7 Reasons You’re Probably Not Getting Pregnant

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Have you been trying for a baby for a while but keep getting a negative pregnancy test result when you pee on your stick each month? Find 7 common reasons that may be responsible and what to do…

1. Cycle Confusion

Have you been tracking your ovulation period and having sex during your fertile window? If you haven’t been doing this correctly, there are huge chances you’ve been trying to make a baby when conception is unlikely to take place.

See how to track your ovulation here and here. Talk to your doctor if you need further help, especially if your cycle is irregular.

2. Fertility issues

From poor egg quality (common in women above 35), low ovarian reserve, hormonal imbalance to conditions such as uterine fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, tubal blockage, ovulatory disorders, low sperm count and poor motility, and so on, you may have reproductive health conditions impeding conception.

If you are below 35 and have been trying for 12 months, see a fertility specialist with your spouse to have you both thoroughly evaluated, so any underlying issues can be assessed and remedied, in view of your baby-making goals.

3. Nutritional deficiencies

You may also have some nutritional deficiencies that have put your body in starvation mode, making it impossible to produce sufficient needed hormones to ensure proper reproductive health and aid conception. You should consider getting evaluated in this regard in order to get appropriate supplements to take in addition to a healthy and balanced diet.

Note that folic acid intake is recommended before, during and after pregnancy. Ask your doctor about appropriate dosage.

4. Vaginal lubricants

You probably also use water-based lubricants during intercourse, which reduce sperm motility and damage/kill sperm cells, preventing conception. Ask your doctor about sperm-friendly alternatives if you must use a lubricant.

5. STDs/UTIs

The presence of long-term untreated infection(s) or a recurrent one may also be responsible. You and your spouse should consider getting a screening to see if this is the problem and get appropriate help.

6. Stress & anxiety

The stress of everyday life coupled with anxiety or worry about your inability to conceive may also be contributing.

In women, extreme level of stress may suppress the function of the hypothalamus, which controls the pituitary gland. This in turn impedes proper function of the thyroid and adrenal glands as well as the ovaries, often contributing to fertility problems including hormonal imbalance, irregular periods and ovulatory disorders.

Try as much as possible to limit or manage stress by getting enough rest, maintaining a positive outlook and indulging in things that make you happy.

READ ALSO: 5 Signs You Are Ovulating

See other things you should do while waiting to conceive here.

7. Weight Issues

Are you underweight or overweight? Is your weight ideal for your height? Experts say this may also contribute to having difficulty with conception. Try to lose or add weight, as the need may be, to up your chances.

If you are at your ideal weight already, try to maintain it, as recurrent drastic weight loss or gain, may also be playing tricks on your ability to conceive.