“What can I do if I don’t get pregnant?” – this is the question some women ask themselves when their desire to have children remains unfulfilled. If you haven't gotten pregnant yet, there could be a variety of reasons. In the following blog we will inform you about possible causes and explain what measures you can take as a couple.
How long is it normal not to get pregnant?
This question can only be answered with statistical facts. Most couples need three to twelve cycles to conceive. If 6 months have already passed for you, there is no cause for concern. Around 80 percent of women who want to have children become pregnant after about a year at the latest.
If you are not pregnant after 12 months, you may seek medical attention.
Possible causes of the unfulfilled desire to have children
Fertility is influenced by various factors. On the one hand, a biological disorder or an illness can be the cause of an unfulfilled desire to have children. The former can occur in one of the partners or in both.
On the other hand, illnesses are sometimes responsible for limited or complete infertility. In addition, lifestyle has a major influence on fertility.
Illnesses and disorders as a reason for the unfulfilled desire to have a baby
The following medical reasons are possible if you have not yet become pregnant:
Diseases in women
Pregnancy can be prevented by changes or defects in the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries. Furthermore, operations or an ectopic pregnancy can mean that you are not yet expecting a baby.
In rare cases, inflammation or a blocked fallopian tube can also be the cause of fertility problems. In addition, more and more women are suffering from endometriosis. This is a disease of the uterine lining that affects many people. Gynecologists can examine you more closely if you suspect something.
Diseases in men
It is possible that the man has too few motile or intact sperm cells in his testicles. Factors such as an unhealthy lifestyle, pollutants or illnesses can affect sperm quality. An undescended testicle also negatively affects sperm production.
Women's hormonal problems
Hormonal disbalances can also be the reason why you haven't become pregnant yet. For example, if there is a malfunction of the thyroid gland, this may have a negative impact on egg maturation.
Other hormonal causes in women include luteal weakness and polycystic ovary syndrome. PCO is the abbreviation for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. In this case, your doctor can use an ultrasound to detect cysts in the ovaries.
This type of cyst is an immature follicle. Three features are relevant to PCOS syndrome, of which at least two must occur:
- Your cycle lasts longer than 35 days or a missed period occurs.
- Ultrasound revealed at least eight cysts on one or both ovaries.
- A blood test revealed that you have too many male hormones. This can be noticeable, among other things, in excessive body hair or acne.
If the corpus luteum is weak, the corpus luteum produces too little Progesterone. In this way, the uterine cavity does not adequately prepare for pregnancy. The result: a fertilized egg cannot implant in the tissue. This is a common reason for miscarriages.
There are various symptoms that can indicate luteal weakness. This includes:
- The second half of the cycle is shortened and lasts less than two weeks.
- You suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
- Intermittent bleeding occurs in the second half of the cycle.
Venereal diseases in men or women
One of the most common causes of infertility is chlamydia infection. Women and men can become infected with these bacteria through unprotected sexual intercourse. Chlamydia sometimes block the fallopian tubes.
In men, infections and inflammation of the prostate and epididymis are possible.
Tumor disease
Cancer can also affect fertility in men and women. For example, the quality of sperm in men deteriorates if testicular cancer is present. Tumors, Leukemias and Lymphomas also change the hormonal balance.
Biological causes
Age also plays a role in becoming pregnant. In women, the number of eggs decreases from the age of 30.
Psychological causes
The soul has an influence on the unfulfilled desire to have a baby. Sometimes everything just revolves around this topic when nothing seems to be working. Many couples put themselves under pressure if the pregnancy doesn't work out right away.
This short-term, unwanted childlessness then leads to a state of stress and the emotional pressure is often compensated for with an unhealthy lifestyle. If a miscarriage occurs when you want to have children, then the issue ends in a vicious circle.
This overshadows the couple's happiness and leads to further stress.
Unhealthy lifestyle
An unhealthy diet, tobacco consumption, drugs and alcohol have a negative impact on fertility. So promote your health by avoiding alcohol consumption in any form. When you are stressed, your adrenaline level also increases.
This stress hormone is the antagonist of Progesterone. It can therefore happen that the eggs mature only slowly.
Other factors that can affect fertility
Competitive sports or lack of sleep also disrupt the hormonal balance in some cases. In addition, being underweight or overweight can be the reason why you are unable to get pregnant. For example, if your body weight is too high, sperm production decreases.
Women who are very overweight also often have cycle fluctuations. If you are underweight, you often fail to ovulate. In men, being underweight can affect testicular function and lead to illness. Breastfeeding as a mother is also a problem. The hormone Prolactin is produced during breastfeeding.
It makes implantation of the embryo more difficult during the cycles as the egg does not mature. In addition, environmental toxins are becoming an increasingly important problem for people in everyday life.
Can you get pregnant with medication and tablets?
For women who want to finally enjoy pregnancy, medications and pills can be valuable options. Taking options like Clomiphene or Gonadotropins promotes ovulation. It therefore increases the chances of pregnancy.
Endocrinology drug therapy at a fertility center also treats menstrual irregularities to improve the probability of successful conception during sex. However, it is important that these medications are only taken under the supervision of a doctor.
This way you can ensure the optimal dosage and not take any risks.
Artificial insemination: how often does it work?
The decision for artificial insemination depends on various factors. Above all, it is a complex and emotional matter, as the conversation about reproductive medicine is still not an everyday topic. However, such fertility centers can make a difference in the case of menstrual cycle disorders.
Data shows that methods such as IVF, ICSI or cryotransfer have a success rate of around 25-45%. These numbers vary depending on your individual situation. The prospect of success usually remains stable with repeated attempts.
Please note, however, that the path to pregnancy often requires individual adjustments and treatment plans in gynecology to ensure the best chance of success. With individual support and methods, you will definitely finally have the child you want.
Your gynecologist is the first point of contact.
What promotes fertility in women?
If diseases such as diabetes, hormonal imbalances and the like are ruled out, you can increase fertility with a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle also includes a balanced diet that consists of lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Folic acid also plays an important role in your desire to have children. If there is a lack of folic acid, the embryo cannot develop sufficiently and malformations are possible.
It takes some time for folic acid levels to increase. Your body cannot produce folic acid itself.
That's why you have to get them from your diet. A lot of folic acid is found, for example, in whole grain products, salad and nuts. It is even better to purchase a preparation containing folic acid, as this vitamin is very sensitive to heat and light.
In addition, light exercise such as yoga or a little exercise in nature activates the body's circulation. It improves general well-being and health. By the way, smoking has a negative impact. So if you want to have a child, you should definitely avoid nicotine.
How can men improve their fertility?
Selenium and zinc optimize the formation of sperm and thus the fertility of men. In addition, men who want to have children should largely avoid soy products. There are estrogens in soy. These are female, plant-based sex hormones that can have a negative impact on fertility.
Is the sperm fertile - sperm count test
A spermiogram from your partner is also recommended if you simply cannot get pregnant without contraception during ovulation. The ejaculate is examined and the doctor then assesses the fertility. A urologist can carry out this examination.
There are also rapid tests for at home. However, a sperm test by a urologist provides clearer results. Among other things, the motility and number of sperm are examined more closely.
In addition, a laboratory evaluation is carried out in which the ejaculate is analyzed for zinc, white blood cells, fructose and bacteria.
What does the gynecologist do if you don't get pregnant?
During the gynecological examination, the doctor looks for possible organ changes. In addition, a mirror examination of the cervix and vagina is carried out. An ultrasound is usually also carried out.
Using these methods, the gynecologist can determine whether endometriosis, polyps, fibroids or organic malformations are the reason for the unfulfilled desire to have children. In order to rule out chlamydia or other pathogens, the doctor usually takes a smear of the cervix.
Your hormone status is checked with a blood analysis. Further tests such as a genetic test, a hysteroscopy or an X-ray may follow. Depending on the results, you will receive tips and the gynecologist will suggest treatment to the woman and couple.
So try to be calm so that your life doesn't revolve around children 24/7. This is how your dream pregnancy will definitely work out in the long term!
Our recommendations:
