I Can’t Get Pregnant! What Is Happening?

I can’t get pregnant! Many, many women say this phrase every day, and with each phrase comes a different pain and feeling. For many, getting pregnant means a lot, and with each cycle that menstruation shows up at the end, it’s a feeling of destruction and devastation for those who are trying to conceive.

The fact is, trying to get pregnant becomes an immensely exhausting pursuit and, many times, the woman and the couple don’t even know where to begin when it comes to figuring out why they can’t get pregnant.

But not being able to get pregnant does have its explanations, and even if it appears to be a case of infertility with no obvious cause, it is possible to find out if it’s a temporary or permanent condition. Sterility or infertility? If I’m not sterile, then why can’t I get pregnant?

Why Can’t I Get Pregnant? Looking for Causes

The couple decides it’s time to have a baby, stops using their chosen contraceptive method and then the attempts begin. Two, three, six, seven, ten months go by and nothing! Is that normal? Yes, up to one year of trying is considered within the normal timeframe for a woman up to age 35; for a woman over 35, even up to 6 months of trying is considered normal.

After this period, ideally, anyone who wants to get pregnant should have routine tests done to investigate the causes of infertility. In fact, these tests are very important and should be carried out even if you haven’t been trying for that long.

It’s also advisable to start preparing the body with vitamin supplements. Often, small hormonal imbalances can be the difference between a positive and a negative, and certain vitamin deficiencies may be the culprits. We recommend special multivitamins for those trying to conceive, like FamiPré, which you can learn more about here.

As soon as you stop using your contraceptive method, blood work, hormonal tests, and an ultrasound should be performed by the woman. For men, blood and urine tests are also welcome. From this point forward, you will know whether you’re ready to try for a baby. But pregnancy doesn’t always happen within one year, so a deeper investigation may be needed.

Initially, the couple should seek out a gynecologist or reproductive endocrinologist, who can begin investigating both partners. For women, it is worth doing a full panel of relevant hormone tests and a pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound.

Hysterosalpingography is a great test to see if there are problems with the fallopian tubes. Sometimes adhesions may occur and prevent fertilization in the tube¹. For men, the main test is a semen analysis to assess the health of the sperm. This test shows, among other things, how the motility, health, and morphology of the sperm are². These are the main factors in determining male fertility.

Most cases reveal a diagnosis of problems that are easy to resolve. That is, when a mild hormonal issue is detected—whether in the man or the woman. Other causes can also be found, such as in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (which is treatable), endometriosis, which is a bit more serious than PCOS, and ovulation problems. These are the most common reasons for unsuccessful attempts to conceive.

In men, low motility or reduced sperm count due to infection or other causes can make it hard for a couple to conceive. But many of these issues can be treated once the cause is found. Healthy sperm increases the chances of pregnancy, but minor changes do not make it impossible.

Only in rare cases will one or both partners be diagnosed with sterility, which is truly the inability to have children. In those cases, options such as adoption should be considered. If the man has had a vasectomy, he is considered sterile.

For women, removal or certain types of damage to the ovaries or uterus cause sterility. There are also congenital problems and other factors that can cause sterility. Fortunately, the majority of couples who are trying to have children but cannot get pregnant are infertile, not sterile.

But what can be done to make it easier to get pregnant in cases of unexplained infertility? Some methods can help a lot. Methods such as basal body temperature, timed intercourse, assisted ovulation induction with a good specialist, and even an appropriate lubricant gel can help bring about that long-awaited baby.

Knowing when and if you are ovulating is very important. Not only is it essential to know which days to try, it also helps to rule out some potential problems. Methods like Billings or the symptothermal method, for example, can help identify the fertile day and encourage pregnancy³. Irregular cycles can be a problem, and these methods can show whether regulating the cycle will be simple or require something more complex.

Cases of absent ovulation, such as hormonal imbalances and polycystic ovary syndrome, deserve attention and should be treated to achieve pregnancy. In more severe cases, like advanced endometriosis, surgery or even in vitro fertilization might be necessary.

Problems like varicocele and testicular infections are also treatable, with a high chance of success. These cases are perfectly manageable—it is important to evaluate each situation individually with a specialized physician.

I Can’t Get Pregnant—Could It Be Emotional?

Yes, once physical causes have been ruled out, emotional factors may hinder the quest for pregnancy. Unfortunately, the desire to have a baby can actually get in the way of getting pregnant.

As time passes without that long-desired pregnancy, the couple may develop anxiety issues. Another interfering factor can be external pressure from relatives or friends who want the couple to have a child. The key is to be followed by good professionals who are genuinely interested in helping the couple.

So what’s the secret when the reason is emotional? Relax! Make love because you love each other, and let things happen naturally.

But what if years go by and pregnancy still doesn’t happen? New tests should be done, and if everything is normal and pregnancy still hasn’t occurred, it’s worth considering alternatives such as fertility treatments to help.

There are ways such as insemination, IVF, and so many other methods to help a couple have a child—even adoption. If you have love to give, just open your mind and analyze the possibilities, why not? As doctors and psychologists say, anxiety and pregnancy don’t mix. Staying calm and serene is fundamental.

Useful posts for those trying to get pregnant:

Fertile period calculator Timed Intercourse – Extra Help to Get Pregnant Ovulation Test – How to do it and Interpret Results? Tips for Getting Pregnant – Positions and Tricks for Those Trying to Conceive

Good luck to everyone on this journey!