What To Do When You Can't Get Pregnant

Struggling to conceive can be emotionally exhausting and confusing. If you've been trying to get pregnant without success, you're not alone. Millions of couples face fertility challenges each year. Having a baby involves a lot of planning. It is a change in your life and lifestyle. It is natural for a couple to want to have a baby after being married for several years. It is a part of life and the maternal and paternal instincts kick in after a certain age.

In this article, we will learn what to do when you can't get pregnant, from identifying causes to exploring treatment options and lifestyle changes.

Why Can’t I Get Pregnant?

Many couples struggle with conception, even when they’re doing everything right. Difficulty getting pregnant can result from a range of factors including either or both partners. In some cases, the cause is simple and treatable, while in others, it may require a health assessment.

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Reasons for Not Getting Pregnant

If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, there could be several reasons behind it. Here are some common factors to consider:

Timing issues: Sometimes, having sex at the wrong times can affect your chances of getting pregnant, especially if it doesn’t coincide with when you’re most fertile.
Unexplained infertility: This is when doctors run tests and can’t find a clear reason why you’re not getting pregnant.
Age-related fertility decline: As people get older, both men and women might find it harder to conceive due to natural declines in fertility.
Health Issues: Some health problems like diabetes, thyroid issues or autoimmune diseases, can impact fertility.
Lifestyle habits: Habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, having a poor diet or not exercising may also play a role in your ability to conceive.
Medication side effects: Some medications can interfere with processes that are important for conception.

A fertility assessment can help determine the exact reason and the best path forward.

Causes of Female Infertility

Ovulation disorders: Irregular or absent ovulation like PCOS can prevent egg release.
Blocked fallopian tubes: Often due to pelvic infections, endometriosis or previous surgeries.
Endometriosis: Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, affecting fertility.
Uterine abnormalities: Fibroids, polyps or a misshapen uterus may interfere with implantation.
Age: Fertility declines significantly after age 35 due to reduced egg quality and quantity.
Hormonal imbalances: Thyroid issues, elevated prolactin or low progesterone can disrupt the cycle.

Causes of Infertility in Men

Low sperm count: A common cause of male infertility is low sperm count and is often linked to genetics, lifestyle or health issues.
Poor sperm motility or morphology: Even if sperm count is normal, poor movement or shape can prevent fertilisation.
Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum can affect sperm production and quality.
Infections: STIs or other infections can cause scarring and reduce fertility.
Hormonal problems: Imbalances in testosterone or other hormones can impair sperm production.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol, obesity and exposure to toxins all negatively impact sperm health.

Signs of Infertility

Here are some common signs and symptoms of infertility:

Irregular or missed periods
Painful periods or pelvic pain
No pregnancy after 6–12 months of regular and unprotected intercourse
History of miscarriages
Erectile dysfunction or low libido in men
Changes in hair growth, weight or skin suggest hormonal imbalances.
Small or swollen testicles in men may indicate sperm production issues.

Can Stress or Lifestyle Affect Fertility?

Yes, lifestyle and emotional well-being are crucial for reproductive health.

Chronic stress can interfere with the hormones responsible for ovulation and sperm production.
Poor sleep patterns, heavy caffeine use and a sedentary lifestyle can also lower fertility.
Excessive exercise or extreme dieting may disrupt menstrual cycles.
Environmental toxins like pesticides and plastics may impact hormonal balance in both men and women.
Making healthy lifestyle changes often improves the chances of natural conception.

Medical Diagnosis and Testing

When a couple is struggling to conceive, medical diagnosis and testing is important in identifying the cause of infertility. Early evaluation helps doctors create a personalised treatment plan and improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Fertility Test for Women:

Ovulation testing: Blood tests to measure hormone levels like LH and progesterone, confirming if and when ovulation occurs.
Ultrasound scan: Evaluates ovarian follicles, uterus and any abnormalities such as fibroids or cysts.
Hysterosalpingography (HSG): An X-ray test that checks if the fallopian tubes are open and the uterus is normal.
Hormone panel: Includes tests for FSH, AMH, TSH and prolactin to assess ovarian reserve and hormonal balance.
Laparoscopy (if needed): A minor surgical procedure to diagnose endometriosis or pelvic adhesions.

Fertility Test for Men:

Semen analysis: Assesses sperm count, motility and shape to detect male fertility issues.
Hormone tests: Check testosterone and other hormone levels affecting sperm production.
Scrotal ultrasound: Examines for blockages or abnormalities in the testes or seminal ducts.

Early diagnosis increases the chances of selecting the right fertility treatment and achieving a healthy pregnancy.

Treatment Options If You’re Struggling to Conceive

If you've been trying to get pregnant for over a year or six months if you're over 35 without success, it's time to consider fertility treatment options. These treatments are personalised based on the cause and can increase your chances of conception.

Fertility medications like clomiphene citrate or letrozole stimulate ovulation in women who aren’t ovulating regularly.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation to improve fertilisation chances.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): Eggs are fertilised outside the body and implanted into the uterus. It is effective for various fertility issues.
Surgery: For conditions like blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis or fibroids that hinder conception.
Male fertility treatments: Address low sperm count or motility through medication, surgery or assisted reproductive techniques.
Donor eggs or sperm: May be recommended if either partner has infertility that can't be treated otherwise.

Natural Ways to Boost Fertility

Many couples enhance their fertility through natural lifestyle changes before moving to medical treatments. While not a substitute for clinical care, these steps can support reproductive health.

Maintain a healthy weight: Being underweight or overweight can disrupt hormone balance and ovulation.
Eat a fertility-friendly diet: Focus on whole grains, leafy greens, fruits, lean proteins and healthy fats like avocado and nuts.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can impact ovulation and hormone levels; practising yoga, meditation and deep breathing can help.
Limit caffeine and alcohol: Excessive intake may interfere with fertility for both men and women.
Stop smoking: Smoking reduces fertility and increases the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.
Track ovulation: Understanding your menstrual cycle and fertile window helps time intercourse effectively.
Stay active, but don’t overdo it: Moderate exercise boosts circulation and hormonal health.

Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle can significantly enhance fertility and increase your chances of conception. These changes enhance hormone balance, improve egg and sperm quality and improve reproductive health.

Healthy Diet Tips:

Eat more whole foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds for essential nutrients.
Prioritize lean proteins: Include eggs, fish, tofu, chicken and plant-based proteins for cellular health.
Add healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, flaxseeds and fatty fish like salmon help regulate hormones.
Choose complex carbs: Replace refined carbs with quinoa, brown rice and oats to support insulin balance.
Take prenatal vitamins: Especially folic acid, iron, vitamin D and omega-3s (consult your doctor).
Stay hydrated: Proper hydration supports the production of cervical mucus and hormone transport.

Lifestyle Habits That Support Fertility:

Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking and drinking can harm your ability to have children, so it's best to avoid them.
Healthy weight: Being too thin or too heavy can affect how your body works when it comes to having babies.
Manage stress: Feeling stressed all the time can throw off your body's ability to get pregnant. Try relaxing techniques like meditation or talking to someone about your feelings.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise helps maintain your body's health and balance your hormones, which is crucial for fertility.
Get enough sleep: Aim for 7 to 9 hours of good sleep each night. This helps regulate your hormones and supports your reproductive health.

These changes not only improve fertility but also prepare the body for a healthier pregnancy and baby.

When to See a Fertility Specialist

Knowing when to consult a fertility specialist can save valuable time and help you get on the right path to parenthood.

If you're under 35 and haven’t conceived after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex.
If you're over 35 and haven't conceived after 6 months of trying.
If you have irregular or absent periods, which may signal ovulation issues.
If you’ve had multiple miscarriages or known reproductive health conditions like PCOS, endometriosis or fibroids.
If the male partner has known sperm issues or has undergone treatment that may affect fertility.
If you’ve had previous surgeries or conditions affecting the uterus or fallopian tubes.

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Conclusion

Facing challenges with fertility can be emotionally draining, but there are many treatment options to address the problems. Knowing the causes, getting timely tests and making healthy lifestyle changes can increase your chances of getting pregnant. Whether you pursue medical treatments or natural methods, know that support and solutions are available.