What is TTC Pregnancy, Factors That Determine Fertility & 10 Pregnancy Tips for Couples

Having a baby is the dream of every married couple. In the modern medical world, the term TTC is pregnancy orTrying To Conceiveincreasingly popular, referring to the process of trying to get pregnant.

It not only involves intimate relationships between couples, but also various physical, emotional, spiritual and mental aspects in increasing the chances of pregnancy.

What Does TTC Mean?

TTC pregnancy is an abbreviation for “Trying To Conceive”, which means currently trying to conceive. This term is widely used among couples who are planning a pregnancy, either naturally or through medical assistance.

The process of TTC pregnancy requires efforts from both the husband and the wife by planning fertile times, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and in some cases, seeking fertility treatment.

It can be a beautiful and hopeful journey, but it can also be challenging and require perseverance and strong emotional support.

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation

The most important aspect of TTC pregnancy is understanding a woman’s menstrual cycle, especially when she ovulates. Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovary and is ready for fertilization.

A woman’s fertile period usually occurs in the middle of her menstrual cycle, which is between days 12 to 16 for women with a 28-day cycle.

To increase the chances of pregnancy, couples are encouraged to have intercourse frequently during their fertile period.

There are various ways to detect a woman’s fertile period, namely:

• Basal body temperature (BBT) monitoring

• Use of ovulation predictor kits (OPKs)

• Menstrual cycle calculator mobile app

• Pay attention to body signs such as clear and smooth cervical mucus.

Male and Female Fertility Factors

The ability to conceive is not only dependent on the woman, but also involves male factors. Therefore, it is important to understand that fertility is a shared responsibility.

Female Fertility Factors:

• Irregular menstrual cycle

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

• Endometriosis

• Blocked fallopian tubes problem

• Age (female fertility declines after age 35)

Male Fertility Factors:

• Low sperm quality and quantity

• Hormonal problems

• Consumption of alcohol or cigarettes

• Heating of the testicles due to tight clothing or high environmental temperatures

Fertility tests can be performed at a specialist clinic or hospital to identify the true cause if attempts to conceive are unsuccessful after a certain period of time.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Here is a guide to when couples should see a doctor if they are trying to conceive (Trying to Conceive – TTC) but still not successful:

1. Have Been Trying For 12 Months (or 6 Months If You Are Over 35 Years Old)

If you are under 35 years old and have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success, it is recommended to make an appointment with a fertility clinic.

For women aged 35 and above, you only need to wait 6 months before seeking medical help, as fertility naturally declines with age.

2. Irregular Menstrual Cycle or No Menstruation at All

If your menstrual cycle is very irregular, very long (more than 35 days), very short (less than 21 days), or does not come at all, it may be a sign that ovulation is not occurring normally. This is the main reason why women have difficulty getting pregnant and requires further evaluation by a doctor.

3. Ever Experienced Repeated Miscarriages (2 Times or More)

Miscarriages are common, but if they occur twice in a row or more, it may indicate an internal health problem such as hormonal disorders, autoimmune disorders, or abnormalities in the uterus. A doctor’s examination is important to identify the exact cause.

4. There are Reproductive Health Problems

If you have ever been diagnosed with a disease such as:

• Endometriosis

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Uterine fibroids

• Blocked fallopian tubes problem

• Thyroid hormone problems

You are advised to see a doctor early before trying to get pregnant.

5. Have had reproductive surgery or infections

Having had surgery on the uterus, cervix, or testicles can affect your chances of getting pregnant. So can a history of sexually transmitted infections (STDs) such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. Further examination by a doctor is highly recommended.

Medical Treatment & Support For TTC

If pregnancy has not been successful after multiple attempts, modern fertility treatments can help. Treatment options include:

• Clomiphene citrate : A medication to stimulate ovulation.

• IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) : Sperm is injected directly into the uterus during ovulation.

• IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) : Fertilization of eggs and sperm is done outside the uterus and then the embryo is reinserted.

• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) : Used in cases of very low sperm quality.

Each couple needs to discuss in depth with a specialist to choose the most appropriate treatment based on the cause of their respective fertility problems.

The Role of Emotions and Psychology in TTC

The TTC process can be very emotionally challenging. Feelings of disappointment, social pressure, sadness and even guilt often haunt couples, especially women. Some of the emotional challenges that are commonly experienced include:

• Feeling stressed when your period comes every month

• Feelings of inferiority or not being perfect enough

• Pressure from family and society

• Disappointed to see friends or relatives getting pregnant easily

Emotional support from your partner is very important. Your husband should always be your main supporter, not only physically, but also mentally and spiritually.

How to Increase Fertility Between Husband and Wife

Here are some ways to increase fertility in husband and wife:

1. Adopt a Healthy Diet

A balanced diet is very important to increase fertility levels. Husbands and wives are advised to consume foods high in antioxidants such as green vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains and lean proteins.

These foods help improve the quality of eggs and sperm and support hormonal balance in the body.

2. Take Fertility Supplements

Certain supplements can help improve fertility levels. Wives are advised to take folic acid, iron, vitamins B6, B12 and D to support reproductive health. Husbands can take zinc, selenium, vitamins C and E to improve sperm quality and motility.

3. Understanding the Menstrual Cycle and Fertile Times

Knowing your fertile days is key to increasing your chances of getting pregnant. Women can use ovulation tracking apps, chart their basal body temperature, and observe changes in cervical mucus to identify their most fertile days.

4. Avoid Habits That Affect Fertility

Some habits can interfere with fertility such as smoking, drinking alcohol, excessive caffeine, and taking medication without a doctor’s advice. Husbands in particular should avoid hot temperatures in the testicle area and not wear underwear that is too tight.

5. Get a Fertility Checkup

If a couple has been trying for more than 6 months without success, a fertility test is the next step. The wife can undergo hormone testing and HSG, while the husband can undergo a semen analysis test to see the number and quality of sperm.

6. Control Ideal Body Weight

Being under or overweight can disrupt fertility hormones. Couples are advised to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

7. Control Stress

Stress can disrupt reproductive hormones. Couples are advised to find appropriate stress management methods such as recreation, reading, meditation, and spending quality time together.

8. Avoid Using Lubricants

Some lubricants can interfere with sperm movement. If you must use a lubricant, choose a fertility-friendly product that does not affect sperm survival.

9. Maintaining Household Harmony

Fertility is not only physical, but also emotional. Couples need to support each other, understand each other and talk openly. A harmonious marriage contributes to mental health and hormonal stability.

10. Improves Sleep Quality

Adequate sleep (7-8 hours a day) supports hormonal balance. Lack of sleep can cause hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation in women and sperm production in men.

Tips for Fertility Traditionally

The Malay community has various traditional tips that have been practiced for generations to help with fertility. These include:

• Drink herbal decoctions such as manjakani and kacip fatimah

• Massaging the uterus to correct the position of the uterus

• Consuming sunnah foods such as honey, black seed and dates

From a spiritual perspective, many couples strive for special prayers and dhikr. Some of the prayers commonly practiced include:

“Rabbi la tazarni fardan wa anta khayrul warithin.”
(Surah Al-Anbiya’ verse 89)

“Rabbi habli min ladunka zurriyyatan toyyibah, innaka sami’ud du’a.”
(Surah Ali Imran verse 38)

In conclusion, if you are in the TTC phase of pregnancy right now, know that you are not alone. Many have gone through this path, some have succeeded after months, some have waited for years. But it all starts with hope and never-ending effort.

Hope this article is useful.

Republished with permission from theAsianParent Malaysia