More women are waiting to bear children later in life. However, waiting beyond your thirties leads to decreasing fertility and an increased risk of birth defects. It may not be possible to prevent infertility, but there are measures that you can take to minimize the possibility. If you have any suspicion that you may have contracted a sexually-transmitted disease, see your doctor promptly so that treatment, if necessary, can begin in a timely fashion. A woman should have regular gynecological examinations starting at age eighteen or within six months of becoming sexually active, whichever comes first, so that any developing problems can be detected and corrected early.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes a wholesome diet, regular exercise, avoidance of toxins of all kinds (including recreational drugs), and measures to reduce stress. If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation only.

Here are some things to try other than the remedies listed later in this report:

• Don't have intercourse more than three times per week. More frequent intercourse may reduce the number of viable sperm in the male partner's semen.
• Time intercourse to coincide with ovulation, which usually occurs midway between menstrual periods. Some women can tell when they are ovulating. Signs of ovulation include bloating and breast tenderness and, for some women, a slight cramping pain. Unfortunately, many women experience no telltale signs. There are over-the-counter tests that can help you pinpoint the time of ovulation.
• After intercourse, spend ten to fifteen minutes quietly in each other's arms before getting up. If a woman stays in a prone position for fifteen minutes or so following intercourse, this allows the sperm sufficient time to reach the egg.
• If it has been determined that your body is producing antibodies that are damaging or destroying sperm, your partner should use a condom for six months. Following no contact with the sperm, your antibodies may be lulled into inactivity. After this rest period, time intercourse (without a condom) to coincide with ovulation.
• Avoid vigorous exercise, hot tubs and saunas, as they may lead to changes in ovulation.
• Do not take any drugs except those prescribed by your physician.

A woman who suffers from premenstrual symptoms such as bloating and breast tenderness is probably ovulating, so if she is having difficulty becoming pregnant, the cause probably lies elsewhere.