Fertility is a fickle thing. It can feel like a full-time job, from tracking your cycle to planning the best times for intercourse. You may constantly ask yourself, “why am I not getting pregnant?” The answer to this question can have several different answers. Luckily, there are plenty of treatment options. A fertility specialist can work with you and your partner to devise a plan best suited to your individual needs. 

Possible Reasons For Infertility 

The preoccupation that comes along with the inability to fall pregnant is exhausting. At Carolina Fertility Institute, we’re passionate about helping families achieve their parenting dreams. That’s why we have compiled a list of 7 possible reasons for not getting pregnant. 

  1. Ovulation Disorders

There are a number of ovulation disorders that may be the direct result of why you are not getting pregnant. These disorders can cause a woman’s ovulation to become irregular or stop altogether. Some of these disorders include:

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Low ovarian reserve due to ovarian insufficiency or age
  • Low hormone production caused by hypothalamic dysfunction, exercise, or diet
  • Thyroid, adrenal, or prolactin hormone disorders

These disorders, among others, can often make it increasingly difficult for a woman to fall pregnant. 

  1. Age

A common reason for female infertility is a woman’s age. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests that the years between a woman’s late teens and late 20s are peak reproductive years. Once a woman hits the age of 30, fertility begins to decrease, and by the age of 45, not getting pregnant is more likely than getting pregnant. 

  1. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that is supposed to grow inside the uterus grows outside the uterus. Because of this growth, the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterine lining may also be affected. This disorder is often painful and can be the direct cause of not getting pregnant. 

  1. Reproductive Tract Blockages Or Abnormalities 

Reproductive blockages describe several structural disorders in a woman’s reproductive tract. A blockage that occurs in the fallopian tubes, cervix, vagina, uterus, or elsewhere can lead to a woman not getting pregnant. Some of these blockages/ abnormalities may include:

  • Abdominal or pelvic surgery
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Cervical stenosis
  • Endometriosis scarring
  • Congenital disabilities involving the uterus

Even if you suffer from one of the conditions listed above, there are numerous fertility treatments to help you and your partner establish happy families.

  1. Thyroid Problems

The thyroid is located in the neck and is one of the endocrine glands which is responsible for making hormones. Low levels of thyroid hormone production, more commonly referred to as hypothyroidism, can impair fertility due to its interference with normal ovulation. On top of not getting pregnant, it can also cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain/loss, and increased sensitivity to the cold. 

  1. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

The National Library of Medicine describes POI as a condition in which a woman’s ovaries stop working normally before she is 40. POI is different from premature menopause because women with primary ovarian insufficiency may still get a period from time to time and may even be able to get pregnant. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but in some cases can lead to infertility. 

  1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is often due to complications caused by an STD, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. This condition is an infection of a woman’s reproductive organs, but some women experience little to no symptoms at all. The CDC suggests if PID is diagnosed early, it can be treated. However, treatment cannot undo any damage that has already occurred to your reproductive system. Because there are no tests for PID, it is crucial to make yearly trips to your healthcare providers to ensure your reproductive system is running smoothly.

Carolinas Fertility Institute understands that patients seeking information on infertility treatments are often confronted with a confusing mix of information. If you’ve been struggling with fertility issues, have been interested in fertility services, or have any questions about reasons you’re not getting pregnant, reach out to Carolinas Fertility Institute today. Call us at (336) 448-9100 to make an appointment in the Triad or (844) 686-2233 for our Charlotte office.