So, you’ve been trying to get pregnant for awhile, but nothing is happening. Why are you not getting pregnant? There are many possible reasons, including ovulation irregularities, structural problems in the reproductive system, low sperm count, or an underlying medical problem.
While infertility can have symptoms like irregular periods or severe menstrual cramps, the truth is that most causes of infertility are silent. Male infertility rarely has symptoms. Here are eight possible reasons you haven’t conceived yet.
Not Trying Long Enough
The first thing to consider is how long have you been trying. It may feel like you’ve been trying forever—and maybe you have!—but it’s important to know that many couples won’t conceive right away.
About 80% of couples conceive after six months of trying. Approximately 90% will be pregnant after 12 months of trying to get pregnant. This assumes you have well-timed intercourse every month.
Not Ovulating
Human conception requires an egg and sperm. If you’re not ovulating, you won’t be able to get pregnant. Anovulation is a common cause of female infertility and it can be triggered by many conditions.
PCOS is one possible cause of anovulation. Other possible causes include being over or underweight, primary ovarian insufficiency, a thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, and excessive exercise.
Most women who are experiencing ovulation problems have irregular periods. However, regular menstrual cycles don’t guarantee that ovulation is occurring. If you have irregular cycles, talk to your doctor, even if you haven’t been trying for a year yet.
