART. Stay faithful! And always keep your heart and mind focused on your ultimate goal of conception.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2013. All rights reserved.