A normal pregnancy begins when a fertilized egg attaches to the endometrial lining of the uterus. Fertilization occurs shortly after ovulation in the fallopian tube, near the ovary. Immediately after fertilization, the egg begins to divide and develops into an embryo (blastocyst) within about a week. When the embryo attaches to the lining of the uterus (implantation), it begins to produce the placental hormone (chorionic gonadotropin – hCG), which can be detected by a pregnancy test.
A pregnancy test can be used to reliably detect pregnancy when your period is late. The duration of pregnancy is calculated from the previous menstrual period, so a positive pregnancy test means that you are already around 4 weeks pregnant. The first early ultrasound scan is usually done at week 7 of pregnancy, when the location of the pregnancy, the size of the fetus and the heartbeat can be determined.
The first trimester of pregnancy is a particularly sensitive time, as all the fetus’s important organs are developing. During this period, the fetus is sensitive to, for example, the mother’s illnesses, medications, and intoxicants, so a healthy lifestyle is very important.
How do you know when an egg is released?
A regular menstrual cycle is usually a sign that an egg is released at the time of ovulation. The luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that precedes ovulation can be detected with a home ovulation test (urine test). After a positive test result, ovulation usually occurs the next day.
At the time of ovulation, cervical mucus becomes clear and runny, which can make it easier to identify the time of ovulation. To optimize the likelihood of pregnancy, it is worth timing intercourse around the time of ovulation.
What is the best frequency of intercourse?
According to research, the best chance of pregnancy is achieved with daily intercourse. If intercourse occurs every other day, the probability of pregnancy is only slightly lower. However, intercourse once a week reduces the probability of pregnancy to less than half.
Contrary to popular belief, daily ejaculations do not reduce the number of sperm in the semen. On the contrary, sperm quality improves, which increases the likelihood of pregnancy and reduces the risk of miscarriage.
Fertility optimization and infertility treatments in women
Age and fertility
A woman’s age is the single most important predictor of fertility as well as the success of infertility treatments. The probability of pregnancy begins to decline significantly after the age of 30 and deteriorates even further after the age of 35. In public healthcare in Finland, new infertility treatments are not started for women over the age of 40, because the probability of success of treatments is clearly reduced at this stage.
However, the effect of age is not limited to the probability of conception. The risks of pregnancy-related complications, such as preeclampsia, increase with age. However, donor egg treatments can offer a solution, as they effectively enable pregnancy also in women over the age of 40. Most pregnancies in women well over the age of 40 are achieved with the help of donor egg treatments, not due to exceptionally good spontaneous fertility. However, it is important to note that the pregnancy-related risks that come with age cannot be eliminated even with donor cell treatments. In Ovumia, the age limit for fertility treatment for a woman is 46 years.
Weight and fertility
Being overweight can reduce the response of the ovaries to hormone treatments and reduce the likelihood of successful infertility treatments. It is especially important to note that being overweight significantly increases the risk of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes. This can affect both childbirth and the well-being of the newborn.
In some cases, treating excess weight before infertility treatments is necessary. Today, new, effective ways to control weight are available, e.g. obesity medications. In severe cases, bariatric surgery can also be considered as part of the treatment plan.
Diseases and medications
Appropriate treatment of any existing diseases is very important when planning a pregnancy. For example, good diabetes management and optimization of thyroid function are essential to ensure a successful pregnancy. It is also worth assessing whether all medications you are taking are necessary.
If you have a chronic illness or are taking medications, discuss your pregnancy plans with your doctor. The potential impact of medications on fertility and any necessary changes to treatment can be assessed together.
Tobacco and nicotine products
Smoking and the use of other tobacco or nicotine products significantly reduce a woman’s fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage. The well-being of the child may also be affected. Smoking also reduces ovarian function, and menopause in women who smoke starts on average two years earlier than non-smokers.
When planning a pregnancy, smoking should be stopped completely. Stopping smoking significantly improves the chances of success of infertility treatments and reduces risks during pregnancy, such as placental dysfunction and fetal growth disorders.
Alcohol and other intoxicants
Heavy alcohol consumption can reduce fertility and the success of infertility treatments. It is currently recommended to completely avoid any use of alcohol already during the pregnancy planning stage.
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is harmful to the fetus and can lead to serious consequences, such as fetal alcohol syndrome (FASD). The use of other intoxicants, such as narcotics, also significantly reduces fertility and increases the risk of miscarriage. By law, fertility treatments are not offered to people who use intoxicants heavily.
Nutrition and vitamins
A healthy, balanced diet supports fertility and the success of infertility treatments. According to studies, the so-called Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes the use vegetables, fish and good fats and limits the use of red meat and hard fats, is beneficial for fertility.
Women planning a pregnancy should pay particular attention to adequate intake of folic acid (400 micrograms per day) and vitamin D (10 micrograms per day). Pharmacies offer products designed for those planning a pregnancy and help ensure adequate intake of vitamins and trace elements.
Exercise
Moderate and regular exercise supports fertility and general well-being. A sufficient amount of exercise is more important than the type of exercise, but excessive exercise should be avoided, as it can disrupt ovarian function and cause ovulation disorders.
If you have, for example, endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycles or other factors affecting fertility, make an appointment with an infertility doctor. Assessing your situation and creating a treatment plan in a timely manner can significantly improve the success of treatments.
Men: Optimizing fertility and likelihood of pregnancy
Optimizing the likelihood of pregnancy often focuses on the woman’s lifestyle, however, male fertility is also an equally important part of the couple’s fertility. Male factors are involved in at least half of all infertility cases. Sperm production takes about three months, so the effects of lifestyle changes become apparent in semen quality only after 3–4 months at the earliest.
Age and fertility
Although a man’s age does not have as dramatic an impact on fertility as a woman’s, aging affects the number and quality of sperm. As DNA fragmentation increases, the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg decreases, and the risk of miscarriage also increases.
Excess weight, chronic diseases and medications that often accumulate with age can significantly affect fertility. In addition, a slightly increased risk of autism spectrum disorders has been observed in children of older fathers. In fact, many countries have set age limits for infertility treatments for men. In Ovumia, this age limit is 65 years.
Weight and hormonal function
Being overweight has a negative impact on male reproductive function in multiple ways. Increased testicular temperature can interfere with sperm production, and estrogen (a female hormone) produced by adipose tissue can reduce testosterone levels. This can lead to poor semen quality, erectile dysfunction, and decreased sexual desire.
Weight management is an essential part of improving male fertility. Even moderate weight loss can significantly improve sperm quality and hormone balance.
Diseases and medications
Good management of chronic diseases is important in supporting fertility. For example, it is worth evaluating the effects of medications used for diabetes and high blood pressure, as some medications can reduce semen quality.
Medications that may affect fertility include:
- SSRIs (e.g. fluoxetine)
- Sulfasalazine
- Certain blood pressure medications (e.g. beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers).
If you are taking any medications that you suspect may be affecting your fertility, it is a good idea to have your semen quality checked and discuss treatment options with your doctor.
Tobacco products and nicotine
The use of nicotine is clearly harmful on male fertility. Tobacco products weaken the integrity of sperm DNA, which reduces the likelihood of conception and increases the risk of miscarriage. Although snuff and nicotine pouches may seem less harmful, their use also weakens fertility.
Quitting smoking is one of the most important measures to improve the likelihood of pregnancy. Using tobacco products also increases the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Alcohol and other intoxicants
Heavy alcohol consumption weakens sperm production and quality. Even short-term heavy consumption can negatively affect the quality of semen. Today, it is recommended to abstain from alcohol during the pregnancy planning phase.
Narcotics can disrupt testicular function, lower testosterone levels and significantly reduce fertility. According to the Fertility Treatment Act, infertility treatments for people who use recreational drugs is strictly forbidden.
Nutrition and vitamins
A healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, supports fertility. Increasing your intake of vegetables, fish, nuts and vegetable oils, and reducing the intake of red meat and saturated fats can improve sperm quality.
A sufficient intake of vitamin D and a balanced diet are particularly important. If you use supplements, make sure they are safe. Supplements ordered over the internet may carry a risk of hormonally active substances that can impair sperm production. It is often safest to stop taking supplements altogether.
Exercise and lifestyle
Regular and moderate exercise improves semen quality and supports fertility. Exercise is important for reproductive health. High-intensity exercise can be particularly beneficial, but overly demanding exercise can temporarily lower testosterone levels.
Testosterone and anabolic steroids
Testosterone and anabolic steroids suppress sperm production. Testosterone treatments can act almost like the birth control pill, and it may take a long time to restore sperm production. The help of a medical expert can help in dealing with the symptoms and in restoring sperm production. Anabolic steroids have an even stronger effect, and their use can significantly reduce fertility.
If you are taking any medications or preparations that may affect fertility, discuss this with your doctor.
Optimizing male fertility is an important part of pregnancy planning. Even small changes in lifestyle can have a significant impact on pregnancy success and improved fertility. For more information or support, please consult a qualified doctor.
