When a spinal injury occurs, life for the victim often feels turned upside down. While there will undoubtedly be changes in one’s life, one goal that can still be pursued is becoming pregnant. Because numerous medical advances have been made in treating spinal injuries and in improving fertility, there’s a very good chance that women wanting to realize their dream of motherhood despite a spinal injury will be able to do so. To learn more, here are some tips on getting pregnant after a spinal injury.

Ovulation

All spine and back injuries have the potential to create fertility issues, particularly injuries that lead to paralysis. However, there is good news for women; even though ovulation may cease after the injury, it usually returns to normal within a few weeks. According to fertility doctors, as long as a woman is still capable of having intercourse, pregnancy is a viable option. To increase the chances, women can use ovulation monitors to predict ovulation, time intercourse to coincide with ovulation, and chart their basal body temperature to track ovulation.

Natural Methods

For women who want to conceive children in a natural fashion, there are specific products that fertility experts recommend. One of these is sexual lubricants, since some women with spinal cord injuries may have limited abilities to become sexually aroused. For best results, using sexual lubricants specifically designed for becoming pregnant offer promising results. By using these specialized lubricants, research shows sperm can move faster and more efficiently, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Artificial Reproduction

If natural methods of getting pregnant don’t work, there are still many methods of artificial reproduction that offer promise. Of course, the most common method is in-vitro fertilization, where sperm and egg are merged outside the woman’s body, then implanted. IVF does come with increased risks of heterotopic pregnancy, among a few other risks, including an increased chance of medical complications at the baby’s birth. Along with IVF, surgery may also be an option, especially if the spinal cord injury also led to other injuries such as uterine scarring or blocked fallopian tubes.

Don’t Give Up

Though it may take some additional time and effort to find the best method of becoming pregnant, women with spinal cord injuries should never give up their dream of motherhood. As more advances in fertility are made, the chances of becoming pregnant despite spinal cord injuries are higher than ever.