Struggling to conceive can be a frustrating issue for many couples, leading to questions like, "Why can’t we get pregnant?" and "Is it even possible for us to have a child?" Today, we’ll help clarify why some people have more difficulty getting pregnant and provide suggestions to increase your chances of conception.
Why Am I Not Getting Pregnant?
Natural conception occurs when a sperm cell meets an egg in the fallopian tube, leading to fertilization and pregnancy. However, if the body has issues such as irregular ovulation or poor sperm quality, it can make it harder to conceive. Importantly, infertility may stem from either the woman or the man. If you’ve been trying to conceive naturally for over a year without success, it's advisable to get tested for infertility to identify the cause and explore treatment options.
8 Tips to Help You Get Pregnant Faster
Here are eight commonly recommended methods believed to improve the chances of conception:
- Track Ovulation
Count about 14 days from the first day of your menstrual period — this is typically when ovulation occurs. Having sex around this time increases the chances of getting pregnant. - Have Sex the Right Way
The missionary position (woman on bottom, man on top) is believed to be the best for conception. After intercourse, the woman should lie still with hips elevated for 10–15 minutes. - Manage Stress
Stress can affect your reproductive hormones, leading to irregular ovulation and reducing your chances of conceiving. Managing stress is vital for a healthy reproductive system. - Eat a Healthy Diet
Nutrients play a key role in reproductive health:- Zinc-rich foods (like oysters) improve egg quality.
- High-protein foods (like salmon) balance hormones and improve blood circulation.
- Antioxidant-rich fruits (like berries) protect reproductive cells and enhance fertility.
- Avoid Caffeine, Smoking, and Alcohol
These substances can harm both male and female fertility:- Smoking and alcohol disrupt hormone production and reduce sperm and egg quality.
- Caffeine may reduce ovulation in women and affect ejaculation in men.
- Take Fertility Supplements
Besides healthy eating, taking vitamins like zinc can help improve egg and sperm quality, supporting conception. - Exercise Moderately
Moderate exercise — walking, cycling, or household chores — can support fertility. However, excessive exercise may negatively affect reproductive health. - Get Enough Sleep
Aim for 6–8 hours of sleep each night and maintain a regular sleep schedule. Proper rest helps balance hormones and improves overall health, supporting fertility.
When Should You Get Tested for Infertility?
Infertility is diagnosed when couples fail to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Factors include age, reproductive health, or sometimes, unknown causes. If you suspect infertility, medical evaluation can help identify the problem and allow for appropriate treatment to boost your chances of pregnancy.
Female Infertility Causes
Women tend to experience more infertility-related issues due to their role in pregnancy and childbirth. Key causes include:
- Egg Health: Poor egg quality, premature egg aging, or structural issues like thick shells can reduce chances of fertilization.
- Uterus Conditions: Blockages, cysts, or fibroids can interfere with sperm travel or embryo implantation.
Male Infertility Causes
About 25% of infertility cases involve the male partner. Causes include:
- Sperm Issues: Low sperm count, weak motility, abnormal shape, or complete absence of sperm. A semen analysis is needed to determine sperm health and next steps.
If you’re struggling to conceive, a medical consultation can uncover potential causes and guide you to the best solutions.
When Should You Start Planning for Pregnancy?
It’s ideal to conceive between the ages of 20–30, when the body is in its reproductive prime. As age increases, fertility decreases due to declining egg quantity and quality. Early planning helps improve the odds of success.
- Older Age: As women age, ovaries produce fewer and lower-quality eggs. Those planning for children later in life might consider egg freezing to preserve egg quality.
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Women with PCOS or irregular ovulation may need fertility treatments like IUI, IVF, or ICSI, depending on the condition.
- General Infertility: If you’ve been trying for over a year without success, testing can reveal the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
ICSI and IVF: Modern Solutions for Infertility
Couples who want to conceive without waiting may consider ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) or IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). These methods involve lab-based fertilization before transferring the embryo into the uterus. ICSI, the latest and most advanced technique, involves injecting a single healthy sperm into an egg directly. The resulting embryo is grown to the blastocyst stage — the optimal phase — before being implanted. This technique offers a success rate of up to 70%.
Conclusion
If you're trying to get pregnant but facing difficulties, know that you’re not alone. There are many natural methods to increase your chances, such as tracking ovulation, healthy intercourse habits, and lifestyle changes. However, if these methods don’t work, underlying health conditions may be the cause — from hormonal imbalances and ovulation issues to sperm quality concerns. It’s crucial to seek medical testing to identify the root cause. At Beyond IVF, we offer comprehensive infertility diagnosis and treatment by expert doctors. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to contact us via LINE at @Beyondivf