I Haven't Been Able to Get Pregnant: Am I Infertile?

Fertility problems aren’t uncommon. In fact, about 11% of women and 8% of men have experienced fertility issues, according to data from the National Institutes of Health.

Fortunately, today there are a wealth of therapies that can improve the chances of conception, helping couples start or expand their families. But how do you know when it’s time to seek treatment?

At OB/GYN Associates of Conroe, Richard Roberts, MD, uses advanced techniques to diagnose infertility and its underlying cause, tailoring therapies to match each patient’s unique needs. Here, learn six signs that could mean it’s time to schedule a fertility consultation with Dr. Roberts.

1. You’re under age 35

It’s true, conception tends to be easier when you’re younger — but that doesn’t mean it’s a sure thing. Lots of factors can interfere with fertility, including illness, hormonal fluctuations, and even stress. 

In fact, data show that for all couples trying to conceive in any month, the success rate is only 15%-25% — meaning as many as 85% of couples fail to get pregnant. If you’re under age 35, the general recommendation is to continue trying to conceive for 12 consecutive months before seeking a fertility evaluation. (Of course, if you have underlying health factors like the ones listed below, you might consider seeking an evaluation earlier.)

2. You’re over age 35

Once you reach age 35, your chances of conceiving decline — sometimes rapidly. If you fall into this age group, you should schedule a fertility evaluation once you’ve tried to conceive for six consecutive months without success.

3. You’re over age 40

By age 40, female fertility declines significantly. In fact, research shows that by this age, a healthy woman has about a 5% chance of conceiving during any given ovulation cycle. 

It’s worth noting that for men, fertility also declines with age. As a man approaches age 40, the quantity and quality of sperm decline, making male fertility evaluation even more important. If you or your partner are 40 or older, it’s a good idea to schedule a fertility consultation right from the start, so you can get the support you need to increase your odds of conceiving.

4. You’ve had multiple miscarriages

Miscarriages are surprisingly common, occurring in as many as 20%-30% of known pregnancies, and typically, they have nothing to do with fertility. Still, if you’ve had more than two miscarriages, it’s a good idea to schedule a fertility evaluation to determine if an underlying issue might be to blame.

5. You have an underlying medical issue that may impair fertility

Lots of health issues can play a role in conception. Certainly, abnormalities in the anatomy of your reproductive organs or issues affecting ovulation top the list. But other health issues can play a role, too, like polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or a history of sexually transmitted infections. 

Thyroid disease, obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders can interfere with hormone production and make it harder to get pregnant. For men, issues affecting sperm production or quality can cause infertility, as well. Genetic issues can affect both women and men and interfere with fertility and conception.

6. You’ve been treated for cancer

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can affect your reproductive organs or your eggs. In men, these treatments can take a toll on sperm quality or sperm production (or both). If you or your partner have had cancer treatments in the past, it’s a good idea to schedule a fertility evaluation to discuss your needs.

Fertility treatment tailored to your needs

Fertility issues may be relatively common, but that doesn’t make conceptions issues any easier to deal with. If you’re having troubles getting pregnant, call 936-756-7788 or book an appointment online with the team at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe in Conroe, Texas, today and learn how we can help.