Do you long to be a parent but are finding it difficult to get pregnant? Well, you’re not alone in wondering why your pregnancy isn’t coming forward as quickly as you’d want. Many couples go through this process, and it’s natural to have questions and worries.
Here, we’ll ask the all important question: Why can’t I get pregnant? We’ll explore the most common reasons for infertility and provide insights into the realm of fertility. By the end, you’ll have a greater grasp of the dynamics at work, as well as the confidence to take the next steps on your journey to parenthood.
Understanding fertility: The basics
At the core of it, a baby is created inside a woman’s uterus when the sperm from the male partner fertilises the egg from the female partner, forming a zygote. This zygote implants itself into the uterus lining and evolves into a foetus over the next nine months. It seems quite simple, doesn’t it?
However, as easy as it looks on paper, conceiving a baby is not a child’s play. Multiple factors have an impact on the chances of getting pregnant, the most important one being the fertility status of the couple. Simply put, fertility is the ability to bear children. Usually, for women, the health of their eggs and the number of eggs in their reserve determine fertility. On the other hand, for men, it’s primarily about the health and quantity of their sperm. But there is more than meets the eye.
Why can’t I get pregnant?: Common causes of infertility
If your eggs and sperm are healthy, why aren’t you getting pregnant? There are a number of reasons.
When it comes to getting pregnant, your diet and exercise routine have a huge impact on your reproductive health.
Unsurprisingly, stress and addictive substances can also become barriers on this journey. In fact, smoking negatively impacts male fertility by deteriorating the quality of sperm. Furthermore, medical conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can affect male and female fertility, and cause pregnancy complications. These conditions are known to disrupt ovulation and cause problems throughout the implantation process.
Additionally, for couples nearing their thirties, age can become a hurdle as well. In women, the biological clock naturally affects the volume and quality of eggs produced, while for men, a decrease in sperm quality and motility is observed as they age. This can make conception more difficult.
How to improve your chances of getting pregnant?
So, how do you improve your chances of getting pregnant? Here are some easy-to-remember tips:
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Keep an active lifestyle
Exercising regularly can help you maintain an active lifestyle. Research has shown that increased levels of exercise can reduce the risk of infertility. But you don’t need to hit the gym every day for an intense workout. Instead, carving out time in the day for small bouts of exercise can help.
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Eat a balanced diet
Consuming a balanced diet can not only keep you healthy, but provide your body with rich nutrients essential for supporting pregnancy. Studies show that diets high in unsaturated fats, whole grains, vegetables and fish have been associated with improved fertility in both women and men. Another example is that of antioxidant-rich foods, which improve fertility, especially in men.
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Steer away from stress
Stress is inevitable in our daily lives, but excessive stress can negatively affect the quality of sperm and eggs in both men and women. Try steering away from situations which may trigger worry or stress as much as possible and practice mindfulness.
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Eliminate addictive substances
The use of alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and other addictive substances can damage your health and increase the risk of infertility significantly. While it may be tough to go cold turkey, it is advised to slowly reduce and gradually eliminate these substances from your body in order to stay fertile.
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Have frequent sex
It may sound obvious, but having frequent sex with your partner can not only improve your chances of conception but can also build intimacy and an emotional bond. This can make the future pregnancy journey easier for both individuals. Don’t put too much pressure on having sex for the purpose of conception, however, as this can cause sex to be associated with increased stress, making the process unenjoyable for you and your partner.
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Visit a fertility clinic
While all these tips can improve your chances of pregnancy, sometimes, the reason you are struggling to get pregnant may be more complex and can require professional diagnosis. If you and your partner have been trying for over a year or more with no luck, it is suggested to visit a fertility clinic to consult with a specialist. These clinics offer advice from experienced fertility specialists, and advanced fertility treatments.
Your fertility specialist may recommend you to undergo a few fertility tests such as an Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test, sperm assessments or aqua scans (varies depending on case) to get a deeper insight into your reproductive health and provide you with a bespoke experience.
Your pregnancy journey
It is important to note that every pregnancy journey is different. While some treatment options may work for someone else, your case might require additional support. Depending on your case history, your fertility doctor may use a combination of treatment options to achieve the desired results. Remember that help is always available and surrounding yourself with loved ones who can give you emotional support will aid you on this journey.
Disclosure: This is a featured post.