Why Is It Hard to Get Pregnant?

The process of trying to get pregnant is slow and sometimes unsteady. When you and your partner have reached a certain point, you’ll find that it’s almost frustrating how others have an easier time than you do. So why exactly is it so difficult to conceive?

There are a variety of reasons you and your partner may have a hard time getting pregnant. While it’s easy for people to dismiss your problems as something you might be “doing wrong” or “aren’t trying enough”, it’s actually more complicated than that. The reasons may range from stress to unexplained infertility. 

It’s useful to understand the root of these problems and what options you and your partner can consider.

You might be under stress

Stress is a common symptom of many bodily conditions, including infertility. Though you may not be totally infertile, stress can contribute to these symptoms.

What’s more, couples who seek alternative options may turn to in vitro fertilization, which sometimes can be stressful in itself, from the cost to the actual procedures.

Even finding the nearest clinics that offer the procedures can be cause for stress. For instance, couples who are in the Philippines might want to seek fertility treatments within the country and come across IVF in Davao, which may or may not be accessible to them immediately. 

Your age could be a sign

Ironically, young couples spend a lot of time trying not to get pregnant, and this is usually during their peak fertile years. Some couples who stop taking contraceptives may not have a hard time conceiving, but for others, it could be a challenge.

A woman’s peak fertility years are during her 20s. When she reaches her 30s, her fertility level declines. A man also has a biological clock--when he reaches his early 40s, he is more likely to produce unhealthy sperm.

Aside from that, age plays a role in bodily functions. For instance, it’s common for people to gain weight as they age, and certain health conditions may also arise, all of which can contribute to infertility.

You could have weight issues

For women, the weight may play a role in fertility, and it has something to do with ovulation. The ovaries and fat cells called adipose produce estrogen. Women with healthy weight have regular estrogen levels. If they gain weight or are overweight, the adipose tissue produces too much estrogen which can affect ovulation.

On the other hand, underweight women or women who have lost a lot of weight may produce less estrogen, which again, disrupts the balance of hormones, affecting ovulation.

Even highly athletic women may have problems with ovulation. Over-exercising can contribute to a decrease in fertility. This may cause a problem with the luteal phase or the time between ovulation and the next expected period. A shortened luteal phase may make it harder to conceive.

Particularly in the case of overweight women, these things can contribute to other infertility conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome. 

When to seek treatment

There’s no single right time to consult a doctor about you and your partner’s struggle. Because it can be due to a variety of reasons, it’s best to seek advice from a professional to help you explore the causes of your trying times, and what direction you can both take.

IVF treatments may come at a high price, but comparatively, the IVF cost in Davao City in the Philippines differs from other fertility centers, as they cater to couples who seek more affordable yet reliable fertility options.