The issue of infertility is generally described in black and white – you are either fertile or infertile. However, advances in fertility care have been able to determine that fertility is a spectrum with a large gray area between the two endpoints. If you’re trying to conceive and wondering “Why can’t I get pregnant?” you may fall somewhere within this range known as infertility.
The terms infertility and infertility are often used interchangeably, however, there are some notable differences between the two.
What you need to know about infertility
While infertility is defined as the inability to conceive naturally after one year of trying, infertility is defined as a delay in natural conception. Although most couples can conceive sporadically within the first year of frequent, unprotected sex, 12% – 15% of couples cannot. An infertility diagnosis usually indicates that you have the potential to get pregnant naturally, it just might take you longer than average to do so.
Diagnosis, symptoms and causes
Most pregnancies (80%) occur within the first 6 cycles (6 months) of trying to conceive, so any time outside this frame is considered infertility. Infertility generally describes any form of reduced fertility with a prolonged time of unwanted non-conception. Some common reasons why women may experience reduced fertility include:
- Smoking
- Excessive consumption of alcohol and/or caffeine
- Advanced age
- Sedentary life
- Being overweight or underweight
- Medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), rheumatoid arthritis, fallopian tube abnormalities and anovulation
Common grounds because your male partner may be experiencing reduced fertility include:
- Bad lifestyle choices – smoking, drinking alcohol, using recreational drugs
- Overheating of the testicles or other trauma to the reproductive organs
- Hormonal imbalance
- Lower than normal sperm count
- Problems with sexual function – for example, reduced sex drive, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, and reduced volume of ejaculated fluids
How to increase your chances of conception
Many couples experiencing infertility receive a diagnosis unexplained infertility, that is, there are no identifiable causes of infertility in either partner. If basic fertility testing hasn’t diagnosed you with infertility, there are natural ways to increase your chances of getting pregnant:
- By making necessary lifestyle changes- Limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption, losing or gaining weight as needed, eating foods high in antioxidants – such as fruits, vegetables and nuts – quitting smoking and adopting an active lifestyle can all help increase your fertility.
- Understanding Ovulation- Once you know your ovulation cycle, you can be more careful about your unprotected sex. You are most fertile 3 days before ovulation, the day of ovulation and 1 day after. Frequent unprotected sex during these days increases your chances of getting pregnant.
- Taking Fertility Supplements- Fertility supplements contain essential vitamins and nutrients for increased fertility health. Us Male fertility support has fertility-enhancing ingredients selected for their ability to support sperm motility and improve overall male reproductive health. Us Fertility Gummies and Fertility Support The capsules increase female fertility by promoting your natural cycle and balancing hormones.
- Reducing stress– As stress levels increase, your chances of getting pregnant decrease. Having high levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in your body can suppress fertility.
Treatment options
Treatment options for infertility are similar to those for infertility. In addition to adopting a more generally healthy lifestyle (as described earlier in this article), many doctors will prescribe Clomid or gonadotropins (to promote ovulation) along with intrauterine insemination (IUI) for three to six cycles. If this course of treatment is unsuccessful, then many couples choose to try in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Dealing with an infertility diagnosis
The silver lining to an infertility diagnosis is that there is still a chance you can get pregnant naturally if you choose not to intervene medically. This requires patience, however, and an understanding of the challenges that reduced fertility can cause. In the interval from non-conception to conception, it is important to:
- Prioritize self-care- Your mental and physical health play a role in your fertility. Prioritizing your needs during this time can help alleviate feelings of stress or anxiety.
- Don’t dwell on the negative… When you’re trying to conceive, it’s very easy to get hung up on every negative pregnancy test or every arrival of your period. Try not to let that be your main focus, instead, reframe your thoughts to focus on the opportunity to try again.
- Join a support group- The sense of community can be very strong during an emotional time like trying to conceive. There are many opportunities to connect with people who also suffer from reduced fertility In connection or peer support groups.
- Build on relationships – Communicate with your friends and family about your feelings. Even though it may be hard for you to talk about it, they will never learn how to support you if you don’t stand up for yourself. Ask for and accept help as needed.
- Take a break- There was a point in your life when sex was purely for pleasure. If you find that it’s more of a chore for you than a release, it might be time to take a step back and give yourself (and your partner) a break.
- Reconnect with your partner- There are so many aspects to your relationship outside of the bedroom that need (and deserve) your attention. Go on a date, put your phones away, make a meal together, prioritize things you’ve always enjoyed doing together, and just reconnect.
If you are interested in learning more about your fertility, we recommend reading:
When to see a fertility specialist
The role of genes and family history in fertility
What you need to know before considering IVF
What are the main ways to treat infertility?
