Trying to conceive and start a family is a journey filled with excitement and anticipation of the addition of a tiny one in your life.
However, for some couples, this journey may not be as smooth and may even be filled with various unanswered questions. If you are trying to get pregnant but struggling, in such conditions you may find yourself asking Why can’t I get pregnant?
But you are not the only one; many people face this issue. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive even after one year of trying (6 months if you are over 35 ) and affects millions worldwide.
Understanding the reasons behind infertility can be the first step towards getting the answers and support you need.
This blog will focus on the complexities of female infertility, but it’s important to remember that male factors can also cause infertility. A fertility expert can help you and your partner find the potential causes and develop a plan to move forward. Meet our experts
The Role of the Menstrual Cycle
A successful conception is based on a healthy menstrual cycle. During a regular cycle, your ovaries release an egg (ovulation) about two weeks after the start of your period. This egg passes through the fallopian tubes, where sperm can fertilize it—pregnancy results from the fertilized egg implanting itself in the lining of your uterus.
Understanding Female Infertility
Several things can cause female infertility. The following are some of the most prevalent causes:
Ovulation problems: This contributes significantly to female infertility. Hormonal imbalances or conditions such as PCOS can interfere with ovulation, making it challenging to release an egg every month.
Blocked fallopian tubes: The egg and sperm may not be able to meet due to scarring or obstructions in the fallopian tubes. Endometriosis, previous surgeries, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can all be the cause of this.
Uterine problems: Problems such as noncancerous growths called fibroids or polyps in the uterus can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting.
Cervical factors: Sperm may find it difficult to reach the egg in some situations due to mucus produced by the cervix that is unfriendly to them.
Age: A woman’s fertility decreases typically, particularly beyond 35. Egg quantity and quality should be higher, which makes conception more challenging.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining develops outside the uterus. It might disturb ovulation and implantation, induce inflammation, and leave scars.
Underlying medical conditions: Several illnesses, including autoimmune diseases, thyroid problems, and celiac disease, can affect fertility.
Lifestyle factors that can impact fertility:
- Weight: Ovulation and hormone balance can be disturbed by being noticeably underweight or overweight.
- Smoking: It hurts fertility in both men and women.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can affect ovulation and the quality of the eggs.
- Stress: Prolonged periods of high stress can interfere with controlling hormones and ovulation.
- Environmental toxins: Certain environmental toxins, such as pesticides and heavy metals, may affect fertility.
When To Seek Medical Help?
You should seek medical help if you have been trying to conceive for longer than a year or six months if you are over 35. In addition to prescribing tests to determine your fertility, they might conduct a physical examination and analyze your medical history.
Your healthcare provider can build a customized treatment plan and identify the cause of your infertility with several tests. Medication to control ovulation, surgery to remove obstructions, or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) are possible treatments for female infertility.
Conclusion
Although being a parent might involve many unexpected twists and turns, the first step towards a smoother journey is gaining an awareness of female infertility. If you’ve been having trouble getting pregnant, consult a medical expert. Our team of skilled reproductive doctors at Motherland Hospital can collaborate with you to determine any underlying problems and create a customized treatment strategy.
Remember that couples dealing with infertility have a wide range of alternatives thanks to advances in reproductive medicine. At Motherland Hospital, our medical professionals can review these options with you and assist you in determining the best course of action.
Above all, do not give up on your desire to start a family. By being informed, getting assistance, and taking action, you may improve your chances of having a successful pregnancy at Motherland Hospital.
