If you have being trying to conceive, understanding some basics about the reproductive system would go along way in aiding your course.

Normally, at the mid period of every menstrual cycle, a woman is said to 'ovulate'. This is the release of the female egg, which the male sperm must come in contact with, before fertilization and then conception can take place.

The day you start your menstrual flow is counted as the first day of the cycle. Averagely, on the 14th day, ovulation takes place and an egg is released. The important thing to note here is that this mid-menstrual cycle ovulation is not constant for all women, some women ovulate before this period, while others later.

This period of ovulation is your most fertile period as a woman. The egg released is viable and active for about 24 hours. The male sperm can live and still be active in a woman's reproductive system for an average of 48-72 hours. It is very important to have sexual intercourse during this period. It is good idea to have sexual intercourse every other day around your ovulation period, for example days 10, 12, 14 and 16.

Sexual intercourse during a woman's fertile period is the easiest way to conception when everything is in order. Most couples either do not time their intercourse for best results or are not aware of this biological fact. The most important step towards conception should be to locate and time the ovulation period of a woman. Concerns over infertility may only arise if after several months of timed intercourse, conception is still not achieved.

Several physical and biological factors can contribute to fertility problems from the man or the woman's side and at times it could be a combination of factors from the couple. Some of the factors are within the capability of medical treatment while others still have no solutions. These infertility factors will be the focus of subsequent articles.

If the female ovulation period is so vital to conception, the question that comes to mind is, how do I know when I ovulate? One major way of determining when you ovulate is by taking your basal body temperature (BBT) every day and recording it. A slight increase in basal body temperature for about two consecutive days lets you know that ovulation has taken place. This is because, when an egg is released from the follicle during ovulation, the remnant of the follicle called Corpus Luteum produces the hormone progesterone, which causes increases in basal body temperature. The basal body temperature is the temperature of the body taken in the morning before any activity. Alternatively, you can get an over-the counter ovulation predictor kit.

For men, it is critical to avoid things like masturbation during this phase of their partner's menstrual cycle as this may reduce sperm count.

You may need to see an Infertility expert or your ob/gyn if after several timed sexual intercourses you still cannot not get pregnant. There could something wrong somewhere with your reproductive organs.

The earlier you start seeking help and answers, the better.