How to Increase Chances of Conception Naturally
Isha Women’s Hospital, the best fertility & maternity centre of Kalyan-Dombivali, believes in empowering couples with knowledge and guidance before jumping into medical procedures. Under the expert care of Dr Chinmay Pataki – one of the best gynaecologists, fertility specialists, and laparoscopic surgeon in Thane – Isha Women Hospital provides comprehensive preconception counselling to help couples optimise their
Understanding Your Fertile Window
What Is the Fertile Window?
- Sperm Lifespan: Healthy sperm can live inside a woman’s reproductive tract for 3–5 days.
- Egg Lifespan: Once released, the egg survives for just 12–24 hours.
- Best Chances: This means that having intercourse 2–3 days before ovulation and on ovulation day gives sperm the best chance to meet the egg at the right time.
Timing is often the missing piece in natural conception. Many couples either miss their fertile days or wait until after ovulation, which significantly lowers their chances of pregnancy. With proper ovulation tracking, we can increase natural conception rates without immediately resorting to advanced treatments.
How to Track Ovulation
Method and Accuracy & Details
- Ovulation Prediction Kits (OPK) - 90–95%Detects the LH surge (hormone spike) that happens 24–36 hours before ovulation. Easy to use at home.
- Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting - Confirms ovulation after it happens. Involves tracking your temperature daily. A slight rise (0.3–0.5°C) indicates ovulation has occurred.
- Cervical Mucus Observation - Free & natural. Fertile mucus looks clear, stretchy, and slippery — like raw egg white — during ovulation.
- Follicular Ultrasound Monitoring - 100% accuratePerformed at Isha Women’s Hospital, this is the gold standard. Dr. Chinmay Pataki, the best gynecologist of Dombivli, monitors follicle growth through serial scans and pinpoints the exact ovulation day.
Lifestyle & Diet Tips for Better Fertility
Fertility-Boosting Foods
Food and Benefit
- Leafy Greens & Beans - Rich in folate and iron – important for healthy egg development and prevention of birth defects.
- Whole Grains - Stabilize blood sugar and insulin, especially important for women with PCOS.
- Nuts & Seeds - Packed with zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which improve sperm motility and egg quality.
- Eggs & Lean Protein (chicken, fish, legumes) - Provide amino acids to build a healthy uterine lining and support hormone production.
- Dairy (preferably full-fat) - Some studies suggest full-fat dairy is linked with improved ovulation health.
- Hydration: Aim for 2–3 liters of water daily to improve cervical mucus quality, which helps sperm travel to the egg.
- Limit: Processed foods, refined sugars, and excess packaged snacks — they spike insulin, which may interfere with ovulation.
Foods & Habits to Avoid
Avoid and Why
- Excess Caffeine - More than 2 cups per day may lower implantation rates.
- Alcohol & Smoking - Damage egg and sperm DNA, increasing miscarriage risk.
- Trans Fats & Fried Foods - Cause inflammation and may negatively affect egg health.
- Crash Diets or Extreme Calorie Restriction - Disrupt hormones, stop ovulation, and reduce nutrient reserves needed for pregnancy.
Weight, Exercise & Fertility
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective natural fertility boosters.
- Overweight Women: Excess body fat can cause hormonal imbalance, irregular periods, and PCOS-related infertility.
- Underweight Women: Low estrogen can lead to missed periods or poor egg development.
- For Men: Obesity can lower testosterone, sperm count, and sperm motility.
Just a 5–10% weight change (either weight loss for overweight couples or healthy weight gain for underweight partners) can restore ovulation and significantly improve chances of natural conception.
Mind & Body Connection
Stress & Fertility
Stress increases cortisol, the stress hormone, which can:
- Disrupt ovulation in women
- Reduce sperm count and motility in men
- Lower libido, making conception less likely
- Yoga: Improves blood flow to reproductive organs and reduces stress.
- Meditation: Calms the mind and balances hormones.
- Breathing Exercises: Quick and effective way to relax the nervous system.
Your body does a lot of hormonal regulation while you sleep. Poor sleep can throw your reproductive hormones off balance.
- Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep every night to maintain optimal melatonin levels, which support egg maturation and sperm production.
- Poor Sleep Effects: Irregular cycles, poor egg quality, and decreased sperm count.
- Tips: Maintain a regular bedtime, avoid screens before sleep, and create a calm bedtime routine.
When to See a Doctor
Sign and Possible Cause
- Irregular or Missed Periods - PCOS, thyroid disorders, or hormonal imbalance
- Painful Periods - Endometriosis or pelvic adhesions
- No Pregnancy After 12 Months (6 months if age 35+) - Infertility, low ovarian reserve
- Recurrent Miscarriages - Hormonal, genetic, or anatomical issues
- Male Factor Issues - Low sperm count, motility, or abnormal morphology
- Comprehensive fertility checkups for both partners
- Hormonal testing and ultrasound scans to pinpoint causes of infertility
- Step-by-step evaluation and treatment — starting with natural optimization before recommending IUI or IVF
Boost Fertility the Natural Way
Key Focus Areas:
- Track your ovulation and time intercourse correctly
- Eat a nutrient-rich, fertility-boosting diet
- Maintain a healthy weight through balanced exercise
- Manage stress and prioritize 7–8 hours of sleep
If you have been trying to conceive without success, don’t wait.
Book your fertility consultation with Dr. Chinmay Pataki at Isha Women’s Hospital, Dombivli — the best fertility centre in Thane — and take the first step toward making your dream of parenthood a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans - Yes — through diet, ovulation tracking, and lifestyle correction.
2. How often should we have sex to conceive?
Ans - Every 2–3 days during the fertile window.
3. Can PCOS women conceive naturally?
Ans - Yes — with ovulation correction and lifestyle changes.
4. How long should I try naturally before seeing a doctor?
Ans - 12 months (6 months if age 35+).
5. Does Isha provide natural fertility counseling?
Ans - Yes — diet, lifestyle, ovulation tracking, and preconception checkups.