The world of infertility treatment is changing, and as a result, more women are getting pregnant. It really is great news all around, but always remember that you still have to do your part. Natural fertility-boosting methods can help enhance even the most cutting-edge technology. Here are some advances you may not have heard about and how they can work to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Mr. Philip Druce from the OvulationCalendar.com website say’s, “Technology is changing the way we track our menstrual cycles and helping us increase our chances of conceiving sooner. No longer do we have to use written charts, we can now enter data directly into our online devices. Our online ovulation calendar enables women to track their cycles and health symptoms to gain insights into their fertility and health. OvulationCalendar.com users can log their periods, basal body temperature, cervical mucus type, cervix changes, ovulation prediction kit (OPK) results, sexual intercourse, pregnancy test results, emotions, health symptoms, nutritional intake, exercise, body mass index (BMI), sleep and daily personal notes.”

Advances in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

During IVF, doctors can now have a better look at each embryo to determine which ones are most viable. With a process called Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS), the doctor or lab technician will take a biopsy of the embryo and use computer analysis to identify any abnormalities. With a healthy embryo, the chances of a successful IVF are increased drastically. This will not only cut the number of failed IVF treatments, but it may also reduce the number of miscarriages after IVF. As another bonus, if doctors are sure they are implanting viable embryos, they do not necessarily have to implant more than one. So, this will also reduce the risk of having multiples. Not every practice is using CCS yet, so be sure to ask your fertility specialist about the technological advancement.

Embryo Freezing

With the old way of doing things, your doctor would transfer your embryos about three to six days after they were fertilized. But with a new process called vitrification, it may make sense to hold off on the transfer a little longer. Vitrification changes the state of your embryo from liquid to solid without the risk of ice crystals forming. The result is safer for the embryo and this may lead to higher pregnancy rates. You see, in the past, we were implanting embryos before the optimal time in a woman's cycle, and we were doing this so they would remain fresh. Now that we do not have to worry about the embryos remaining fresh, they can be implanted whenever the woman's body is ready for them.

In Vitro Activation

In Vitro Activation (IVA) is more of a “next level” technological advancement. There is still time before it can be rolled out and used by the general public, but the early results look promising. The process involves re-energizing follicles that did not develop naturally by treating the ovary with proteins and other nutrients. If In Vitro Activation becomes commonplace, it may help prevent more expensive infertility treatments.

More Efficient Lab Equipment

Embryo freezing is an important part of In Vitro Fertilization, and the way things were done in the recent past left a lot to be desired. Embryos were stored in large incubators that appeared to be similar to a kitchen fridge. Every time the door opened, the temperature would fluctuate and affect the embryos inside. Now, most embryos are stored in much smaller incubators to help control heat loss and potential embryo damage.

Author: Dr Zeenobiyah McGowan Ph.D., an expert on women's health and helping couples conceive naturally. Dr McGowan is a mother of one beautiful girl. She founded Impact Humanity, a charity which helps under privileged children get the basic necessities like food and education in Kenya.