Fertility: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
7 Signs of Ovulation
Learn about seven ways to detect signs of ovulation. Signs of ovulation aren’t difficult to notice, once you know what to look for. Some signs of ovulation help warn you that ovulation is approaching, allowing you to time sex for pregnancy. Other signs of ovulation let you know that ovulation has passed.
Learn about seven ways to detect signs of ovulation. Signs of ovulation aren’t difficult to notice, once you know what to look for. Some signs of ovulation help warn you that ovulation is approaching, allowing you to time sex for pregnancy. Other signs of ovulation let you know that ovulation has passed.
When Can You Get Pregnant?
If getting pregnant is something you wish for, when is the best time to have sex? Learn more in this FAQ on getting pregnant, one of many provided by the About.com Guide to Fertility.
If getting pregnant is something you wish for, when is the best time to have sex? Learn more in this FAQ on getting pregnant, one of many provided by the About.com Guide to Fertility.
How to Check Cervical Mucus
To get pregnant, timing intercourse before ovulation is important. But how can you know when you're ovulating? Learn how to check and track your cervical mucus changes, so you can better predict ovulation.
To get pregnant, timing intercourse before ovulation is important. But how can you know when you're ovulating? Learn how to check and track your cervical mucus changes, so you can better predict ovulation.
Cervical Position & Ovulation
Checking your cervical position sounds very technical, but there’s no reason you can’t learn to check your cervical position at home. Learn how to understand changes in your cervical position in this article.
Checking your cervical position sounds very technical, but there’s no reason you can’t learn to check your cervical position at home. Learn how to understand changes in your cervical position in this article.
Clomid 101
Clomid is the most commonly used fertility drug, and with good reason. Clomid is easy to use and effective in stimulating ovulation 80% of the time. Learn more about Clomid, common Clomid side effects, and more.
Clomid is the most commonly used fertility drug, and with good reason. Clomid is easy to use and effective in stimulating ovulation 80% of the time. Learn more about Clomid, common Clomid side effects, and more.
Symptoms of Infertility
Usually, a couple doesn’t realize they are dealing with infertility until after unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant. However, for some couples, there are warning signs or risk factors that may hint to a fertility problem, before they try for six months to a year. This list of questions will help you and your partner discover if you should seek fertility help sooner rather than later.
Usually, a couple doesn’t realize they are dealing with infertility until after unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant. However, for some couples, there are warning signs or risk factors that may hint to a fertility problem, before they try for six months to a year. This list of questions will help you and your partner discover if you should seek fertility help sooner rather than later.
Getting Pregnant After 35
Getting pregnant after 35 may be more difficult than at age 25, but it’s not necessarily impossible. What are your chances for getting pregnant after age 35? Why is it more difficult than in your 20s and early 30s, and why do doctors recommend seeking help getting pregnant sooner than later if you’re past age 35? Find out in this article from the About.com Guide to Fertility.
Getting pregnant after 35 may be more difficult than at age 25, but it’s not necessarily impossible. What are your chances for getting pregnant after age 35? Why is it more difficult than in your 20s and early 30s, and why do doctors recommend seeking help getting pregnant sooner than later if you’re past age 35? Find out in this article from the About.com Guide to Fertility.
Help Getting Pregnant
Getting pregnant isn’t always easy. Not sure if you need help getting pregnant? Find out when you should get help, how long to try on your own, and how to speed up the process of finding help for getting pregnant.
Getting pregnant isn’t always easy. Not sure if you need help getting pregnant? Find out when you should get help, how long to try on your own, and how to speed up the process of finding help for getting pregnant.
How to Chart Your BBT
Detecting ovulation with basal body temperature charting is easy and inexpensive. Learn what options are available to help you chart your basal body temperature so you can detect ovulation.
Detecting ovulation with basal body temperature charting is easy and inexpensive. Learn what options are available to help you chart your basal body temperature so you can detect ovulation.
Treatment of Infertility
There are a wide variety of treatment options for couples experiencing infertility today, everything from the low-tech use of fertility drugs to the high tech, and expensive, use of assistive reproductive technologies. In this article on treatments of infertility, I explain in laymen’s terms the most commonly used infertility treatments, along with a few statistics on their respective success rates.
There are a wide variety of treatment options for couples experiencing infertility today, everything from the low-tech use of fertility drugs to the high tech, and expensive, use of assistive reproductive technologies. In this article on treatments of infertility, I explain in laymen’s terms the most commonly used infertility treatments, along with a few statistics on their respective success rates.
What is IUI?
When considering fertility treatments above and beyond fertility drug use, IUI may be the first tried. It’s easier to do than high-tech fertility treatment like IVF, and costs much less. Learn more about IUI here.
When considering fertility treatments above and beyond fertility drug use, IUI may be the first tried. It’s easier to do than high-tech fertility treatment like IVF, and costs much less. Learn more about IUI here.
What Is a Sperm Count Test?
Semen analysis should be part of every couple’s infertility work-up. Sperm count analysis is a relatively easy test. Still, it’s common to feel uneasy about any medical testing, and men are often nervous about receiving the results of a sperm count analysis. Learn about what to expect from a sperm count analysis test in this article.
Semen analysis should be part of every couple’s infertility work-up. Sperm count analysis is a relatively easy test. Still, it’s common to feel uneasy about any medical testing, and men are often nervous about receiving the results of a sperm count analysis. Learn about what to expect from a sperm count analysis test in this article.
Feeling Pregnant? How to Cope
Feeling pregnant? Have you been trying to get pregnant for a while and often have months when you think you’re pregnant, only to find out that, nope, you’re not. If yes, you are not alone. Learn more about feeling pregnant in this article.
Feeling pregnant? Have you been trying to get pregnant for a while and often have months when you think you’re pregnant, only to find out that, nope, you’re not. If yes, you are not alone. Learn more about feeling pregnant in this article.
5 Tips for Infertility Costs
Especially with IVF, infertility costs add up quickly. Considering that some couples may need up to three IVF cycles to get pregnant, plus the unfortunate fact that even high-tech IVF is no guarantee -- it’s enough to make your head spin. Here are five tips for making the high-cost treatments more tolerable.
Especially with IVF, infertility costs add up quickly. Considering that some couples may need up to three IVF cycles to get pregnant, plus the unfortunate fact that even high-tech IVF is no guarantee -- it’s enough to make your head spin. Here are five tips for making the high-cost treatments more tolerable.
Do I Need a Sperm Count Test?
Sperm count tests are, unfortunately, often forgotten, and men are often hesitant of sperm count testing. If your doctor has not recommended a sperm count analysis yet as part of your infertility work-up, read this article on why you should ask for a sperm count test right away.
Sperm count tests are, unfortunately, often forgotten, and men are often hesitant of sperm count testing. If your doctor has not recommended a sperm count analysis yet as part of your infertility work-up, read this article on why you should ask for a sperm count test right away.
Does Age Affect Male Fertility
Male fertility and age -- does it matter how old a man is? Turns out, age does affect male fertility. Find out how and in what ways age affects male fertility.
Male fertility and age -- does it matter how old a man is? Turns out, age does affect male fertility. Find out how and in what ways age affects male fertility.
Diagnosis of Infertility
Receiving a diagnosis of infertility can be heartbreaking, but may also open the doors to hope. Once you know something is wrong, you can start working towards a solution. In this article, learn when a diagnosis of infertility is given, tips on speeding up the process of getting a diagnosis of infertility, and the common causes of infertility in men and women.
Receiving a diagnosis of infertility can be heartbreaking, but may also open the doors to hope. Once you know something is wrong, you can start working towards a solution. In this article, learn when a diagnosis of infertility is given, tips on speeding up the process of getting a diagnosis of infertility, and the common causes of infertility in men and women.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)? How is related to infertility, and what are common symptoms? Learn in this definition of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)? How is related to infertility, and what are common symptoms? Learn in this definition of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
How to Take Your BBT
Charting your basal body temperature (BBT) is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to track ovulation. Because the shift in temperature is so small, it’s important to take your temperature the right way. Learn how.
Charting your basal body temperature (BBT) is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to track ovulation. Because the shift in temperature is so small, it’s important to take your temperature the right way. Learn how.
Coping with Infertility
If you’re having a hard time coping with infertility, you’re not alone. Research has shown that the psychological stress experienced by women with infertility is similar to that of women coping with illnesses like cancer, HIV, and chronic pain. Infertility is not an easy disease to cope with. Read this article to learn what kinds of feelings to expect, along with tips on how to cope.
If you’re having a hard time coping with infertility, you’re not alone. Research has shown that the psychological stress experienced by women with infertility is similar to that of women coping with illnesses like cancer, HIV, and chronic pain. Infertility is not an easy disease to cope with. Read this article to learn what kinds of feelings to expect, along with tips on how to cope.
Hostile Cervical Mucus
What is a hostile cervical mucus, and how does it impact infertility? Read a definition here.
What is a hostile cervical mucus, and how does it impact infertility? Read a definition here.
Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPK)
What is an ovulation predictor kit (OPK)?
What is an ovulation predictor kit (OPK)?
What is Infertility?
You probably already know the basic definition of infertility – an inability to get pregnant. But did you know that infertility also includes women who can get pregnant, but continually miscarry? Did you know that infertility can affect couples who have had children successfully in the past? Read this article to learn important facts on infertility, plus the answers to commonly held infertility myths.
You probably already know the basic definition of infertility – an inability to get pregnant. But did you know that infertility also includes women who can get pregnant, but continually miscarry? Did you know that infertility can affect couples who have had children successfully in the past? Read this article to learn important facts on infertility, plus the answers to commonly held infertility myths.
Ovulation and Sexual Desire
Nature does know what it's doing. Increased sexual desire often correlates to impending ovulation. Read more about an interesting study on sexual desire and ovulation.
Nature does know what it's doing. Increased sexual desire often correlates to impending ovulation. Read more about an interesting study on sexual desire and ovulation.
Cervical Mucus
What is cervical mucus (also known as cervical fluid), and what does it have to do with infertility and getting pregnant? Read a definition here.
What is cervical mucus (also known as cervical fluid), and what does it have to do with infertility and getting pregnant? Read a definition here.
Am I Too Young for Infertility
When it comes to fertility and age, do women only over age 35 deal with infertility? Or can infertility occur during younger ages, such as in the 20s and early 30s? Learn how infertility affects young women in this article.
When it comes to fertility and age, do women only over age 35 deal with infertility? Or can infertility occur during younger ages, such as in the 20s and early 30s? Learn how infertility affects young women in this article.
Cervix
What is a cervix? Read the definition here.
What is a cervix? Read the definition here.
Study: BMI and Fertility Link
New research from the Academic Medical Center in The Netherlands found that women with regular cycles, and otherwise no obvious fertility problems, still have a hard time getting pregnant if they are overweight. They also found that the more overweight the woman is, the lower her chances of pregnancy. For more information on this study, read this article.
New research from the Academic Medical Center in The Netherlands found that women with regular cycles, and otherwise no obvious fertility problems, still have a hard time getting pregnant if they are overweight. They also found that the more overweight the woman is, the lower her chances of pregnancy. For more information on this study, read this article.
Start an Infertility Blog
Starting an infertility blog is an easy and great way to cope with the stress of trying to conceive. A search online for “TTC blog,” “infertility blog,” or “fertility blog” will pop up more blogs than you might imagine. Learn why starting an infertility blog is a great coping tool, and learn how to get started with a TTC blog.
Starting an infertility blog is an easy and great way to cope with the stress of trying to conceive. A search online for “TTC blog,” “infertility blog,” or “fertility blog” will pop up more blogs than you might imagine. Learn why starting an infertility blog is a great coping tool, and learn how to get started with a TTC blog.
Basal Body Temperature
What is your basal body temperature? Find out the definition of body basal body temperature, and also learn how charting your BBT can help you get pregnant.
What is your basal body temperature? Find out the definition of body basal body temperature, and also learn how charting your BBT can help you get pregnant.
Saliva Ferning Kit
What is a saliva ferning kit? And how can it help you get pregnant?
What is a saliva ferning kit? And how can it help you get pregnant?
When Are You Having Kids?
What is the best way to answer that dreaded question almost every couple coping with infertility faces: "When are you going to have kids?" Here's how to cope with this difficult situation.
What is the best way to answer that dreaded question almost every couple coping with infertility faces: "When are you going to have kids?" Here's how to cope with this difficult situation.
Should You Tell People?
Should you tell your friends and family about your infertility? Finding support is essential when coping with infertility, but you should think carefully before you share your news. Learn what to consider when choosing who to seek support from.
Should you tell your friends and family about your infertility? Finding support is essential when coping with infertility, but you should think carefully before you share your news. Learn what to consider when choosing who to seek support from.
Luteal Phase
What is the luteal phase, and how long on average is the luteal phase?
What is the luteal phase, and how long on average is the luteal phase?
Endometriosis
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue grow in abnormal ways and in the wrong places.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue grow in abnormal ways and in the wrong places.
Infertility Survival Day
National Infertility Survival Day is a relatively new holiday, invented to celebrate all the hard work and effort that infertile couples put towards trying to have a child. The day’s main emphasis is on self-care and celebration for what we do have.
National Infertility Survival Day is a relatively new holiday, invented to celebrate all the hard work and effort that infertile couples put towards trying to have a child. The day’s main emphasis is on self-care and celebration for what we do have.
IVF
IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. During a typical IVF procedure, fertility drugs are used to stimulate the ovaries. Then, the eggs are retrieved, and placed together with sperm in a special nutrient rich cocktail. After fertilization takes place, one to three embryos are placed inside the woman’s uterus.
IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. During a typical IVF procedure, fertility drugs are used to stimulate the ovaries. Then, the eggs are retrieved, and placed together with sperm in a special nutrient rich cocktail. After fertilization takes place, one to three embryos are placed inside the woman’s uterus.
Anovulation
As you go through infertility testing and treatment, you’ll probably come across a number of words that you’ve never heard before. Knowing the terminology can help you ask better questions when speaking to your doctor, and help you as you research the topic on your own. Anovulation refers to a lack of ovulation.
As you go through infertility testing and treatment, you’ll probably come across a number of words that you’ve never heard before. Knowing the terminology can help you ask better questions when speaking to your doctor, and help you as you research the topic on your own. Anovulation refers to a lack of ovulation.
FSH
Follicle stimulating hormone(FSH) is responsible for stimulating the growth and development of eggs in women, and stimulating the growth and development of sperm cells in men. Learn more about FSH.
Follicle stimulating hormone(FSH) is responsible for stimulating the growth and development of eggs in women, and stimulating the growth and development of sperm cells in men. Learn more about FSH.
RESOLVE Support Groups
Infertility support groups can provide much needed support for women and couples coping with infertility. RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association, maintains a network of therapist-led and peer-led infertility support groups across the US. Learn where to find a RESOLVE support group and what to expect.
Infertility support groups can provide much needed support for women and couples coping with infertility. RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association, maintains a network of therapist-led and peer-led infertility support groups across the US. Learn where to find a RESOLVE support group and what to expect.
Fertility - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Fertility guide site.
An index of HowTos for the Fertility guide site.
Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone secreted after ovulation. Progesterone is meant to prepare the uterus for pregnancy, among other things. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone production is eventually provided by the placenta. Learn more about progesterone.
Progesterone is a hormone secreted after ovulation. Progesterone is meant to prepare the uterus for pregnancy, among other things. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone production is eventually provided by the placenta. Learn more about progesterone.
HSG (Hysterosalpingogram)
An HSG, or hysterosalpingogram, is a test, sometimes included during a woman’s infertility work-up, that allows the doctor to evaluate the shape of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Learn more about HSG.
An HSG, or hysterosalpingogram, is a test, sometimes included during a woman’s infertility work-up, that allows the doctor to evaluate the shape of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Learn more about HSG.
Male Factor Infertility
Male factor infertility is the phrase used when the cause for infertility is from the man’s side.
Male factor infertility is the phrase used when the cause for infertility is from the man’s side.
ICSIs
ICSIs stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and is pronounced ICK-sea, or ICK-seas. Sometimes used with assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, ICSI involved taking one sperm cell and injecting it directly into an egg, with a small, specialized needle.
ICSIs stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and is pronounced ICK-sea, or ICK-seas. Sometimes used with assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, ICSI involved taking one sperm cell and injecting it directly into an egg, with a small, specialized needle.
Fertility - Articles
An index of Articles for the Fertility guide site.
An index of Articles for the Fertility guide site.
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
LH, or luteinizing hormone, is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that helps the egg mature and develop. There is a surge of LH right before ovulation that triggers the egg’s release from the ovary, and this surge is what at-home ovulation predictor kits look for. Learn more about LH.
LH, or luteinizing hormone, is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that helps the egg mature and develop. There is a surge of LH right before ovulation that triggers the egg’s release from the ovary, and this surge is what at-home ovulation predictor kits look for. Learn more about LH.
Reproductive Endocrinologist
What is a reproductive endocrinologist? Find out here.
What is a reproductive endocrinologist? Find out here.
IUI
IUI stands for intrauterine insemination. Also known as artificial insemination (AI), IUI fertility treatment involves placing specially washed sperm directly into the woman’s uterus through a small tube. The procedure is low tech and completed in the doctor’s office by either a nurse or doctor.
IUI stands for intrauterine insemination. Also known as artificial insemination (AI), IUI fertility treatment involves placing specially washed sperm directly into the woman’s uterus through a small tube. The procedure is low tech and completed in the doctor’s office by either a nurse or doctor.
GIFT
GIFT is an acronym for gamete intrafallopian transfer. Hardly ever done anymore, GIFT is an assisted reproductive treatment where the gametes, or egg and sperm cell, are not fertilized outside the body, as they are during typical IVF. Learn more GIFT.
GIFT is an acronym for gamete intrafallopian transfer. Hardly ever done anymore, GIFT is an assisted reproductive treatment where the gametes, or egg and sperm cell, are not fertilized outside the body, as they are during typical IVF. Learn more GIFT.
Sperm Morphology
Sperm morphology refers to the shape and/or form of the sperm cells.
Sperm morphology refers to the shape and/or form of the sperm cells.
Oligospermia
With oligospermia, there are few sperm cells produced, resulting in a low sperm count.
With oligospermia, there are few sperm cells produced, resulting in a low sperm count.
Azoospermia
Azoospermia: Azoospermia refers to a complete lack of sperm sells.
Azoospermia: Azoospermia refers to a complete lack of sperm sells.
Zygote
Zygote: The zygote stage refers to the moment after the sperm fertilizes the egg, but before cell division begins. (Once cell division begins, it is referred to as an embryo.)
Zygote: The zygote stage refers to the moment after the sperm fertilizes the egg, but before cell division begins. (Once cell division begins, it is referred to as an embryo.)
ART
As you go through infertility testing and treatment, you’ll probably come across a number of words that you’ve never heard before. Knowing the terminology can help you ask better questions when speaking to your doctor, and help you as you research the topic on your own. ART stands for assisted reproductive technologies, which refers to any fertility treatment that involves eggs or embryos (fertilized eggs).
As you go through infertility testing and treatment, you’ll probably come across a number of words that you’ve never heard before. Knowing the terminology can help you ask better questions when speaking to your doctor, and help you as you research the topic on your own. ART stands for assisted reproductive technologies, which refers to any fertility treatment that involves eggs or embryos (fertilized eggs).
Gamete
Gamete: In infertility treatments, the gamete refers to either the egg or sperm cell.
Gamete: In infertility treatments, the gamete refers to either the egg or sperm cell.