Conceiving: Simple, Practical Steps to Boost Your Chances

Trying to get pregnant can feel overwhelming. You want straight answers and real steps you can use today. Below I’ve put together clear, practical tips on timing, lifestyle, supplements, and how to handle medications safely while trying to conceive.

Timing and basic fertility habits

Most pregnancies happen when sex happens in the fertile window: the five days before ovulation plus the day of ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before your next period, but cycles vary. Use a period tracker app, measure basal body temperature, or buy ovulation test strips to know your peak days.

Aim for sex every other day during the fertile window. Daily sex is fine if it feels right, but very frequent intercourse can slightly lower sperm counts for some men. Keep sex relaxed—stress and pressure often make this stage harder than the biology does.

Lifestyle moves that really matter

Start with basics that actually change odds: take folic acid (400–800 mcg daily), quit smoking, limit alcohol, and aim for a healthy BMI. Both low and high body weight can disrupt ovulation. Moderate exercise helps—intense training might hurt fertility for some people, so balance is key.

Check common meds and supplements. Some drugs affect fertility or are unsafe in early pregnancy. For example, certain nasal sprays and other OTC drugs are best reviewed with your doctor before regular use. If either partner takes prescriptions, ask a clinician whether they affect sperm, ovulation, or early pregnancy. Our site has guides on medication safety and where to buy medicine safely if you need replacements.

If you use fertility supplements, pick ones with clear ingredients and science-backed dosing. Over-the-counter products can help with nutrient gaps (like vitamin D, B12, zinc), but avoid big claims. The 2025 OTC fertility guide on this site reviews which supplements have supporting evidence and which are hype.

Don’t forget the partner’s health: sperm quality depends on diet, heat exposure (avoid very hot tubs and tight underwear), smoking, and certain medications. A simple semen analysis gives quick insight.

If periods are irregular, you have painful periods, long-lasting acne treated by powerful drugs, or known hormonal issues like hyperprolactinaemia or thyroid problems, see your doctor sooner. Exercise and lifestyle changes can help with hyperprolactinaemia, but testing and targeted treatment are often needed.

After trying for 12 months (or 6 months if you’re over 35), see a fertility specialist. They’ll run tests that narrow down problems fast and suggest simple, effective treatments.

Finally, when buying medication online, use trusted pharmacies, check reviews, and confirm licensure. Avoid sites that sell prescription drugs without a prescription. If you’re unsure about a product or its safety during conception, ask your clinician or pharmacist first.

Want links to our top guides on OTC fertility aids, medication safety during pregnancy, and when to seek help? Browse the conceiving tag for focused, practical articles you can act on today.