The most common overall cause of female infertility is the failure to ovulate, which occurs in 40% of women with infertility issues. Not ovulating can result from several causes, such as: Ovarian or gynecological conditions, such as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant. There may be no other obvious symptoms. Sometimes, women with infertility may have irregular or absent menstrual periods. In some cases, men with infertility may have some signs of hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth or sexual function.
Ovulation disorders
Conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affect normal ovulation. Irregular ovulation is also a problem. Being overweight can add to ovulation problems and reduce your chances of conceiving. Stress, very low body weight, and excessive exercise also impact ovulation.
Most couples are able to get pregnant within six months to a year. If you're unable to conceive after a full year of trying, it's a good idea to consult a fertility specialist. Sometimes there's an obvious cause of infertility, like a physical problem with the ovaries, uterus, or testicles.
“The vast majority of people will become pregnant within the first 12 months of trying to conceive with regular unprotected intercourse,” says Cross. “After six months to a year of trying — depending on a woman's age — we recommend that a couple comes in for an infertility evaluation.
It's a good idea to see a GP if you have not conceived after a year of trying. Women aged 36 and over, and anyone who's already aware they may have fertility problems, should see their GP sooner. They can check for common causes of fertility problems and suggest treatments that could help.
Most healthy couples will conceive within one year if they are actively trying to conceive. If you're under age 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for a year, you should talk to your doctor about seeing a specialist. If you're over 35, you'll want to see a specialist after 6 months of actively trying.
Having trouble getting pregnant can be caused by many things including problems with ovulation, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, PCOS, premature menopause, fibroids, thyroid problems and a condition called Turner syndrome. Depending on the cause there are a number of treatment options.
If your menstrual cycle lasts 28 days and your period arrives like clockwork, it's likely that you'll ovulate on day 14. That's halfway through your cycle. Your fertile window begins on day 10. You're more likely to get pregnant if you have sex at least every other day between days 10 and 14 of a 28-day cycle.
There are lots of reasons pregnancy doesn't always happen right away. Some common reasons include stress, not timing baby-making sex with ovulation, residual effects of hormonal birth control, and certain health conditions.
“The majority of people will become pregnant within the first 12 months of trying to conceive with regular unprotected intercourse,” says Cross. “After six months to a year of trying — depending on a woman's age — we recommend that a couple comes in for an infertility evaluation.
You're generally diagnosed with infertility if you don't get pregnant after 1 year or more of trying, or if you have multiple miscarriages. There are treatments for many kinds of infertility, and many people go on to have a healthy pregnancy and a child. Fertility isn't just a “woman's problem” or an issue with age.
Can you have a period with blocked fallopian tubes? Yes. The menstrual cycle does not have anything to do with the condition of your fallopian tubes. However, some women with blocked fallopian tubes do face heavy periods and spotting problems.
Common reasons for blocked fallopian tubes include scar tissue, infection, and pelvic adhesions.
Fimbrioplasty. Your doctor might suggest a fimbrioplasty procedure if you have blockage in the part of your fallopian tube that's closest to the ovary. This procedure opens the blocked tube and saves tissue known as the fimbriae so that your eggs can move through the tube.
If you're trying to get pregnant it's important to take folic acid every day, eat a healthy diet, and drink no more than 1 to 2 units of alcohol once or twice a week.
The chances of pregnancy are lowest during a person's period and on the days on either side of the period. However, they may still become pregnant if they have ovulated early or late in their cycle, as sperm can survive in the body for several days.
Even if you've been trying for months, don't fret just yet. Most couples conceive within a year, so chances are you might still have a few months to go. You've been trying to get pregnant for several months with no success.
You're most fertile at the time of ovulation (when an egg is released from your ovaries), which usually occurs 12 to 14 days before your next period starts. This is the time of the month when you're most likely to get pregnant. It's unlikely that you'll get pregnant just after your period, although it can happen.
If your menstrual cycle lasts 28 days and your period arrives like clockwork, it's likely that you'll ovulate on day 14. That's halfway through your cycle. Your fertile window begins on day 10. You're more likely to get pregnant if you have sex at least every other day between days 10 and 14 of a 28-day cycle.