Why Can't I Get Pregnant?

The desire to have children is one of the most powerful desires couples and families face. Infertility can often wreak havoc on an otherwise calm and loving relationship. It is important that you understand that multiple reasons and causes may affect your ability to get pregnant. Even among the most fertile couples, the chances of conceiving a baby in the first months of trying are generally 25%. That means that roughly 75% will have to continue trying for some time.

If you want to start a family and are impatient to do so, you may find yourself asking why you can't get pregnant. There are many reasons that women may experience difficulty getting pregnant when trying to conceive. Some of the more common reasons include the following:

•  Maternal age - many women are waiting until they have finished their education and have well-established careers before getting pregnant. Advancing maternal age can decrease the likelihood that you will conceive relatively quickly. For every year you are over the age of thirty your fertility declines steadily.

•  Your partner's health and age - Men's fertility also decreases as they age, though not as quickly as women's fertility. Men's fertility generally starts to decline after the age of forty.

•  Your lifestyle - Multiple lifestyle factors may affect your ability to conceive. This includes your diet, exercise regimen, level of stress, sleep habits and more. To conceive it is best that you are as healthy as possible. That means limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption, eating well, engaging in regular (but not excessive) exercise and getting plenty of sleep.

•  Overly stressed - too much stress can inhibit your chances of conceiving. Whether planning too stringently to have a baby or working too hard on the job, many women find the more stressed they are the more trouble they have conceiving. The same may be true of their partners.

•  Type of Clothing - men who wear tight fitting clothing may produce less sperm than men who where looser fitting clothes and underwear. This may affect your ability to conceive. So if your partner prefers briefs, have him switch to boxers and baggy pants for a change. This may be just the boost you need to help promote greater fertility.

•  Hormonal Problems - hormonal problems including an over active or under active thyroid, conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome or progesterone deficiencies can all contribute to conception problems. Some women are able to conceive for example but their bodies do not produce enough progesterone to sustain a pregnancy. If you worry that you may have a physical or hormonal problem that is affecting your ability to conceive, you should consult with your doctor about treatment options.

•  Low sperm count - some men have a low sperm count, which can make conceiving more difficult. You should have your partner tested to rule out this physical condition. There are even home tests available if your partner is shy about having this test performed.

•  Caffeine consumption - if you consume more than one or two cups of coffee each day, you may be reducing your chances of conceiving. Some studies suggest that any amount of caffeine may interfere with the eggs ability to successfully implant into your uterus, hence preventing a full pregnancy.

Remember, if you are having problems conceiving it is important you consult with your doctor or heath care provider to help determine a proper plan of action for helping you realize your dreams. Most parents will be able to successfully conceive with proper care and with proper attention to any factors that may be inhibiting their chances of successful conception.