Why Do Some Couples Have Trouble Getting Pregnant?
Although it may seem that it can happen to anyone at any time, getting pregnant is actually much harder than it looks. It’s the irony of life — many women spend their early 20s in constant “fear” of getting pregnant too early. Then, in their 30s, they have trouble conceiving and curse their younger selves.
Of course, that’s not the case for all women. What’s more, many are still pleased with their choices. However, the fact that many couples have fertility issues stands.
But why do some couples have trouble getting pregnant? Aside from age, there are plenty of other factors that might impact fertility. Irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, male infertility (low sperm count and motility), endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS, and other medical problems can all affect fertility.
It’s Not as Easy as It Looks
Some people think that making babies is a five-minute job. Well, sure, sometimes it really is. However, many factors have to come together just right for those five minutes to be successful.
There are a lot of misconceptions about pregnancy out there. Everyone keeps telling young women and girls how dangerously easy it is to get pregnant. And it is — when you’re 18.
However, your chances of getting pregnant diminish with each passing year. Each menstrual cycle that goes by without a fertilized egg is one less chance of getting pregnant.
Of course, we aren’t saying that women who aren’t in their 20s cannot conceive. However, many infertile couples are of a certain age, which is contributing to their unexplained infertility.
Here’s a bit of heartbreaking statistics (at least for couples eager to conceive) — the chances of getting pregnant at any point during one month (or one menstrual cycle) is only around 20%.
Reasons Why You’re Not Getting Pregnant
Many couples decide to get pregnant, and then, when nothing happens for a while, think they have a fertility problem. That’s not necessarily true. As mentioned before, timing, as well as other various factors, can contribute to getting pregnant.
However, if you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while (say, around 12 months), you should talk to your doctor. In fact, a thorough checkup is definitely a good idea, no matter how long you’ve been trying for a baby.
You’re Too Impatient
One of the central answers to the question of “Why can’t I get pregnant?” is that you’re not trying long enough. Many women think that as soon as they (metaphorically) flush their contraceptives down the toilet, they’ll get pregnant.
Real-life doesn’t work that way. If nothing happens for a few months, don’t despair. Around 80% of couples need six or more months to conceive a child.
You’re Not Hitting the Nail on the Head at the Right Time
One of the vital factors when it comes to getting pregnant is ovulation. You can’t get pregnant if you don’t have a mature egg that’s ready to be fertilized. And even then, there’s no guarantee that the pregnancy will take.
It’s Not You; It’s Him
We still live in a society that sees fertility issues as solely female issues. The reality is far different than that. Sure, the female reproductive system is as convoluted as it is vindictive. There’s a lot of things that could go wrong and many factors that could contribute to the potential lack of pregnancy.
However, men can have fertility issues as well. They aren’t exempt. Around 30% of couples find that it’s precisely the man who’s the issue when it comes to conceiving, not the woman. Unfortunately, approximately 40% of couples who have trouble conceiving find that both partners have some type of fertility issue.
That’s why both partners must check themselves out and see a doctor and a specialist. Babies don’t make themselves, you know!
You’re Over 35
As mentioned before, women over a certain age might have more trouble conceiving. However, the same goes for men. Men over 40 might have low sperm motility or a low sperm count.
You Have Endometriosis or PCOS
Endometriosis and PCOS are the number one contributors to difficult conception. Because these are such difficult conditions that make life a living hell as is, it’s logical that they’ll potentially cause fertility problems.
Your Fallopian Tubes Aren’t What They Used to Be
Blocked fallopian tubes are also common causes of infertility or fertility troubles. Fallopian tubes are where the eggs are released and where, ultimately, fertilization happens. Sperm is supposed to swim through the uterus and into the tubes and fertilize the egg. However, if the tubes are partially or completely blocked, fertilization is unlikely to happen.
Other Medical Issues
There are plenty of medical conditions that both men and women can have that might make getting pregnant difficult. Autoimmune diseases like diabetes, lupus, MS, and others, as well as untreated STDs and various other conditions, might present with infertility.
What to Do When Having Trouble Conceiving
Both partners are equally responsible for getting pregnant. However, the majority of the work falls on the fairer sex. Women have to keep track of their bodies, keep their stress levels in check, and, generally, make sure their bodies are a hospitable environment for the embryo.
If you’re having trouble getting pregnant, try one of these solutions:
- Keep close track of your menstrual cycle — if you have irregular periods, try to find out what’s causing them. Irregular periods mean you won’t be able to track your fertile times, which means you will need longer to get pregnant.
- Track your fertile times — by tracking the calendar, your basal body temperature, or cervical mucus (or all three), you’ll be able to determine when you’re most fertile.
- Change your lifestyle — too much alcohol, junk food, and smoking might diminish your chances of getting pregnant. The same goes for lack of sleep. Overall, if you’re having trouble getting pregnant, you need to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
- Seek professional help — getting regular checkups and checking your reproductive organs’ overall state before you start trying for a baby is a good idea.