I've Tried to Conceive for Over a Year: Why Can't I Get Pregnant?

Trying to conceive can be an exciting and hopeful time for both partners. But when conception doesn’t happen after months of trying, it can quickly become frustrating and emotionally exhausting.

In fact, pregnancy rarely happens as quickly as we believe (or want). Conception depends on numerous factors, and data show that even at an average age of 30, a healthy woman has only a 20% chance of conceiving during any given cycle. Over three months, that rate increases to 40%-60% — a good rate, but still not 100% guaranteed.

If, however, you’ve been trying to get pregnant for 12 consecutive months without success, it’s time to schedule a fertility consultation. If you’re 35 or older, schedule a visit after six months of trying — and ideally, schedule a preconception visit as well.

At OB/GYN Associates of Conroe, Richard Roberts, MD, and his team are adept at determining the underlying cause of fertility issues. Here, learn about the factors that can affect both women and men in their quest to get pregnant.

Female fertility factors

Several factors can affect a woman’s ability to conceive, including causes related to a woman’s cycle and factors associated with anatomy or underlying medical issues.

Ovulation disorders

Conception depends on a regular ovulation cycle. If you have a condition like a hormonal imbalance that affects ovulation, it can interfere with egg release, in turn making it much harder to get pregnant. Irregular periods are a potential sign of ovulation problems and definitely an indication that you should schedule an evaluation with our team.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is the most common cause of female fertility problems. This chronic condition directly affects your hormone levels, making it harder to conceive without treatment and lifestyle adjustments.

Blocked fallopian tubes

The fallopian tubes allow the egg to descend from your ovary to your uterus, making it possible for the egg and sperm to meet. If one or both fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, it’s harder for fertilization to occur. Infections, endometriosis, and even prior surgeries can contribute to fallopian tube issues.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (your endometrium) grows outside the uterus, including areas like your ovaries or fallopian tubes. Endometriosis is associated with inflammation, scarring, and other issues that make conception more difficult.

Age-related fertility changes

Finally, aging affects fertility, too. As a woman ages, she releases fewer eggs, and egg quality also declines, interfering with conception and increasing her risks of fetal defects. Fertility declines more rapidly once you’re in your 30s, with a marked decline once you reach 40.

Male fertility factors

Despite what many people believe, male fertility factors are relatively common, playing a role in about half of infertility cases. Most male infertility issues involve issues affecting the sperm, but other factors can contribute, too.

Low sperm count

A lower-than-normal sperm count reduces the chances that sperm will successfully reach and fertilize an egg. Low sperm count can be caused by hormonal issues, medical conditions, certain medications, and even lifestyle factors, like wearing tight underwear.

Poor sperm motility

Sperm need to be capable of strong movement (or motility) to travel to an egg so it can be fertilized. Motility problems make it harder for sperm to reach the egg so it can be fertilized.

Abnormal sperm shape

Even the size and shape of sperm (sperm morphology) can interfere with fertilization. Problems with sperm morphology can make it harder for sperm to move and to complete fertilization, reducing the chances of conception.

Varicocele

A varicocele happens when veins inside the scrotum become enlarged and dilated, similar to varicose veins. Having a varicocele can affect both sperm quality and quantity, in turn taking a toll on a couple’s ability to conceive.

Lifestyle and health factors

Finally, lifestyle factors like smoking, heavy alcohol use, obesity, certain medical treatments, chronic illness, and exposure to environmental toxins may all affect male fertility, too.

Find the support you need

Fertility issues are common, and fertility testing is the first step toward finding the help you need to start or grow your family. To learn how we can help, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe in Conroe, Texas, today.