Having had no problem getting pregnant the first time, an RK member wonders why it's taking so long to conceive a second child? Dr Philippa Kaye offers advice.

Raisingkids member's problem
When I was 18-years-old I was told that I would probably not be able to have children due to a pelvis infection. When I was 29 we started to try for a baby. I fell pregnant within 6 weeks of trying and now have a 4 year old son born by emergency c-section. We have been trying for another baby now for over 3 years with no success. We have tried ovulation kits, blood tests at the doctors (which were normal), lost weight through diet and exercise and reading fertility books. Can you tell me what the next step is for us to try?

Medical Expert Dr Philippa's Advice
If you have been trying for a baby for three years without success you should visit your GP to see if they can find out a reason for your difficulties.

The first investigations will involve blood tests (which you say you have had) and an ultrasound scan of your pelvis to look at the structure of your womb and ovaries. Get your partner to make an appointment as well, he will be asked to give a sample of sperm for analysis to see if there are any problems with the sperm.

If that is all normal, you will be referred to the hospital for further tests, it may be that there is a blockage in your tubes, as this can occur after a pelvic infection. Depending on what is found, if anything, there are various treatment options ranging from medication to help you ovulate, putting the sperm directly into your womb (intra-uterine insemination) and IVF.

In the meantime, whilst you wait for the appointments, investigations and results there are things you can do to help boost your fertility and your chances of falling pregnant. Both you and your partner should eat a healthy diet, not smoke or drink too much alcohol. Have sex – sounds obvious, but you should aim to have sex every other day in the most fertile part of your cycle. This is because having sex everyday decreases the number of sperm in the semen.

You are most fertile around the time you are ovulating, you can calculate this using the length of your menstrual cycle. Take 14 days away from the day you expect to start your period and that is the approximate time of ovulation. So, if you have a 28 day cycle (remember day one of your cycle is day one of your period), you will ovulate around day 14; if you have a 34 day cycle you will ovulate around day 20. Good luck!

• Raisingkids Member? Click here to ask Philippa a question
  
• Not Joined Yet? Click here to register for free!
  

Medical and general health issues
Click here for the medical questions we've answered to date...

Ask Other Parents
Why not discuss this issue with other members? Click here for our Talk! boards.

Please note:
The medical and health-related information on this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. In the event of any physical or mental condition, seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay. Do not postpone medical treatment while awaiting a response from this site.

In an emergency always call 999 (UK only).