What is Infertility?

Infertility is when a couple struggles to conceive despite having regular, unprotected sex for a year or more. It’s a common issue that can affect both men and women. Various factors, such as age, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, can contribute to infertility.

How to know if you’re having issues?

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while without success, you might wonder if infertility is a concern. Common signs include irregular menstrual cycles, painful periods, or a history of medical issues that can affect fertility. Men may also experience symptoms like changes in sexual function or hormone-related issues. If you’re under 35 and haven’t conceived after a year of trying, or if you’re over 35 and haven’t conceived after six months, it might be time to consult a healthcare professional.

What should you do if you’re not getting pregnant?

If you’re not getting pregnant and are concerned about infertility, don’t worry—there are steps you can take. Start by consulting with a healthcare provider to discuss your situation. They can conduct tests and recommend treatments tailored to your needs. It’s also helpful to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as factors like stress, diet, and exercise can impact fertility.

Still, there are many other reasons why you might not be pregnant yet that can be solved with just a little bit of research and a lot of patience.

• Ovulation schedule – It’s important to make sure that you’re having regular sex that lines up with your ovulation schedule. Otherwise, it would be as if you’re shooting at a quickly moving target.
• It’s not you – About one-third of couples will come to realize that it is, in fact, the man who is infertile!
• Fallopian tubes – Endometriosis, blocked Fallopian tubes, or the way a uterus is shaped may prevent contraception from taking place.
• Underlying medical problems – It could be something as simple as the woman’s low weight or a thyroid imbalance that is causing infertility. Both of which are easily remedied with a doctor’s assistance. It is also possibly for infertility to be caused by depression, an undiagnosed abnormality, or extremely off balance hormones.

TTC Over a Year

If you’ve been trying for over a year and you haven’t been having any luck, you should see a doctor. The longer you want to get to the root of your infertility issue, the longer it will take for you to welcome your new baby into the world!

The most important thing to do if you think you are infertile is to be kind to yourself. Find a local fertility clinic or ask your OBGYN for any advice. Taking the first step may seem daunting but it will be worth it once you start getting closer to understanding your body and what’s going on.

For more information and support, check out my other fertility posts and join our community on Instagram @andimans. Let’s navigate this journey together!