When you are having trouble conceiving, the first thought that comes to mind is a seemingly simple question: “Why can’t I get pregnant?” You are healthy, not overweight, and eating right. You have regular periods, and you and your husband have sex at the right time every month. When you can’t get pregnant, and things look good from the outside, it can be amazingly frustrating.
One thing to consider is the length of time you have been trying to get pregnant. Most couples (about 80%) will get pregnant after six months of trying, and typically 90% will be pregnant after 12 months of trying to get pregnant (that, of course, is with regular, well-timed intercourse each and every month). Most reproductive specialists agree that if you haven’t been trying for at least six months, or you haven’t been timing sex for ovulation, you should keep on trying.
If you have been trying for six months to a year, and you’re still not pregnant, there may be an internal issue that needs to be addressed. Having regular menstrual cycles doesn’t mean that all is well on the inside. There are a number of possible reasons for infertility.
Age and Female Infertility
For women over the age of 35, it can take longer to get pregnant. A female’s age can impact not only the frequency of ovulation, but also the quality of the eggs. Even if you are ovulating each month, the eggs, and even your hormones, could be less than ideal for fertilization.
Age and Male Infertility
Of course, women carry the baby through pregnancy, but it takes two to get the process started. Age is also a factor for men, especially over the age of 40. Twenty to thirty percent of infertile couples discover infertility factors on the man’s side, and another 40% find infertility factors on both sides. Because men rarely have any symptoms that are observable, a semen analysis is needed to determine male infertility.
Blocked Fallopian Tubes, Endometriosis, or Structural Problems
While irregular ovulation accounts for 25-30% of female infertility cases, there are other possible issues that a reproductive specialist will need to look into. If you are having trouble getting pregnant, you may have problems with endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, or other structural problems involving the uterus. Unfortunately, having regular periods, without any signs or symptoms of problems, doesn’t always guarantee fertility.
Underlying Medical Problems
Sometimes, an underlying medical problem can lead to infertility in both women and men. For example, an undiagnosed STD may cause infertility. Problems with the thyroid or undiagnosed diabetes can both lead to infertility. A reproductive specialist will want to rule out any possible medical issues.
Unexplained Infertility
Sometimes the reason behind the infertility is never found. A reproductive specialist works with couples to find any undiagnosed problems, but as many as 30% of couples never find out why they can’t get pregnant on their own.
While some couples will have signs or symptoms that may give a hint that there may be fertility concerns, many couples won’t know anything is wrong until after they have tried unsuccessfully for a year. The Center of Reproductive Medicine, with offices in Clear Lake and Southeast Texas, is dedicated to examining and investigating the specific cause of every fertility concern. They will walk you through the process, answering questions, recommending the best treatment options, and providing support.
The physicians and professional staff at the Center of Reproductive Medicine are well known for their high level of success in helping couples to conceive. CORM reproductive specialists are committed to providing the highest quality reproductive medicine, ensuring exceptional care is given to every patient/couple undergoing fertility treatment.