Couples struggling to conceive volition know how frustrating it gets after several unsuccessful attempts. Women often outset pondering, "Why am I not getting pregnant?" There can be different reasons for non getting pregnant. And if you lot know them, you may be able to achieve a successful conception by fixing the issue.

And then, in this post, we talk nigh all the possible factors behind your disability to conceive and suggest some effective solutions and treatment options. Read on.

How Long Does It Take For A Woman To Get Pregnant?

If you are healthy and your reproductive parts are operation at their best, you have a 25% probability of becoming pregnant during every menstrual cycle (1). According to the American Pregnancy Association, " with frequent unprotected sexual practice, nigh healthy couples conceive within one year."

Of all couples trying to get pregnant (2):

  • 30 percent become pregnant inside the first calendar month (first bicycle).
  • 60 pct go pregnant within iii months (three cycles).
  • 80 percent become pregnant within six months (half-dozen cycles).
  • 85 percent become pregnant in well-nigh a year (12 cycles).
  • 92 percent get significant in about 4 years (48 years).

What Are The Nearly Common Reasons For Not Getting Pregnant?

While your periods may be regular, a number of everyday activities tin touch on your chances of conception. Let united states know about them:

1. Too much or besides piffling sex

Sex is probably the near bones human demand for pleasure and reproduction. And, people can exist in the extremes when it comes to this (3).

Having too much sex: Some people believe that having more sex could lead to formulation. But this may not always be truthful. Though frequent sex activity volition not decrease the vigor of a human being's sperm, it can cause potential health problems such equally fatigue, dizziness, weak knees, and frequent urination. If you indulge in a lot of sexual activity but to accept babies, it could pb to BURNOUT (a land of fatigue, depleting your energy for sex activity). In this case, when the actual fertile window is open, either partner may non be interested in sexual activity. And, as a couple you lose an opportunity to excogitate.

Having too trivial sex: Y'all may be cutting down on intercourse to salvage the sperm or you only take sexual practice during ovulation. But staying without sex for many days may affect your conception. You lot could miss your fertile phase when sexual activity is limited equally you may not always be correct about your ovulation.

What next?

Try to have sex frequently and proceed a close watch on your ovulation dates. If you have irregular periods or problems tracking your fertile window, use an ovulation kit. If the result shows that ovulation is due in one or ii days, have sex activity during that time. Proceed in mind non to accept sex merely for having a baby, considering so you tin't enjoy the process.

two. Over-stress

Stress will take a toll on your health both physically and mentally and bear upon your ability to become meaning. Other emotional disturbances such as depression and feet tin lower your fertility levels. You should be calm and in a counterbalanced country when trying to conceive. Stress hampers the hypothalamus functions, which control the pituitary gland. This gland regulates adrenal, thyroid, and ovaries and affects the periods, even leading to irregular periods.

What side by side?

You should give yourself some futurity out of the stress phase to ameliorate your chances of conceiving. To beat stress, you could join a support group, encounter a psychologist, join yoga for fertility, meditate and do (iv).

3. The man-problem

1 of the primary causes of infertility is low sperm count and poor sperm motility (due to structural abnormalities). This factor accounts for 30 to xl% of infertility issues in couples (5).

What next?

The foremost step is to see a doctor or a fertility specialist for workup and treatment. For low sperm count or motility, testosterone supplementation or Clomid could help sometimes. Later on exhausting all the reasonable non-invasive options, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) could be a solution. IVF involves mating the egg and sperms outside the homo body, and transferring the fertilized egg to the vagina. In ICSI, a single sperm is picked and straight injected into the egg (6).

4. Running to the bath after sexual activity

Many women rush to the bathroom after making love to make clean upwards. It is essential to stay in bed for some time after sexual activity to ensure that the sperm gets a chance to reach the egg and fertilize it. If y'all get upward and rush, as soon as you are done with the act, you are letting gravity drag the sperm down and the rest of information technology is washed away when yous clean upwards. And, this could be one of the natural reasons for non getting pregnant.

What next?

Focus on relaxing and lying in bed for a while subsequently sex so that you tin ameliorate your chances of conception and pregnancy (7) .

five. Undergarments as well tight

Women article of clothing tight undergarments for proper shape, and also to accentuate their body and figure. But, you may be hampering the functions of your reproductive organs. In men, sperm production goes down, and in women, the air circulation reduces and leads to discomfort or vaginal infections.

What next?

Article of clothing well-fitted, but cotton fiber undergarments to avoid infections. This will reduce sweat and moisture-related problems, and allow your privates to breathe and relax (viii).

6. Sleeping less

Sleep impecuniousness can strain and frazzle the body and affect the functions of the immune system. This increases your chances of getting infections, and in turn, affects the reproductive cycle. The same applies to men. Infections could develop into a fever, and backlog body heat can damage the sperm. Women may feel anxious due to a lack of sleep which could touch their menstrual cycle (9).

What next?

Get enough sleep to stay healthy. In case you suffer from insomnia, consult your doctor.

7. Under or overweight

Being too sparse or too fat will also impact your chances of conceiving. If you are undernourished, you will not ovulate well. If yous're on the heavier side, and then it will hamper your fertility. Therefore, an ideal torso weight is what helps, and if you are much over your ideal BMI, there are fewer chances of conception fifty-fifty if your ovulation is regular (10).

What next?

Maintain a salubrious diet and lifestyle. Indulge in a moderate fettle routine. Yous may check with your healthcare provider for nutrition and supplementation guidance.

8. Over-apply of lubricants

Studies land that vaginal lubricants negatively affect the motility of the sperm and interfere with fertilization. This is true for both over-the-counter and homemade lubricants.

The reason – the pH of cervical fungus produced earlier ovulation is ideal for the survival of sperm and its motion. But lubricants have an acidic pH, which is enough to kill sperms. Too, the sperm'southward motility is affected past the thickness of the lubricants and their water content (11).

What next?

Foreplay is the best lubricant for formulation. Take your time to get into the mood. If that doesn't work, apply warm water or coconut oil for lubrication as it is non-toxic and will not interfere with the sperm'due south motion. If you still require lubricant while trying to get meaning, y'all tin cull "fertility-friendly" lubricants such equally Excogitate Plus or Pre-Seed (12).

9. Poor lifestyle choices

Common lifestyle factors such equally smoking, drinking, drug corruption, and caffeine affect your fertility. In men, these factors decrease the sperm count and motility and in females, they cause irregular ovulation.

What next?

Quit these habits, especially a few months earlier you programme to excogitate. Switch to healthier life choices. Also, avoid the use of bogus sweeteners and exposure to chemicals (13).

10. Environmental pollution

Environmental toxins are known to harm both men and women. Exposure to pollutants such equally chemicals, pesticides, cigarette smoke, polychlorinated biphenyls, plastics, food packaging, and personal intendance products (soaps, shampoos, and cosmetics), could affect your health, especially fertility. Studies say that they lower the couples' ability to conceive by 29% (14).

What side by side?

Though it is inevitable to avoid exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals, you should endeavor to avoid them as much every bit possible.

  • Stop using pesticides for your plants and lawn. Choose organic foods.
  • Use organic and natural personal care products.
  • Wear protective gear when you are working in chemical-prone areas, and always remain in highly ventilated places.

All of the above reasons are lifestyle choices or environmental factors that affect the ability to conceive. Now, let's look at some medical causes of not getting meaning.

Medical Causes For Non Getting Pregnant:

In some cases, the egg may become aborted naturally, while in others, the couple could suffer from impotence. You lot must, however, give yourself a yr to excogitate. If things don't work out past and so, then you may attain out to a physician for diagnosis and treatment. The causes of infertility are different in men and women.

The medical causes of infertility in women are:

11. Irregular periods

Women who do non menstruate regularly accept more than difficulty in getting pregnant. Irregular periods indicate inconsistent ovulation, and conceiving without an egg is impossible. Therefore, the less y'all ovulate, the less are your chances of getting pregnant (15).

How can I get significant with irregular periods?

A physician can help you find the underlying crusade for irregular periods and offering the treatment accordingly. Yous should also focus on a healthy diet, attain platonic weight, perform moderate exercises, and take fertility-enhancing supplements as suggested past the doctor.

12. Endometriosis

This is a chronic disorder of the reproductive system in which the endometrial cells abound outside the uterus. It can cake the fallopian tubes preventing fertilization or the fertilized egg from traveling towards the fallopian tubes or could brand the surroundings unhealthy effectually the egg.

This condition can cause irregular and/ or painful periods, astringent pain while penetration during sex, painful bowel movements, frequent urination forth with a feeling of the bladder existence full during the menstrual wheel, or chronic pelvic hurting (xvi).

What could be the possible treatment?

There are many treatment options for endometriosis that may or may non include surgery to diagnose and stage the endometriosis. Usually, laparoscopy is recommended to diagnose and care for endometriosis at the same time. Suppression of endometriosis tin can lead to fertility in most but not all cases.

thirteen. Ovulation problems

Most xx to forty% of infertility problems in women are caused due to irregular ovulation, which prevents the release of mature eggs from the ovaries. Where some women can never ovulate, others ovulate once in a few months. Hormonal fluctuations, excess weight gain or loss, excessive exercise, or severe stress could be the key reasons for ovulatory disorders (17).

What could exist the possible treatment?

Your dr. will likely enquire you to movement to a low-carb diet, exercise to improve insulin sensitivity, and recommend some supplements or prescription medications. Later on, they might prescribe ovulation stimulators such as gonadotrophins, Clomifene, prolactin suppressants, or IVF cycles.

xiv. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

It is a circuitous condition caused by a hormonal imbalance, which interrupts ovulation. Small cysts are formed in the ovaries that disrupt the ripening of ovarian follicles and maturation. The other possible symptoms include irregular menstruum, weight proceeds, excess hair growth, and acne.

What could be the possible treatment?

Laparoscopic surgery could help open and repair the tubes or could be treated by IVF (15).

15. Tubal diseases

Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes preclude eggs from reaching the uterus and sperm from reaching the egg, thus preventing conception. These conditions could arise due to sexually transmitted diseases, pelvic inflammatory diseases, or sterilization surgeries or endometriosis.

What could be the possible treatment?

Laparoscopic surgery could help open and repair the tubes or could be treated by IVF (13).

xvi. Egg gene

The egg quality and quantity refuse effectually late 30s and early 40s. Women are born with approximately ane to two one thousand thousand eggs at birth and the eggs gradually lessen to 300, 000 by puberty. And then most 300 mature and release through ovulation. And by menopause, you have minimal eggs left.

What could be the possible treatment?

Every bit the loss of eggs is an irreversible process, you should try to plan pregnancy in your fertile age. Also, try losing weight if you are overweight, quit smoking, manage thyroid problems (if you accept any), and take supplements including fish oils, prenatal vitamins, probiotics, vitamin D, and Coenzyme Q10. These can improve egg quality.

The possible solutions if the to a higher place do not work are egg or embryo donation, adoption, or surrogacy (19).

17. Low progesterone levels

After ovulation, the corpus luteum (the remnant egg follicle) produces progesterone to back up embryo implantation during early pregnancy. The deficiency of progesterone in this phase is called a Luteal Phase Defect (LPD), and may be ane of the reasons for infertility. Even if you excogitate, the placenta and fetus would not grow further, causing non-viable fetus or early fetal loss. Other medical conditions such as prolactin or thyroid abnormalities could atomic number 82 to abnormal luteal operation (20).

What could be the possible treatment?

Your physician may refer y'all to a reproductive endocrinologist. The treatments include progesterone supplements, progesterone injections, or suppositories to thicken the uterine lining for embryo zipper.

18. Cervical mucus problems

Cervical mucus unremarkably changes its consistency to clear and rubberband forms so that the sperms can easily move through the fungus into female person reproductive organs. In the instance of cervical mucus abnormalities, the mucus prevents the sperm from passing through. The mucus may contract an infection, or contain antibodies that impale sperms. These problems are encountered in women with chronic cervicitis or a narrowed cervix from prior surgery and atomic number 82 to pregnancy failure.

What could exist the possible treatment?

Identifying and treating infections and using assisted reproductive methods such every bit IUI and in-vitro fertilization, help solve the problem.

The medical causes of infertility in men are:

19. Sperm problems

Poor sperm mobility, low or no sperm count, and abnormally shaped sperms can decrease a man's fertility.

What could exist the possible handling?

Fertility drugs and testosterone supplements could be the first line of handling to boost sperm production. The next options are IUI and ICSI (21).

20. Tube blockages

Blockages in the epididymis (a long coiled tube that lies behind testicles and stores mature sperms) and vas deferens (the muscular tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct) could adversely affect the transport of fertile sperms. The obstruction in the tubes could be due to infections including gonorrhea or chlamydia, birth defects, or injuries. As well, varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum) volition affect sperm mobility.

What could be the possible treatment?

Health practitioners commonly prefer surgical correction of tube blockages, which corrects fertility (21).

Also lifestyle choices and medical reasons, there are a few other factors that can affect fertility.

Are There Any Other Factors That Impact Fertility?

Yes! Unexplained and combination reasons business relationship for almost 25% and twoscore% respectively of all infertility cases (22).

21. Unexplained infertility

Of all infertility cases, 25% are diagnosed as unexplained infertility, due to failure in finding the actual cause even after a range of tests and assessments. Both partners undergo a variety of tests without any definitive results. Though you lot may not actually have any trouble, information technology results in confusion (23).

What next?

Doctors usually propose the adjacent all-time step, which is to excogitate by having regular intercourse (without focusing on having babies). If information technology doesn't piece of work fifty-fifty afterward a couple of years, you may be given an IVF treatment.

22. Combination infertility

Hither, both the partners are diagnosed with fertility issues, or when one of them has a couple of fertility issues.

What next?

Appropriate treatments are offered according to the cause of infertility.

In women, sometimes the menstrual cycle may modify in intensity and duration. This could also direct affect fertility.

Are Heavy Periods A Sign Of Fertility?

Heavy periods are not a sign of fertility, and sometimes could bespeak a unlike problem. You may experience drawn and worn out. In the process of losing more blood, y'all volition lose the essential body resources built over time. If you get sudden, heavy periods, you lot should immediately discuss with your doctor (24).

Can Y'all Get Pregnant At Any Fourth dimension Of The Month?

It is not possible to get pregnant at anytime of the calendar month. You must exist ovulating in order to conceive. This means that you should accept sexual practice in the days leading to and around ovulation. The two to 3 days before ovulation and the 24-hour interval y'all ovulate are most fertile days (25).

You must, yet, sympathize that fertile days do not necessarily hateful that everything is performance well.

Are Yous Fertile If You lot Have Regular Flow?

If y'all have regular periods, your chances of fertility are high. Yet, fertility is tricky equally there may exist reasons that could prevent formulation despite having a skillful number of eggs.

If you have been trying to conceive for months or years and failing, then you must meet a fertility specialist or gynecologist to dominion out the possible causes. Also, recall that you practice non ever need medical aid for conception. Certain lifestyle changes could naturally help you excogitate.

How Can Yous Get Pregnant Faster?

Once you decide to have a babe, you may want to get meaning faster. There are ways to boost your likeliness of conceiving chop-chop.

  • Schedule a preconception cheque-up or counseling
  • Stay away from nascency control pills a few months before y'all try to excogitate
  • Figure out your ovulation time. Y'all could utilise an ovulation predictor kit.
  • Have sex at the right time
  • Requite sperm a boost past improving diet, exercising regularly, limiting chemical exposure, and consuming supplements
  • Eat a good for you and nutritious diet
  • Relax and have fun while making love

The sooner yous implement these changes, the faster you can go pregnant (26).

While some couples have issues getting pregnant the first time, others have issues conceiving a second fourth dimension. And we'll tell you why.

Reasons For Non Getting Pregnant The Second Time

Your fertility can reduce from your first pregnancy and women may find it difficult to become pregnant for the 2d time. This is known as secondary infertility. Here are some common reasons for not getting pregnant:

  • If you are a woman over 35 years, then the egg count will fall, leading to no or bottom eggs
  • Men over 50 take a decreased fertility and aberrant sperm
  • Changes in ovulation and menstrual cycles due to hormonal dysfunction, weight issues, stress, medications (steroids, antibiotics, and antihistamines), and substance abuse (drugs, tobacco and alcohol)
  • Complexity in your first pregnancy or labor
  • Damage to fallopian tubes due to intestinal surgery, endometriosis, sexually transmitted infections (27)

1. How tin I bank check if I am still fertile?

Certain blood tests might assist evaluate your fertility. If you exercise non have regular periods, you may contact a dr. for the right treatment strategies suitable to your situation (28).

2. At what age is a man'southward sperm most fertile?

In general, women below 35 and men below 40 have greater chances of conception (29). A group written report (in couples with IUI) revealed that men anile beneath 35 had well-nigh 50% more than fertility rates than men over 35, suggesting that the fertility rate might decrease significantly in men later 35 (thirty).

3. Can I be infertile and yet take regular periods?

Yes, you may get a period regularly but fail to conceive for several reasons, including egg quality issues, improper implantation, or other problems. A md is the best person to make up one's mind the exact cause of infertility (31).

four. Is it difficult to get significant after a miscarriage?

According to the American pregnancy association, about 85% of women have a successful pregnancy following a pregnancy loss. Therefore, there is a off-white chance of attaining a good for you pregnancy after miscarriage (32). It could be tough deciding to plan for subsequent pregnancies after a miscarriage. Also, it is ideal to speak to a doctor to brand sure you are physically and mentally prepared for information technology.

If you are unable to excogitate subsequently several attempts, you may wonder, why am I not getting pregnant? Improper intercourse, low sperm count in men, health issues in women, stress, obesity, and lifestyle practices are some factors that could be contributing to this situation. You may track your ovulation bicycle to have timely intercourse, maintain a balanced diet, reduce stress, and implement certain lifestyle changes to improve your chances of conception. However, if you accept been trying to get pregnant, only are unsuccessful, contact a fertility specialist or gynecologist to place the underlying outcome and work towards an appropriate solution.

References:

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resource established by authorities in their respective fields. You lot tin can larn more virtually the actuality of the information we present in our editorial policy.

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Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and mail-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania Academy and obtained a certification in 'Diet and Lifestyle in Pregnancy' from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). She has been into health and... more

Dr. Anita Gondy is an Ob/Gyn at The Ob-Gyn Center in Las Vegas. In practice since 1998, Dr. Gondy began her medical training at Rangaraya Medical College in Kakinada, India and completed studies at the Academy of Nevada School of Medicine, where she also did an obstetrics and gynecology residency. She is also a Boyfriend member of The American Higher... more