Worried About Conceiving?

Simple Changes Can Increase Your Chances of Conception

By Megan L. Fowler

One thing a woman can't alter is her age. "Age is the most important factor in infertility," Dr. Sharara says. "There are many studies that clearly show a decline in pregnancy chances as women get older. What very few women know is that their fertility starts declining in their 20s, and by the mid- to late-30s there is a very sharp drop." By your early 40s, conception chances are extremely low and can become less than 5 percent when you hit 43 and 44, he says.

While changing your lifestyle can certainly increase your conception chances, there are a couple of other things that may make a difference.

Stress can significantly decrease your chances of conception. Remember that things usually happen when you least expect them to, so try to relax. Don't forget to do your research. Read books or visit sites like Preconception.com to get your infertility questions answered. Finally, find a doctor you're comfortable with, and establish a treatment plan you can follow if need be.

It's important to keep communication open between you and your partner. The more you talk about things, the less worried you'll be about what he's thinking. Spend some time together (outside the bedroom), and do the silly things you love like picnics, dancing lessons or test-driving the cars you've always wanted to own. All of these can help take the pressure off and may help increase your chances of conceiving.