There are 4 important factors or stages essential for a successful pregnancy.

• Ovulation : The process of development and release of egg from either one of the 2 ovaries in a female body is called ovulation. This happens usually on the Day 14 however it may range between days 10-16 of a menstrual cycle.
• Patent/Open Fallopian tube: Fallopian tubes are pipe like structures that connect the uterus with the ovary. They collect the egg after ovulation and serve as site of fertilization for the sperm and egg. The embryo(baby) thus formed travels along the tube into the uterus to finally get attached.
• Normal sperm count and motility: Sperms, with their ability to move, travel across the uterus, through the fallopian tube to reach the egg.
• Normal uterus and good endometrium: Once the embryo enters the uterine cavity, the endometrium(lining of the uterus) should be receptive to get the embryo implanted.

Having sex during and around your most fertile days of your cycle is the most important factor that can help you get pregnant faster.

Your most fertile days are the two days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation. For most people trying to conceive, getting the timing right relative to ovulation is more important than any other factor that is within their control.

The following are some of the methods for assessing ovulation tentatively around the mid of the cycle:

• Slightly elevated body temperature (basal body temperature).
• Thin mucoid discharge from the vagina
• Slight cramping or pain on one side of the pelvis
• Urine test with ovulation kits(LH kits).
• Scan done by your doctor.

With all factors being normal the chances of pregnancy is as low as 5-7% each month. This translates that for every 100 couples trying to get pregnant only 5-7 conceive every month.

Sperms can survive on an average up to 2-3 days in a female body. Hence having sex on alternate days is good enough for pregnancy. Having sex frequently decreases the number of sperms in each subsequent ejaculate.

Most of the sex positions work the same in terms of achieving pregnancy. However, if the uterus is acutely retroverted(can be diagnosed on scan), lying down on your tummy after sex might increase the chances of pregnancy.

Minimal spillage of semen immediately after sex and about 30 minutes after sex is common. More number of sperms are instilled in the vagina and this spillage doesn’t decrease pregnancy chances.

This is not necessary. If it makes you feel more at ease, you can wait 5 to 10 minutes before getting up, although this is not necessary.

Avoid vigorous washing/ douching of the vagina with water.

One day after your missed period is a good time to test for pregnancy.