Causes of Not Getting Pregnant

Starting a family is an exciting journey, but for many couples, it’s not always easy. If you've been having unprotected sex regularly for a year and still haven't been successful, then you may have infertility. The World Health Organisation says 1 in 6 couples worldwide face infertility. But this condition can arise from health issues in either of the partners, male or female. Common reasons for infertility in women are ovulation disorders and blockage in the fallopian tubes. The trouble is that in men, it is usually due to low sperm count, poor sperm mobility, or both. The first step in finding the right treatment is to understand what specifically is causing these problems. So, read on to learn the key medical, biological, and lifestyle factors impacting fertility in women and men to help you better plan your next steps.

How Does Conception Occur?

The beginning of human reproduction happens when a sperm fuses with an egg in fertilisation. After the egg is released, it goes into the fallopian tube and remains there for 12 to 24 hours. Once sperm is introduced into a woman’s body, only a few manage to reach the ampulla, which is the area of the fallopian tube where fertilisation often happens. 

When the egg is detected, sperm undergo changes that enhance their ability to swim and prepare them for the reaction needed to fertilise the egg. This reaction releases enzymes that help the sperm penetrate the egg’s protective layer, allowing only one sperm to unite with the egg’s membrane. Once fertilisation occurs, the egg’s surface changes to prevent entry by additional sperm. After joining, the genetic material is now a zygote, which divides and becomes an embryo as it moves to the uterus for attachment.

What Are the Major Causes of Not Getting Pregnant? 

Many medical and lifestyle problems can make it hard for someone to become pregnant. Common reasons for infertility include hormone imbalances, difficulties with ovulation, poor sperm, age, or problems with reproductive pathways. Factors such as stress, being overweight, or smoking can contribute too. To get a better understanding of infertility, we should focus on the common causes in both men and women, which are discussed as follows: 

Female Infertility Factors

Many people may be surprised to learn that infertility is widespread. Somewhere between 12% and 15% of couples have trouble getting pregnant after trying for a year without protection. About one-third of these problems involve the woman, another third involve the man, and the rest affect both individuals or have no specific reason. The most common reasons for infertility in women include the following: 

1. Ovulation Disorders and Symptoms 

Ovulation disorders, including oligo-ovulation (infrequent ovulation) or anovulation (absence of ovulation), are the usual causes for female infertility. These conditions often cause irregular or no menstrual periods. Irregular or absent ovulation greatly reduces the chance of getting pregnant without medical help, since ovulation is essential to conception.

PCOS and pregnancy challenges are also closely related. In PCOS, hormonal imbalances, such as elevated levels of androgens (male hormones like testosterone) and increased insulin resistance, disrupt the normal menstrual cycle. These hormonal changes disrupt egg development and release from the ovaries (ovulation). 

2. Hormonal Imbalance and Fertility 

Prolactin and thyroid hormones keep the menstrual cycle and ovulation on track. When prolactin levels increase (hyperprolactinemia), GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone) is not secreted as it should be, so ovulation is disrupted. 

Similarly, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are thyroid-related disorders that disrupt hormone levels in the body, affecting the process of ovulation and leading to irregular menstrual cycles. This can limit a woman’s ability to conceive. Therefore, by using medication for thyroid disorders or drugs that reduce prolactin, women can often resolve these issues and raise their chances of having a baby.

3. Fallopian Tube Blockage 

A blockage in the fallopian tubes occurs when they are partly or completely sealed, so the sperm and egg cannot unite. These tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus. As it interferes with the process of fertilisation, this health issue is often related to infertility. 

The most prevailing fallopian tube blockage causes include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), endometriosis, or scar tissue after surgeries. Such issues may prevent the egg from moving properly or stop a fertilised egg from reaching the uterus, reducing the likelihood of getting pregnant. 

4. Endometriosis and Infertility 

The condition known as endometriosis occurs when tissue that is similar to the uterus’s lining begins to grow outside the uterus. This includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes and other pelvic organs. The presence of this tissue may cause inflammation, pain and form a scar. 

The problem with pregnancy arises from the fact that endometriosis disrupts the normal functioning of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus, making implantation and fertilisation more difficult. 

5. Uterine and Cervical Abnormalities

If the uterus or cervix is abnormal, it can make it more difficult for a person to get pregnant. Troubles such as uterine fibroids, polyps, or a misshapen uterus might make it hard for the embryo to attach to the wall of the uterus. 

A cervix that is too narrow or blocked can prevent sperm from reaching the uterus, which also reduces the chance of pregnancy. Fibroids are not cancerous and grow in the uterus, while polyps are small growths from the uterine lining that may influence fertility.

Also Read: Natural way to boost fertility in Women

Male Fertility Issues

Both men and women can have infertility. However, in almost 40% of fertility problem cases, the male is the main or contributing issue. The most common factors related to the male partner are discussed as follows: 

1. Low Sperm Count and Poor Quality

Sperm need to be healthy for fertilization to happen. Conditions like mumps orchitis (inflammation of the testes caused by the mumps virus) can harm the tissue responsible for sperm production. In addition, having genetic disorders, getting sexually transmitted diseases, smoking, using drugs, and hormonal problems lead to lower count, unusual shapes, and slower-moving sperm. 

2. Varicoceles 

Varicoceles occur when the veins in the scrotum (the skin that holds the testicles) become swollen. This increases the temperature around the testicles. It prevents sperm production, reduces their count and swimming ability, and changes their usual shape.

3. Ejaculation Troubles and Clogs 

Ejaculation problems, such as premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, may stop sperm from reaching the female reproductive tract. Sometimes, sperm are blocked inside because of retrograde ejaculation or some other type of physical issue. Such problems might result from nerve damage, operation, or psychological disturbances related to fertility. 

4. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors 

Certain chemicals, like exposure to pesticides and high temperatures, can result in sperm DNA damage and lead to male fertility issues. Poor sperm quality can worsen if men consume excessive alcohol, smoke, or are overweight. These habits disrupt hormonal balance and raise the levels of harmful free radicals in the body.

Age and Fertility 

The chance of conceiving naturally depends, in part, on the age of both partners. The number and quality of a woman’s eggs are limited from birth and decrease with age. As we age past 35, fertility begins to decline gradually. 

Even though many women enjoy healthy pregnancies, the likelihood of miscarriage or genetic concerns goes up slightly, so being aware and informed is smart, but there’s no need to worry too much. Men’s fertility levels often begin to decline in their early 40s when the health and quality of the sperm start to drop.

Lifestyle and Health Conditions

A person’s health and lifestyle habits play a major role in their ability to become pregnant, such as: 

• Having too much weight (BMI more than 25) or too little weight (BMI lower than 18.5) can interfere with the proper functioning of estrogen and progesterone, which help you ovulate.
• Doing much more than 5 hours of intense workouts or getting insufficient nutrients can reduce the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH). This can ultimately stop the process of ovulation.
• As stress levels rise, cortisol (a stress hormone) rises, which can lessen production of reproductive hormones and cause both abnormal menstrual periods and low sperm counts.
• The use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs can damage the quality of sperm and eggs, leading to fertility and pregnancy problems.

Ready for the Next Step? Take Charge of Your Fertility Today

Being unable to conceive can be very upsetting, but many people share the same experience. A lot of couples face problems with fertility, but medical science now offers real ways to solve these issues. Noticing signs such as ovulation disorders symptoms or hormonal imbalances allows you to find the cause at an early stage. Likewise, it is just as important to learn about male fertility and lifestyle, as this includes both partners in the process. Issues such as blockages in the fallopian tubes or endometriosis infertility link can sometimes be hard to recognise, so medical help is important as soon as possible.

Treatments now include many options, starting with changing lifestyle choices to extending to assisted reproductive technologies. Check in with a fertility expert at Apollo Spectra today to learn more about these and begin raising your child with confidence.