At the beginning of every menstrual cycle each month, the female body starts to prepare itself for a new opportunity to get pregnant. This is a five-step process: 

1. On the first day of the menstrual (when bleeding starts), the hypothalamus gland sends a signal to the pituitary to begin producing and releasing more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) into the blood stream. This is to stimulate a new group of follicles inside the ovary to begin producing eggs. 

2. As the eggs grow, the follicles release estrogen. In anticipation of fertilization, these rising levels of estrogen stimulate the tissue that line the inside of the uterus (the endometrium) to grow thicker. This forms a spongy nest into which the fertilized egg can implant easily and begin to grow. 

3. Within a few days of stimulation of egg follicles, one egg will begin to surpass the others in growth and maturity. This is called the "graafian follicle," and produces what is believed to be the strongest egg, the one which will ovulate . 

4. As the egg of the month matures, it starts to push against the top of the ovary, forming a tiny bubble on the surface. When the egg hits its peak in maturity, estrogen levels will soar. The pituitary gland receives a message to release lutenizing hormone (LH), which quickly shoots into the blood stream. This surge of LH is what causes the egg to leave the ovary and travel to the fallopian tube. The uterus continues to grow thicker, awaiting the arrival of the egg. 

5. Once the egg is in the fallopian tube, it is ready to be fertilized. In order for conception to occur, the partner's sperm must make contact with the egg within 12 to 24 hours. Timing of love-making to coincide with ovulation is the best way to ensure conception, but it is not the only way. 

Below are some other time-tested ways to help conceive: 

1. Make love between October and March. According to medical experts, this time of year can double your chances. The worst times are in August and September. 

2. Make love on the woman's birthday. Some women are sensitive to season and fertility increases around the time of their birthdays. 

3. Don't make love under an electric blanket. The low voltage of electricity in blankets may adversely affect fertility. 

4. Make love close to the time of ovulation. When fertilization occurs three days after ovulation, the eggs are still present but are beginning to disintegrate and therefore triple the chances for miscarriage. 

5. Limit movement after intercourse. Remain in bed for 20 to 30 minutes on your back following intercourse. You may also place a pillow under the pelvic region to encourage the sperm to flow up toward the fallopian tubes. 

6. Use fast withdrawal. Research believes that withdrawal of the penis immediately after ejaculation can increase sperm concentration. 

7. Retain sperm in the vagina. Lightly press the lips of the vagina together with the fingers immediately after intercourse and hold them for several minutes to keep the sperm inside the vagina and give it the opportunity to swim to the fallopian tubes. 

8. Avoid alcohol and drugs at the time of conception! Evidence shows that alcohol in the bloodstream of either partner at the time of conception can have overwhelmingly negative effects on fertility and on the developing baby as well. 

9. Take expectorants (cough medicine) that contain guaifenesin. Guaifenesin can alter cervical mucus to make it thinner and better able to transport sperm. 

10. Limit intercourse. Avoid ejaculation for two to five day prior to attempting conception to increase sperm quality and quantity. Aside from these hints, feel calm and positive toward conception and toward being a parent. Don't worry and fret about abilities to conceive, but enjoy the process in a relaxed and loving atmosphere.