Topics > Trying to conceive (TTC)

Trying to conceive (TTC)

Learn about what people may experience when trying to conceive (TTC). Ovia Health covers issues surrounding getting pregnant, including recommendations on what fertility aids to try. You can also learn about ways to improve chances for getting pregnant, including nutrition, exercise, and self-care tips. Learn how to track your ovulation cycle with Ovia Fertility, so you have a better idea on how your body may react.

Woman speaking intently with another woman

Menopause | Mental wellbeing

Substance Use Resources

Reproductive health | Abortion

Preparing for pregnancy in states with abortion bans and restrictions

Dear Ovia, My partner isn’t sure if he wants kids

couple sits at table looking at papers on the table together.

Reproductive health | Reproductive healthcare

Should I freeze my eggs?

Couple sits at a table having a conversation with a medical provider.

Reproductive health | Reproductive healthcare

Egg freezing step by step

Two women face each other in conversation

Reproductive health | Reproductive healthcare

Egg freezing FAQ

Male fertility

Dear Ovia, Male fertility testing

Woman sits on couch looking at a pregnancy test

The ups and downs of the IVF journey

Woman sits on a couch with her legs crossed

Pregnancy tests

Positive pregnancy test after an embryo transfer

Two people sit at a table facing a doctor

Reproductive health | Reproductive healthcare

IVF FAQ

two people sit at a table, facing a third person

You’ve decided to start IVF, now what?

Sex for pregnancy

Dear Ovia, Dreams of a big family

Health and wellness

Breaking down BMI

woman with her hands together at her chest sits on a yoga mat

Health and wellness | Mental health

The power of affirmations

Woman stands in the kitchen preparing some food

Disordered eating and fertility: Questions to ask yourself

Two people sit at the computer together

What you can and cannot control when TTC

A man and a woman sit at a computer

Male fertility

Unpacking male fertility

woman looks at phone

TTC after a chemical pregnancy

woman washes hands in a bathroom

Cervical fluid 101

Two women look at a computer screen and smile

Alternative family

Exploring your options: Adoption

Digital graphic of candle, someone sleeping, a yoga mat, and other items that help reduce stress.

Health and wellness | Mental health

Stressless Fest recap

People practicing yoga to increase fertility and conceive.

Health and wellness | Exercise and movement

Can yoga help me conceive?

Women using her laptop while sitting on a couch researching sexually transmitted infections.

Reproductive health | Reproductive issues and conditions

The complete glossary on sexually transmitted infections

A women in gynecologist office talking to doctor about genital infections.

Health and wellness

Everything you need to know about yeast infections, UTIs, and bacterial vaginosis

A women at computer reading about what she should've learned in sex ed class.

Health and wellness

Five things you should have learned in Sex Ed

A pregnant person touching their stomach to represent pregnancy during COVID-19.

Health and wellness

COVID-19 and pregnancy: Your questions answered

woman sits on couch, smiling at her phone

Reproductive health | Menstruation

More than just periods: Menstrual cycle 101

Graphic showing the 3 versions of the reproductive system in a female that represents different types of artificial insemination.

Different types of artificial insemination available

Image of clocks representing how long it should take to get pregnant.

Thinking of having a baby? Here’s how long it can take

Two women smiling and sharing IVF success stories.

Two moms journey toward becoming a family of three: Real talk about buying sperm, endless IVF shots, and adjusting to life as new parents

Graphic representing the MTHFR gene.

Reproductive health | Reproductive issues and conditions

What is the MTHFR gene?

A medical professional examining an IVF.

Reproductive health | Reproductive issues and conditions

IVF and ICSI, what’s the difference?

Doctor holding a jar containing a sperm donation.

Sperm donation 101: The facts

An illustration of woman with globe on pregnant belly that's meant to represent the importance of surrogacy.

Difficulty getting pregnant

Is surrogacy legal where you live?

A little boy kissing newborn sibling.

Sperm donation the second time around: Using the same donor for future children

A person holding a pregnancy test.

Pregnancy tests

Taking a pregnancy test: Facts and fiction

Image of fried fish and asperagus.

Male fertility

Nutrition to boost male fertility

Image of potentially unsafe household cleaning products.

Health and wellness

Nail polish, bug spray, house paint, and more: Just what’s safe?

Image of a woman making healthy snack alternative.

Health and wellness | Nutrition

Healthy snack food alternatives

A woman speaking with healthcare provider.

Reproductive health | Reproductive healthcare

Being your own health care advocate

A primary health provider giving their patient an examination.

Reproductive health | Reproductive healthcare

Making sure your PCP is right for you

Image of a person checking their phone.

Reproductive health | Reproductive issues and conditions

Red flags down below: Signs you should call your healthcare provider

Image of one pregnant woman and her friend talking over a cup of coffee.

Work & life harmony | Friendship & community

Building and maintaining a strong support network while TTC

Reproductive health | Reproductive healthcare

Different types of reproductive healthcare providers

Image of person getting their blood pressure checked at their primary care provider (PCP) appointment.

Reproductive health | Reproductive healthcare

What to expect at an appointment with your primary care provider

Image of a pile of prenatal vitamins.

Reproductive health

Do you really need to start taking prenatal vitamins before conception?

Image of chicken and vegetables chopped up next to a knife on a cutting board.

Reproductive health

Foods to fix iron-deficiency anemia

A person holding prenatal supplements in their hand.

Health and wellness

What to look for in a prenatal supplement

A person laying down on their bed.

Pregnancy tests

How do I know if I’m pregnant, or just late?

Quiz: How well do you know your Trying to Conceive (TTC) vocabulary?

A woman looking off into the distance.

Pregnancy tests

No period, no positive pregnancy test- what happened?

Image of a forest.

Pregnancy loss

Five things that might happen after pregnancy loss

A person looking at their pregnancy test.

Pregnancy tests

The best time to take a home pregnancy test

A person staring off into the distance.

Pregnancy loss

What’s a missed miscarriage? Here’s what you should know

Image of a pink rose.

Pregnancy loss

If you think you’re having a miscarriage, take these steps

Image of a blurry purple flower.

Reproductive health | Reproductive issues and conditions

How is ectopic pregnancy diagnosed and treated?

A person looking out the window with a sad expression.

Pregnancy loss

Trying again

A person in a support group.

Pregnancy loss

Finding support after a pregnancy loss

Two people sitting by a window and talking.

Pregnancy loss

How to cope after a pregnancy loss

Image of light shining through a glass window that has water droplets on it.

Pregnancy loss

What happens during a miscarriage? Signs to look out for

A person leaning against the wall and looking away.

Pregnancy loss

When will my cycle go back to normal?

A couple laying on their bed and giving each other back rubs.

Pregnancy loss

The details about sex after miscarriage

Image of a white flower with a blue background.

Pregnancy loss

Why might miscarriages happen: Common causes

A couple hugging while watching birds fly in the sky.

Pregnancy loss

Can I conceive after an ectopic pregnancy?

A person outside drinking from a bottle of water.

9 nutrition tips when trying to conceive

Image of a pile of tampons.

Reproductive health | Reproductive issues and conditions

Can tampons affect your fertility?

A couple hugging each other and laughing.

Male fertility

Age and male fertility

Graphic of the poison symbol.

Health and wellness

Why do you keep hearing about “toxins”?

A person doing yoga on a mat.

Preconception health

Alternative therapies for fertility

A person laughing while on their phone and drinking out of a mug.

Preconception planning

Clearing up common fertility misconceptions

A person smiling while texting on their phone.

Reproductive health | Reproductive issues and conditions

Smoking and fertility

A person talking to their male partner about fertility.

Male fertility

Talking to a male partner about his fertility

A person hydrating while drinking a glass of water.

Health and wellness | Nutrition

Proper hydration and fertility

A person putting bananas and spinach into their smoothie.

Reproductive health

Preparing your body for pregnancy

A person smiling while using their laptop.

Reproductive health

Think you’re pregnant? Here are signs and symptoms to look for

A couple sitting on the couch and looking at their tablet.

Male fertility

Male fertility myths busted

A vegetarian soup.

Health and wellness | Nutrition

How fertility and vegetarian diets work

Reproductive health | Menstrual cycle health

“Is it safe to skip my period?” and other common birth control questions

A doctor talking to patient.

Difficulty getting pregnant | Infertility

What’s the difference between infertility and sterility?

A person reading a book.

The ABCs of TTC: The acronyms you need to know when trying to conceive

A woman sitting with dog.

Health and wellness | Mental health

Managing anxiety while TTC

A looking out the window.

What kind of treatment is available for depression while trying to conceive?

Graphic that states: "Women’s history through her healthcare" for Women's History Month 2021

Observing Women’s History Month 2021 through her healthcare

A person looking at their negative pregnancy test that is potentially a false negative.

Pregnancy tests

When all signs lead to pregnant but the home pregnancy test disagrees: Could you have gotten a false negative?

Two people kissing.

Preconception planning

How to best support your future fertility – even before you start trying

A pile of different colored condoms.

Reproductive health | Reproductive issues and conditions

Things condoms can’t always prevent

A person calculating their budget if they get pregnant without health insurance.

Preconception planning

Off the grid: don’t have insurance while TTC?

A person putting out their cigarette and wondering how smoking may affect fertility.

Fertility tips: quit smoking

A barista serving coffee to a customer and wondering about shift work and fertility.

Work & life harmony

Fertility tips: What’s the danger of shift work?

A couple in the kitchen about to have the fertility talk.

Male fertility

The talk: your partner and fertility

A couple looking into each others eyes while sitting by a body of water.

Reproductive health | Menstruation

Can I really conceive on my period?

A person sitting cross-legged practicing a breathing meditation.

Health and wellness | Mental health

Take a deep breath: How simple breathing can help you start meditating

A person sitting on couch.

Fertility signs

Early signs of implantation

A group of friends with children.

Health and wellness | Mental health

The TTC blues: friends with kids

A pregnant woman and her young child.

Preconception planning

Conception, the sequel: What you should know about getting pregnant the second time around

A couple smiling for a picture.

Preconception planning

Lights, camera, conception! A pre-pregnancy checklist

A woman drinking water.

Health and wellness | Nutrition

Fertility tips: The importance of water

A woman buying healthy foods.

Health and wellness | Nutrition

Fertility tips: Go organic

A happy couple kissing.

Preconception planning

Fertility tips: Don’t save it up!

A couple riding bikes through a forest.

Health and wellness | Mental health

Doing you: protecting your emotional health while TTC

A baby bird standing next to three eggs in the grass.

Preconception health

When to count your eggs

A happy couple hugging each other.

Reproductive health | Sex and intimacy

Spicing up TTC sex

A person checking their phone.

Should I use an ovulation predictor kit?

A plate of chicken and vegetable skewers.

Male fertility

Four nutrition tips to improve male fertility

A person sitting by the ocean.

Pregnancy loss

Does pregnancy loss impact future conception?

A bucket of household products that may affect fertility.

Difficulty getting pregnant | Infertility

Household items that could affect fertility

A person looking up symptoms of sperm allergy on their laptop.

Reproductive health | Reproductive issues and conditions

Could you have a sperm allergy?

Several woman in yoga class to help reduce stress for fertility.

Health and wellness | Exercise and movement

Can yoga help me conceive?

A close up representation of several sperm throughout their lifespan.

Sex for pregnancy

What’s the lifespan of sperm after ejaculation?

A person looking down in a big room.

Pregnancy tests

Does a negative pregnancy test mean I’m not pregnant?

A woman looking at phone thinking about tracking her ovulation cycle.

Five signs you might be ovulating

A couple laying in bed.

Sex for pregnancy

Is more sex better when TTC through intercourse?

Pills and tablets on a teal background to represent prenatal vitamins.

Health and wellness | Nutrition

Should you be taking a prenatal vitamin when TTC?

A glass with a green drink that has many nutrients to help with fertility.

Health and wellness | Nutrition

The most important nutrients to include in your preconception diet

A grapefruit cut in half next to two spoons on a white plate.

Increase fertility

How can I make my cervical fluid more fertile?

A woman doing yoga.

Fertility signs

Fertility hormones: multi-tasking, heavy-lifting, pretty incredible chemicals

A person with sunglasses on walking and holding a cigarette.

Seven things to avoid while TTC

A woman looking at vitamins and other supplements that may help boost her fertility.

Five herbal supplements used to boost fertility

A woman doing yoga in the park as a way to prepare for pregnancy.

Preconception planning

Five of the best ways you can prepare your body for pregnancy right now

Graphic of results from Ovia ovulation and cervical position tracking.

How to use Ovia Fertility

Tracking your cervical position

A woman holding phone looking up information on how to track fertility.

How to use Ovia Fertility

Self-tracking devices and fertility: everything you need to know

Two people lie on their stomachs on a bed smiling at each other

Health and wellness

Trying to conceive in a bigger body

Man and woman look at each other in the kitchen

Trying to conceive in a smaller body

A person looking at her phone, using the Ovia Health ovulation tracker to determine fertile cervical position.

How to use Ovia Fertility

Can cervical position predict fertility?

A woman sitting on couch wondering if antidepressants affect fertility.

Preconception health

Are antidepressants safe when trying to conceive?

A person checking their watch to represent timing sex with ovulation.

Sex for pregnancy

Am I timing sex correctly?

A woman sitting with underwear by her ankles.

Can I douche while I’m TTC?

A woman drinking tea while looking up information on her computer about herbal remedies for fertility during ovulation.

Health and wellness | Nutrition

Can herbal remedies help me get pregnant?

Several Clomid fertility pills in a package

Difficulty getting pregnant

Can Clomid help me get pregnant?

A person dealing fortune cards.

The 24 weirdest fertility myths

A person using their laptop and wondering if it may impact male fertility.

Male fertility

Will my laptop hurt my fertility?

A person checking their heart rate while exercising.

Health and wellness | Exercise and movement

Will exercising too much hurt my fertility?

A couple laying together on the couch.

Preconception planning

Can saliva hurt sperm?

A red watch to represent the best time to have sex for conception.

Sex for pregnancy

How to time sex correctly if you’re trying to get pregnant

A woman holding a pregnancy test

Common emotions when TTC

A couple in bed smiling and holding each other.

Should I wait a day between sex when fertile?

A sink with running faucet.

Reproductive health | Reproductive issues and conditions

How can cervical fluid problems affect conception?

A person looking up early symptoms of pregnancy on the phone while laying on the couch.

Pregnancy tests

Am I seeing signs of early pregnancy?

A person having acupuncture performed to help with fertility.

Can acupuncture help my fertility?

A person talking on the phone while using their laptop to represent stress when trying to conceive.

Health and wellness | Mental health

Am I too stressed to get pregnant?

A couple in bed holding each other close.

Sex for pregnancy

Will having orgasms help me conceive?

A woman lying on her back trying to help increase her chances of getting pregnant.

Should I lie on my back after babymaking sex?

12 different drawings of lightbulbs to represent tips on how to get pregnant fast

18 tips to get pregnant faster that actually work

A couple smiling while laying in bed and holding hands.

Sex for pregnancy

What are the best sex positions for conceiving?

A couple laying in bed and looking at a pregnancy test.

Difficulty getting pregnant | Infertility

Getting pregnant after diagnosed infertility

A pregnant woman holding her stomach with her two children.

Reproductive health | Reproductive issues and conditions

Getting pregnant after cancer treatment

A woman looking at her pregnancy test and wondering how to take it.

Pregnancy tests

How to take a pregnancy test

Many flowers sitting in the sun to represent new beginnings, or lifestyle changes to make that may boost fertility.

Lifestyle changes that may boost your fertility to improve your chances of conceiving

How to use Ovia Fertility

How to use your fertility chart

A person looking up information on their phone on how to conceive fast.

How to use Ovia Fertility

Are you TTC? How Ovia can help you conceive faster

A woman on phone looking up information about a conception tracker.

How to use Ovia Fertility

What should you track when trying to conceive?

A person on their cell phone looking up causes of infertility.

Difficulty getting pregnant | Infertility

Causes of infertility

A person reading a book and using their laptop to look up information about their infertility consultation.

Difficulty getting pregnant | Fertility testing

What to expect at your first infertility consultation

A patient coordinator writing down something on a piece of paper.

Reproductive health | Reproductive healthcare

Your initial conversation with a patient coordinator

A doctor explaining the types of fertility treatments available to two patients.

Difficulty getting pregnant | Infertility

Types of fertility treatments

A person using the calculator on their phone to calculate fertility treatment costs

Reproductive health | Reproductive healthcare

Fertility costs and insurance coverage

A fertility specialist writing on a piece of paper.

Reproductive health | Reproductive healthcare

Why seek a fertility specialist

Wild flowers in a lovely meadow to represent best herbs for fertility.

Health and wellness | Nutrition

Best herbs for fertility

A plate of food with different foods to eat to help with fertility.

Health and wellness | Nutrition

Nine nutritious foods to help boost your fertility

A happy couple holding each other lovingly to represent getting pregnant after 35.

Preconception planning

Trying to conceive when 35 and older

Waiting For Second Baby. Side View Portrait Of Happy Pregnant Black Woman And Her Little Daughter Bonding Together At Home, Copy Space

Reproductive health

What you need to know about birth spacing

A sad woman lying with her head in her partner's lap.

Reproductive health | Reproductive issues and conditions

Miscarriage: what it is, why it happens, and how it can affect future pregnancies

A couple and one is kissing the other on the forehead to people that have been trying to get pregnant for over a year.

Difficulty getting pregnant

Over one year of TTC

A smiling couple.

Difficulty getting pregnant

Other options

A happy couple outside.

Difficulty getting pregnant

Infertility treatments

A woman kissing boyfriends cheek.

Difficulty getting pregnant

IVF and assisted reproductive technologies

A couple talking to a medical professional with a clipboard about infertility testing.

Difficulty getting pregnant | Infertility

Trouble conceiving? Get tested for infertility

A woman cutting up vegetables in the kitchen to represent eating healthy to help fertility.

Preconception health

A healthy lifestyle today can lead to a healthy pregnancy tomorrow: what you can do now

A person consulting with their healthcare provider.

Reproductive health | Reproductive healthcare

Why you need a trusted healthcare provider when trying to conceive

A couple working on finances to represent costs of having a baby

Preconception planning

Finances of having a baby

A couple talking about the effects of smoking and drinking on fertility.

Preconception health

How smoking and alcohol can affect fertility

A person using a spoon to eat from a bowl of oats and strawberries to represent foods to eat while trying to conceive.

Nutrition to promote fertility

Couple dances in the kitchen, smiling at each other

Sex for pregnancy

Keep it sexy: How to stay satisfied and not stressed when you’re trying to get pregnant

Multiple people working out to represent exercise and fertility.

Health and wellness | Exercise and movement

Exercise and fertility

Fertilized egg colored half in blue, half in pink to represent how to choose sex of your baby.

Preconception planning

Choosing your baby’s sex: Is it possible?

Vials of blood in front of a medical form to represent genetic testing before pregnancy.

Preconception planning

Why you might want to get genetic testing before getting pregnant

A smiling couple to represent how to talk to your partner about kids.

Preconception planning

You’re ready to have a baby, but is your partner?

An illustrated birth control methods to represent how long it may take to get pregnant stopping it.

Reproductive health | Birth control

Getting pregnant after birth control

A person running because good physical health affects fertility.

Preconception health

From superfoods to smoking: what can help and hurt your fertility

A couple looking at their phone looking up information on how to track the fertile window.

How to use Ovia Fertility

Tracking fertility to get pregnant faster

A person sitting outside on their cellphone looking up information about ovulation and the fertility window.

Fertility signs

When exactly can you get pregnant? All you need to know about the fertile window

Ovia Fertility Calendar with fertile window.

Fertility signs

Conception planning and your fertile window

woman speaks to her provider

Preconception planning

7 stubborn fertility myths we’re ready to retire

Many clocks to represent how long should it take to get pregnant.

Difficulty getting pregnant

Getting pregnant: How long should it take?

woman sits at the kitchen counter looking at her phone

How to use Ovia Fertility

How you can benefit from tracking your fertility if you’re TTC

A person looking out their window.

Health and wellness | Mental health

How can pre-existing mental health conditions affect a pregnancy?

Several women at workout ballet class

Health and wellness

Understanding abs

A woman on foam roller.

Health and wellness | Exercise and movement

Four common workout injuries and how to avoid them

A woman lifting weights and practicing their strength training.

Health and wellness | Exercise and movement

The importance of strength training

Woman, seated on couch, looks at her phone

Health and wellness | Nutrition

Investigating the 2,000 calorie diet

A woman cooking and eating in kitchen.

Health and wellness | Nutrition

Five “superfoods” that might not be so super

Woman practicing self advocacy at doctors office because she is talking about her healthcare.

Reproductive health | Reproductive healthcare

How to advocate for yourself as a patient to get the care you deserve

A person making healthy drink to represent tracking food and drink when trying to conceive.

How to use Ovia Fertility

Tracking your food and drink intake with Ovia

A glass cup filled with ginger lemon honey tea.

Health and wellness | Nutrition

Fertility recipes: honey, lemon, and ginger tea

A plate of cranberry orange scones from the article recipe.

Health and wellness | Nutrition

Fertility recipes: cranberry orange scones with whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt

Image of a person exercising at home near their staircase.

Health and wellness | Exercise and movement

Exercises you can do in your living room

A woman at doctors office getting her blood pressure checked to represent getting a blood pressure tracker.

How to use Ovia Fertility

Tracking your blood pressure with Ovia

A person stretching.

How to use Ovia Fertility

Tracking your activity with Ovia

A woman sleeping in bed sideways because it’s her bedtime ritual to help her sleep better.

Help yourself get better sleep with these routines

A woman asleep in her bed because she learned how to sleep better.

Five small changes that can help you sleep better than ever