Why Am I Not Falling Pregnant?

One of the issues encountered by women of childbearing age is difficulty falling pregnant. It is always frustrating for couples with high expectations to be faced with problems falling pregnant even after several trials. This may cause depression, disappointment, and confusion to understand the factors causing the fertility issues. Fertility issues may be frustrating, but the solutions depend on the factors causing it. Let’s discuss the reasons for not falling pregnant and the underlying issues.

Understanding Fertility Issues

Several reports confirm that fertility issues may be experienced in one out of six couples. A woman can conceive easily and maintain a pregnancy till delivery when fertile, but with infertility, the person will have trouble falling pregnant. If you engage in constant sexual activity but not falling pregnant after a while, it may be due to several factors affecting the body system. Conception occurs when a healthy sperm fertilizes the egg. Some parts of the human anatomy need to function effectively for this to take place.

You must have regular ovulation so the ovaries can release mature eggs each month. Your partner’s sperm count, motility, and shape also must be adequate. Your fallopian tube must not be blocked but open to pave the way for sperm to reach the eggs. Lastly, the uterine lining must be healthy to implant a fertilized egg.

Reasons for Difficulty Falling Pregnant

If you are having difficulty falling pregnant, here’s a breakdown of common factors that could cause problems falling pregnant.

Irregularities in ovulation can prevent conception. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or hormonal imbalance, may affect ovulation and cause difficulty falling pregnant. Another common factor is blocked fallopian tubes. Sperm gets to the egg through the fallopian tube. So, if the tube is blocked, it will be difficult for sperm to fertilize the egg. The blockage may be due to endometriosis, pelvis inflammation, or surgery. Fibroids or an abnormally shaped uterus also might prevent an embryo from implanting or growing.

Male fertility problems can be also listed as common reasons for not falling pregnant. This includes low testosterone levels, weak sperm motility, or uncommon sperm structure. If you suffer from underlying conditions like thyroid problems, uncontrolled diabetes, or untreated STIs, these can cause trouble falling pregnant.

Women are less fertile as they grow old. At 35 years of age, the quality and quantity of eggs decrease, causing fertility problems. Personal lifestyle choices that can cause fertility issues are smoking, alcohol consumption, no exercise, and abnormal weight gain. Ultimately, constant stress can also impact hormones and hinder ovulation.

When to Seek Help and What to Do Next

If you have trouble falling pregnant, consult a doctor immediately. A medical practitioner will conduct tests to understand why you are not falling pregnant and recommend the best treatment option. Fertility periods are different for each individual. However, there are some guidelines to help you understand when to see a doctor. For those under 35 years old, if you have been trying for a year without success, it is advised to see a doctor. If you are over 35 years old, seek professional advice if you try to conceive for half a year without succeeding. But at any age, if you have any underlying health conditions that could affect fertility or if you have experienced miscarriages, you should visit a doctor.

Infertility can be treated effectively with medications. For example, ovulation induction medication can help regulate ovulation cycles. Surgical procedures are also vital to unblock fallopian tubes and uterine fibroids or polyp removal. With intra-uterine insemination (IUI), sperm is washed and inserted in the womb to increase the chances of conception. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) combines egg retrieval, sperm fertilization in a laboratory, and uterine implantation. Most importantly, maintaining a good lifestyle, like exercising regularly, living stress-free, eating nutrient-rich food, and stopping alcohol and smoking, can boost fertility.

If you have tried to conceive but are not falling pregnant, consult a doctor to evaluate your medical records, examine you physically, and recommend some tests to check your fertility level. The doctor will now recommend elaborate testing such as blood tests to check hormone levels, ovulation tests to confirm ovulation is occurring, semen analysis to evaluate sperm health, and imaging tests. X-rays or ultrasounds will detect anomalies in the female anatomy.

While exploring the reasons for not being able to conceive, you may also consider options like IVF treatment, sperm donation, and egg donation.