What are Signs You Can't Get Pregnant?

Signs of Infertility: How to Recognize Trouble Conceiving

Every couple dreams of the joy of starting a family, but for many, the pregnancy journey can be a tough one. Fertility issues are more prevalent than most people think, often slipping under the radar until months or even years go by without a positive outcome.

Recognising the early signs that something might be off can be a crucial first step in seeking solutions. Keep reading to discover the important signs that could suggest challenges in conceiving and learn when it is time to reach out to a healthcare professional for help.

The Common Signs That May Suggest Difficulty in Getting Pregnant

The most common sign that may indicate you can’t get pregnant naturally is being unable to conceive after regular unprotected sexual intercourse for six months to a year. Some women may not experience any other symptoms, while others—both women and men—may deal with significant physical signs, including:

● Irregular bleeding in the vagina

● Irregular periods or no periods that indicate ovulation issues

● Pelvic or abdominal pain

● Pain during sex or menstrual cycle

● Penile disorders or issues with ejaculation

The Reasons for Not Getting Pregnant

The causes of infertility can be numerous, so it is difficult to find a simple answer to why you are not getting pregnant. Only a certified and experienced doctor can determine the underlying cause and suggest the most suitable treatment for you.

Look at the studies that show that:

● For 33% of infertility, women are responsible.

● The other 33% of infertility involves any issues related to men.

● The remaining 33% of infertility occurs due to both partners or some unexplained factors.

Most Common Causes of Not Getting Pregnant

Interestingly, some causes of infertility affect only one partner, while others involve both partners.

● Age, when you are in your 30s or 40s.

● Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia.

● Alcohol  or tobacco consumption at an excessive rate

● Strict workout plans

● Exposure to chemicals, including lead and pesticides.

● Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

● Radiation therapy or chemotherapy

● Obesity(especially Excessive belly fat)

● Substance abuse

● Chronic diseases

● Abnormalities of the hormone-producing centres of your brain

Common Causes Women Can’t Get Pregnant

Ovulation issues are the most common cause of women not getting pregnant. It refers to a process in which the female reproductive system releases an egg to meet sperm for fertilisation.

Besides, other factors can contribute to female infertility:

● Conditions of the uterus

● Damages and blockages in the fallopian tube

● Endometriosis

● Kidney or thyroid disease

● Primary ovarian insufficiency(in simple terms, poor egg quality)

● Pelvic adhesions

● Sickle cell anemia

● Cancer and its treatment

● Structural issues of a woman's vagina, uterus

● Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

● Chromosomal disorders

● Sexual disorders

● Infrequent or absent periods

Common Infertility Causes for Men

The most common cause when considering male infertility involves issues with the shape, movement or amount of sperm. Other reasons behind male infertility are mentioned below:

● Problems with sperm reaching the female reproductive tract

● Environmental factors such as tight clothing, frequent use of hot saunas, keeping laptops or other electronic gadgets on or near your testes,

● Damage related to cancer and its treatment.

● Hormonal imbalances

● Enlarged veins in your scrotum

● Erectile dysfunction

● Genetic disorders

● Chromosomal disorders

● Issues with ejaculation, such as premature or retrograde ejaculation

● Changes in testicles

● Injury to your testicles

When to See a Healthcare Professional?

Anyone experiencing signs of infertility and not getting pregnant while trying to conceive for over a year should consider consulting a doctor. It is high time for the couple who have been trying for more than six months and are over the age of 35. Visit a doctor for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis.

Sometimes, the issue may be solved by only making a few lifestyle adjustments and improving fertility. At the same time, you may have to identify the underlying causes and opt for treatment.

According to a trusted source, infertility has become a serious health issue worldwide. It affects approximately 8% to 10% of couples globally. Probably between 15 and 20 million (which is almost 25%) of Indian couples face this health issue. So do not feel disheartened. Advancements in medical science offer many effective treatments and explore options to help you on your journey to parenthood.