Why Can’t I Get Pregnant?: Most Common Reasons (2023 Updated)

If you’re struggling to get pregnant, you’re not alone. Many couples experience fertility challenges at some point in their journey to parenthood. Our comprehensive “Why Can’t I Get Pregnant?” guide is here to help you understand and navigate the causes and solutions to fertility issues. From identifying potential underlying causes to exploring treatment options, our article provides the support and resources you need to take control of your fertility and build the family you’ve always wanted.

When you find your soul mate and unite your life, you want to become a family, and when the time comes, you want to expand your family by having a child.

Having a baby is sometimes planned and sometimes an unexpected surprise. Some couples are lucky and are able to conceive during the first few months of trying for a child. However, some couples may complain of not being able to have children despite having had an unprotected relationship for a long time.

For this reason, some women who want to become mothers ask, “Why can’t I get pregnant?” They do think from time to time. People suspect infertility when they can’t get a result despite trying. However, there may be many different reasons underlying this situation.

So, what prevents pregnancy, What are the reasons that prevent pregnancy?

Why Can’t I Get Pregnant?: Understanding the Causes of Infertility

Trying to get pregnant can be an exciting and joyful time, but for some couples, it can also be frustrating and stressful. If you have been trying to get pregnant for six months or more without success, it’s natural to wonder why you can’t get pregnant and what you can do about it. In this article, we will explore the common causes of infertility and what you can do to improve your chances of conceiving.

Infertility is a common concern for many couples who are trying to have a child. It can be a frustrating and emotionally challenging experience, especially when it is not clear what is causing the fertility issues. In this article, we will explore some of the common causes of infertility and discuss possible treatment options.

Today, 15% of families who try to have a baby in normal ways fail in this regard and cannot get pregnant.

There are various reasons why pregnancy is difficult or does not occur at all. It is necessary to examine what kinds of obstacles there are to the occurrence of pregnancy in these people, depending on some tests and examinations.

There may be reasons that are congenital or due to a disease, as well as problems caused by environmental factors.

In some cases, drug treatment or surgical intervention may be required to eliminate the causes, and fertilization can occur. However, it is also very common for couples to worry unnecessarily. “I can’t get pregnant!” Thus, the diagnosis of infertility should not be made too early.

Fertilization may not always coincide, even if all conditions are suitable. This does not mean that you cannot conceive.

In Which Situations Can It Be Said ‘I Can’t Get Pregnant’?

One couple said, ‘We’re not having a baby!’ In order for it to be able to say, first of all, 3 situations must have occurred completely and correctly.

• Sufficient Time

Fertilization is not an event that can occur in every relationship that you coincide with the ovulation period. The probability of fertilization within a month is about 20-25% .

For this reason, 1 year for people under the age of 35 and 6 months for people over the age of 35 is not considered sufficient time to get pregnant without trying unprotected intercourse.

However, if it is not possible to conceive after the expiry of these periods, it may be appropriate to consult a doctor.

• Regular Relationship

Regular intercourse between couples plays a very important role in increasing the chance of pregnancy. Experts recommend having unprotected intercourse at least twice a week during pregnancy.

Especially in people with an average 28-day menstrual cycle, the success rate is much higher when there is a relationship between the 10th and 16th days of the menstrual period, starting from the first day.

• Right Relationship

In addition to adequate duration and regular intercourse, the lack of correct sexual intercourse between couples is an obstacle to pregnancy. What is more important than the position here is ensuring that the sperm cells of the man reach the woman’s vagina.

Despite the realization of these 3 situations, if you have tried for a sufficient amount of time, had regular and correct intercourse, but still cannot get pregnant after 12 months, it would be appropriate to consult an obstetrician and conduct detailed research on the reasons for not getting pregnant.

How Does Pregnancy Occur?

A pregnancy occurs when the egg cell meets the sperm cell in the fallopian tubes, and as a result of this encounter, fertilization occurs and the fertilized embryo moves through the tubes and settles in the uterus.

During this whole cycle, any problem with the reproductive organs of the woman or the reproductive system of the man will prevent the completion of the cycle and prevent pregnancy.

For this reason, the reasons should be examined separately for both men and women.

Common Causes of Infertility in Women

There are many different factors that can contribute to infertility in women, including:

• Ovulation disorders: Ovulation disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can disrupt the menstrual cycle and prevent the release of an egg.
• Age: Fertility naturally declines with age, and it may take longer for older women to get pregnant. Women are most fertile in their 20s and early 30s, and fertility begins to decline at around age 35.
• Fallopian tube damage: Damage to the fallopian tubes, such as from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or endometriosis, can prevent the egg from being fertilized.
• Uterine or cervical abnormalities: Abnormalities in the uterus or cervix, such as uterine fibroids or a narrowed cervix, can impact fertility.
• Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as an underactive thyroid gland or high levels of prolactin, can disrupt ovulation and fertility.

Different factors can play a role in a woman’s inability to have a baby. It is possible that there are different problems with the production of the egg cell, with the production and transmission of the sperm cell, or with the meeting and fusion of the egg and sperm cells.

Therefore, the reasons for not being able to get pregnant will differ for men and women.

Reasons Based on the Expectant Mother

Women’s reproductive systems are much more complicated than men’s. As a result, there could be a variety of factors preventing the woman from becoming pregnant.

• Low egg reserve (especially in older women, the egg reserves in the ovaries decrease, causing a decrease in the chance of fertilization)
• Physiological problems in the uterus (double uterus, half uterus, presence of structural disorders and anomalies such as curtain in the uterus)
• Uterine adhesions (Adenomyosis disease is the adhesion of intrauterine cells to the uterine wall)
• Endometriosis disease (adhesions that occur in the tubes and prevent fertilization by causing the channels to close)
• Excess secretion of milk hormone (prolactin) (this problem, also known as hyperprolactinemia, can cause ovulation problems in women and accordingly inability to get pregnant)
• Infections (infections in the reproductive organs can negatively affect fertility)
• Thyroid hormone disorders such as hypothyroid, hyperthyroid or goiter (deterioration in hormone levels may prevent ovulation)
• Polycystic ovaries and fibroids (they are troubles that can cause inability to ovulate and blockage in the tubes)
• Presence of spermicidal antibodies
• Abortion etc. surgical operations such as
• Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy
• Smoking and alcohol use
• Overweight and obesity
• Early menopause

Common Causes of Infertility in Men

There are also many factors that can contribute to infertility in men, including:

• Sperm production problems: Sperm production problems, such as low sperm count or poor sperm motility, can impact fertility.
• Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone levels, can disrupt sperm production and fertility.
• Genetic conditions: Genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome or cystic fibrosis, can impact fertility.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as pesticides or heavy metals, can affect sperm production and fertility.
• Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use, can impact fertility.
• Testicular tumors
• Congenitally undeveloped sperm duct
• Testicular trauma
• Varicocele discomfort (vasodilation in the testicles)
• Cystic fibrosis (a genetic disease that negatively affects the glands of organs and causes dysfunction)
• Hydrocele (this condition, known as an increase in fluid accumulation between the membranes surrounding the testicles, may cause excessive water accumulation in the testicles and prevent the testicles from performing their duties)
• Azoospermia (absence of sperm cells in the semen)
• Low sperm count (if the number of sperm cells in the semen is low, the chance of fertilization decreases)
• Structural defects in sperm cells
• Mobility of existing sperm cells (sperm cells that move less reduce the chance of fertilization)
• Erection (hardening) problems
• Testicular infections
• Backflow problem
• Hormone disorders
• Cancer treatment and drug use
• Smoking and alcohol use

Treatment Options for Infertility

If you are having difficulty getting pregnant, there are a number of treatment options that may be able to help. Some of the most common treatments for infertility include:

• Fertility medications: Fertility medications can help to stimulate ovulation in women or increase sperm production in men. These medications can be taken orally or injected, and they are often used in combination with other fertility treatments.
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI): IUI is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into the uterus. This can be done using a catheter or a syringe, and it is often used in combination with fertility medications.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF): IVF is a more advanced fertility treatment that involves fertilizing an egg outside of the body and then transferring the embryo back into the uterus. This treatment is typically reserved for couples who have not had success with other fertility treatments.

Lifestyle Factors that Can Affect Fertility

There are also a number of lifestyle factors that can impact fertility. Some of the most important ones to consider include:

• Weight: Being either underweight or overweight can disrupt hormone levels and make it more difficult to get pregnant.
• Stress: Stress can have a negative impact on fertility by disrupting hormone levels and affecting ovulation and sperm production.
• Alcohol and tobacco use: Excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use can both affect fertility in both men and women.
• Environmental exposures: Certain environmental exposures, such as pollution and certain chemicals, can also impact fertility.
• Diet: A healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients can support fertility. On the other hand, a diet that is high in processed and unhealthy foods can negatively impact fertility.

Seeking Help for Infertility

If you have been trying to get pregnant for a while without success, it is important to seek help. There are many fertility specialists and clinics that can help you determine the cause of your fertility issues and provide you with treatment options. In some cases, fertility treatments may not be successful, but there are still options available, such as adoption or surrogacy.

It is also important to remember that infertility is a common issue, and you are not alone in your struggles. There are many support groups and resources available for couples who are struggling with fertility issues.

• Infertility is a common concern for many couples trying to have a child
• Female infertility can be caused by ovulation disorders, fallopian tube damage or blockage, uterine abnormalities, and age
• Male infertility can be caused by low sperm count, sperm abnormalities, and erectile dysfunction
• Treatment options for infertility include fertility medications, intrauterine insemination, and in vitro fertilization
• Lifestyle factors such as weight, stress, alcohol and tobacco use, environmental exposures, and diet can all impact fertility
• If you have been trying to get pregnant without success, it is important to seek help and consider all options, including adoption and surrogacy.

Coping with Infertility

Dealing with infertility can be a difficult and emotional experience, and it is important to take care of your mental and emotional health while you navigate this journey. Here are some tips for coping with infertility:

• Find support: As mentioned earlier, there are many support groups and resources available for couples struggling with fertility issues. It can be helpful to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
• Seek counseling: It is normal to feel a range of emotions when dealing with infertility, including sadness, anger, and frustration. A mental health professional can help you work through these emotions and provide you with coping strategies.
• Take breaks: It can be easy to get caught up in the pursuit of fertility treatments, but it is important to take breaks and focus on self-care. This can include activities such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and spending time with loved ones.
• Explore other options: If fertility treatments are not successful, it is important to consider other options for building a family, such as adoption or surrogacy. These options can provide a sense of hope and purpose during a challenging time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, infertility is a common concern for many couples trying to have a child. There are a variety of potential causes and treatment options available, and it is important to work with a fertility specialist to determine the best course of action. Remember to take care of your mental and emotional health during this journey, and don’t hesitate to seek support and explore other options.

As a result of the results, pregnancy can be tried by applying an egg follow-up to the woman, drug treatment to the man, or vaccination to the woman.

However, prior to all of this, it should be ensured that enough time has passed for pregnancy formation, and one should not be impatient.

You might be interested in our “6 Foods That Help You Get Pregnant Fast” and “How to Get Pregnant Fast? What are the Pregnancy Tips?” articles.

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Thank you for reading our article on “Why Can’t I Get Pregnant?” We hope that you found it informative and helpful. If you have any ideas or comments that you would like to share with others, we encourage you to do so in the comments section below. Your thoughts and experiences can be valuable for others who may be going through similar challenges. If you have any additional questions or would like to share your personal story, please feel free to do so as well. We appreciate your contributions to the discussion.

References

1. “Infertility: An Overview” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, accessed January 22, 2023, https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/pregnancy/infertility-an-overview
2. “Infertility: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment” Healthline, accessed January 22, 2023, https://www.healthline.com/health/infertility
3. “Infertility” Mayo Clinic, accessed January 22, 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354517
4. “Infertility: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments” WebMD, accessed January 22, 2023, https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/infertility-causes-and-diagnosis#1
5. “Infertility: Understanding the Causes and Treatment Options” Everyday Health, accessed January 22, 2023, https://www.everydayhealth.com/pregnancy/infertility-understanding-the-causes-and-treatment-options/

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