Many couples dream of having a family, but sometimes the journey to parenthood isn’t as straightforward as expected. You’ve done all the tests and everything seems normal – hormone levels, egg and sperm health, and general health checks are all fine. And yet, month after month, you don’t get pregnant. This situation, often called unexplained infertility, can be confusing and stressful.
In this blog, we’ll look at the possible reasons why pregnancy may be elusive, even when everything seems to be working as it should.
What Is Unexplained Infertility?
Unexplained infertility occurs when doctors cannot find a specific reason why a couple is not getting pregnant. After carrying out the usual fertility tests, such as checking hormone levels, egg quality, sperm count and fallopian tubes, everything seems normal. However, you still can’t get pregnant.
This situation can be very distressing for couples because there’s no clear problem to solve. It’s important to know that unexplained infertility is not uncommon and happens to many couples.
Common Reasons for Difficulty in Getting Pregnant
1. Ovulation irregularities
While your fertility tests may indicate regular ovulation, subtle variations in ovulation patterns can cause challenges. Ovulation may not occur at the same time each cycle, and factors such as stress, weight changes or hormonal imbalances can cause unnoticed irregularities.
2. Egg Quality Issues
Even if you’re ovulating regularly, the quality of your eggs can affect your chances of conceiving. As women age, the number of healthy, viable eggs decreases, making it harder to conceive even if all fertility indicators appear normal.
3. Problems with sperm quality
Fertility problems are not confined to women. A man’s sperm quality may appear normal based on basic tests, but other factors such as sperm motility (movement), morphology (shape) and DNA integrity can reduce the chances of successful fertilization.
4. Fallopian tube blockage or damage
You may be ovulating regularly and your partner’s sperm may be normal, but if your fallopian tubes are partially blocked or damaged, fertilization may not occur. Sometimes the damage is minor and doesn’t show up on initial tests.
5. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb. This can make it difficult to conceive, even if your periods are regular and other fertility markers are normal. Many women with endometriosis can conceive without problems, but for others it can be a hidden cause of infertility.
Impact of Age on Fertility
Age is an important factor affecting fertility. Women’s fertility tends to decline after the age of 35. Although hormone levels and tests may appear normal, the quality and quantity of eggs decrease as women age. This can make it harder to get pregnant.
Men’s fertility also declines with age, although the effects are not as immediate as in women. Sperm quality can decrease over time, making it harder to get pregnant.
Role of Male Factor Infertility
Male infertility is often overlooked, especially when basic sperm tests show normal results. However, there are certain issues that standard tests can miss:
Sperm quality: While the number of sperm may seem fine, there may be problems with the structure or DNA of the sperm that can make it difficult to fertilize the egg.
Lifestyle and health: Men who smoke, drink alcohol excessively or have a poor diet can also experience fertility problems, even if the initial tests look fine.
Both partners need to be tested and evaluated if they are facing infertility, as male factors account for almost half of all fertility problems.
Lifestyle Factors that Can Affect Conception
1. Stress
High-stress levels can affect ovulation and sperm quality, reducing the chances of conception. Although stress may not directly cause infertility, it can exacerbate other underlying problems.
2. Weight fluctuations
Both underweight and overweight women can have difficulty conceiving. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for hormonal balance and regular ovulation.
3. Diet and exercise
A nutrient-poor diet or excessive exercise can affect fertility. It is important to ensure that your body has the right nutrients to support reproductive health.
4. Environmental factors
Exposure to certain chemicals, toxins and pollutants in everyday life can also play a role in fertility problems. For example, pesticides, plastics and other chemicals can affect the quality of both eggs and sperm.
When to Seek Further Help?
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for over a year (or six months if you’re over 35) without success, it may be time to explore other options. You may want to talk to a fertility specialist about other treatments, such as
Intrauterine insemination (IUI): A procedure in which sperm are placed directly into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilization.
In vitro fertilization (IVF): Eggs are fertilized outside the body and then transferred to the uterus. IVF is a common option for couples with unexplained infertility.
Seeking further help doesn’t mean giving up hope. Many couples who have these treatments can conceive successfully.
Moving Forward with Hope
Unexplained infertility can be confusing and emotionally draining, but there are many ways to move forward. With time, patience and the right guidance, many couples find that they can conceive, either naturally or with the help of fertility treatments. If you’re facing this challenge, it’s important to stay positive and remember that there are many paths to parenthood.
Consult a Fertility Specialist
If you are struggling with unexplained infertility and are looking for guidance, consider consulting Dr.Sonal Katarmal, a trusted gynecologist and obstetrician in Ambegaon Budruk at Femcare Clinic. Dr Katarmal has extensive experience in helping couples overcome fertility challenges and can offer personalized advice tailored to your unique situation. Don’t delay in making an appointment to discuss your options and begin your journey towards parenthood.