Mahaska Health Partnership Shares Fertility Tips

Mahaska Health Partnership

MAHASKA COUNTY – When it comes to having a baby, a number of factors can play a key role in the likelihood and timeliness of conception. MHP OB/GYN Specialist Dr. Jeffrey Fowler offers some tips on increasing your odds of becoming pregnant.

When it comes to conceiving, health is a key factor. “Both partners need to ensure they are staying healthy and active to maximize the chances for pregnancy,” Dr. Fowler advised. “A physical with your primary care provider prior to conception is strongly advised to make sure there’s no underlying issues that need addressed. Weight, stress, diet, alcohol and cigarette use can all play a major role in fertility.”

Women need to be mindful of their menstrual cycles. “The highest chance of pregnancy occurs if there is intercourse within three days of ovulation,” Dr. Fowler explained. “However, for many women, it can be hard to figure out when you’re ovulating, unless you experience regular symptoms and cycles.”

For those who are unsure of their ovulation cycle, Dr. Fowler recommends starting with tracking your periods to figure out a pattern. “Most women ovulate 14 days after the start of their menstrual period. If your cycles are lasting approximately the same amount of time each month and are occurring on a regular basis, you can better estimate when your highest chance of ovulation is occurring.”

For those with sporadic or irregular periods who have been trying for at least one year without conceiving, a trip to a specialist may be necessary to rule out any underlying conditions. “Sometimes women have complications such as endometriosis, fibroids or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which can all affect fertility,” Dr. Fowler shared. “Meeting with a specialist can not only rule out these conditions and give you peace of mind, but can also address them and help increase your chances of conception.”

If you and your partner have made the necessary lifestyle changes and are still not seeing results, Dr. Fowler may be able to help. “Before seeking advanced fertility intervention, I can help couples figure out what could be delaying their pregnancy,” Dr. Fowler said. “There are medications available to help boost chances of fertility and we can look at other reasons why conception may not be occurring.

“Remember, each couple is different but putting yourself on a timeline and adding pressure to an already exciting yet stressful time can hinder your chances of conceiving,” Dr. Fowler continued. “It may take some couples longer than others, but remember it’s not a race. Making sure everyone is healthy should be everyone’s top priority.”

Jeffrey Fowler, DO, is an OB/GYN specialist with the MHP Medical Group. As an obstetrical specialist, Dr. Fowler can assist patients with a healthy pregnancy as well as infertility. Dr. Fowler is also well-versed in gynecological ailments and treatments. He is an experienced surgeon both in traditional methods as well as robot-assisted procedures for minimally invasive hysterectomy and operations on the female anatomy. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fowler, call 641.672.3360.

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.