There are many women who search for signs you can’t get pregnant when they try to have a baby. It can feel stressful and confusing, especially when you don’t know what’s going wrong. However, it’s important to know the signs to make better decisions and find the right treatment.
At Risaa IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, a senior fertility expert and experienced Obs-Gynae, helps every woman to understand what’s happening and guide them. In this blog, we’ll share everything including what signs to watch for, when to see a doctor, and how the right treatment can bring you closer to your dream to become parents.
What Does Infertility Mean?
Infertility means that a couple is unable to get pregnant even after trying regularly for a year without using any birth control. For women over 35, doctors usually suggest checking for fertility problems if pregnancy doesn’t happen within six months. Infertility can affect both men and women and may be due to various reasons. It can include health issues or sometimes reasons that are not clear.
There are two main types of infertility:
- Primary infertility: This is when a person has never been pregnant and is unable to conceive.
- Secondary infertility: This occurs when someone has had at least one pregnancy in the past but is now unable to get pregnant again.
Infertility is more common than many people think. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 6 people of reproductive age worldwide experience infertility at some point in their lives.
When Should You Start Worrying?
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant without success then it’s natural to feel concerned. It’s very important to know about the signs you can’t get pregnant and to seek medical advice to make the right decision to become parents.
For Women Under 35
If you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year without success then it’s recommended to consult a fertility specialist. Most couples in this age group conceive within a year. So, if it’s taking longer than expected then a medical evaluation can identify any underlying issues.
For Women Aged 35 to 40
For women between 35 and 40, fertility naturally declines. So, it’s advisable to seek help after six months of trying without success. Early consultation can increase the chances of successful treatment.
For Women Over 40
If you’re over 40, it’s best to consult a fertility specialist as soon as you decide to try for a baby. Fertility decreases more rapidly after 40, and early evaluation can help you to explore available options.
Infertility Warning Signs
Infertility warning signs or signs you can’t get pregnant can differ between women and men. Additionally, sometimes they may be subtle or even go unnoticed. So, it’s important to recognize these signs to get timely medical advice and get proper treatments.
Infertility Warning Signs in Women
There are certain symptoms that may show possible fertility issues in women, including:
- Irregular or Absent Menstrual Cycles: Cycles that are unpredictable, infrequent, or absent can show ovulation problems.
- Painful Periods or Pelvic Pain: If your periods are very painful or you often have pain in your lower stomach then it could be due to health problems like endometriosis or infections.
- Unusual Vaginal Bleeding: If you have very heavy periods, bleeding between your periods, or very light periods then it might be a sign that your hormones are not balanced.
- Hormonal Changes: If you suddenly gain weight, get a lot of pimples, or notice extra hair on your face or body then it may be because of a hormone problem like PCOS.
Infertility Warning Signs in Men
Men can also have signs that show there might be issues to have a baby:
- Trouble with Erection or Low Interest in Sex: If a man finds it hard to get or keep an erection, or doesn’t feel interested in sex then it could be because of hormone problems that affect fertility.
- Pain or Swelling in Testicles: If there is pain, swelling, or any lump in the testicles then it might be a sign of a health issue that can lower sperm count or quality.
- Less Body or Facial Hair: If a man sees that his beard or body hair is getting thinner or not growing like before then it could be due to hormone changes that affect fertility.
- Breast Growth in Men: If a man’s chest starts looking like he’s growing breasts then it may be caused by a hormone problem that could also affect his ability to have children.
Signs You Can’t Get Pregnant
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while without success then there are some signs you can’t get pregnant which your body is giving you. Both women and men can have signs of fertility problems. Here are some common ones which you can notice:
Signs you can’t get pregnant for women
- Irregular or missed periods
- Very painful periods or constant lower belly pain
- Unusual bleeding (too much, too little, or in between periods)
- Sudden weight changes, acne, or hair growth on the face or body
Signs you can’t get pregnant for men
- Trouble getting or keeping an erection
- Low interest in sex
- Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicles
- Less facial or body hair than usual
- Breast growth in men (gynecomastia)
How to Test If a Woman Is Infertile?
If a woman is not getting pregnant even after trying for many months then a doctor may suggest some tests to check if everything is fine with her body. These tests will help to find out the signs you can’t get pregnant. Here’s how doctors will usually check for infertility:
Health History and Physical Exam
The doctor will ask questions about your periods and past health issues. They might also do a basic check-up to find out the signs you can’t get pregnant.
Blood Tests
These are done to check the hormone levels like FSH, LH, AMH, and thyroid. These play a very important role for ovulation and fertility.
Ovulation Check
Doctors may suggest you to use ovulation kits, track body temperature, or do a blood test to see if ovulation is happening every month.
Ultrasound or Scan
An ultrasound can check your uterus and ovaries for cysts, fibroids, or other health issues.
Fallopian Tube Test (HSG)
This is an X-ray test that helps to show if your fallopian tubes are open or blocked.
Advanced Procedures
Doctors may also do a laparoscopy or hysteroscopy to look at the inside of your uterus or belly area for issues like endometriosis or scars.
Reasons Why a Woman Can’t Get Pregnant
There are many factors that can affect fertility and are needed to understand if someone can’t get pregnant. So, recognizing the signs you can’t get pregnant and understanding the reasons for not getting pregnant when everything is normal can help you to make better decisions.
Common Reasons Why a Woman Can’t Get Pregnant
Ovulation Problems
Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can affect ovulation and make it difficult to get pregnant.
Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Scars from infections or surgeries can block the tubes and can prevent the egg and sperm from meeting with each other.
Uterine or Cervical Issues
Fibroids, polyps, or an irregularly shaped uterus can create issues with implantation or increase miscarriage risk.
Endometriosis
This condition causes tissue that is similar to the uterine lining to grow somewhere else and this condition can also affect fertility.
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
POI occurs when the ovaries stop functioning properly before the age of 40 and can lead to infertility.
Hormonal Imbalances
Issues with hormones like prolactin or thyroid hormones can affect the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
Age-Related Factors
The quality and quantity of eggs decrease as women get older. It especially happens after the age of 35.
Lifestyle Factors
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, being overweight or underweight, and high stress levels can also affect fertility.
Unexplained Infertility
There are some cases in which no specific cause is identified even after doing thorough testing. This is known as unexplained infertility.
Closing Words
If you’re trying to get pregnant but facing issues then it’s important to know what is wrong. In this blog, we’ve explained what infertility means, explained the signs you can’t get pregnant, and listed some tests to check infertility in both men and women. These are the things which every couple should be aware of when they’re planning a baby.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Obs & Gynae and Senior Fertility Specialist) has helped many couples on their fertility journey. If you have questions or want to take the next step in understanding your fertility, we’re here to help. Call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email us at doctor@risaaivf.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can’t get pregnant what to do?
If you’ve been trying for over a year (or 6 months if you’re over 35) without success, it’s time to consult a fertility specialist. They will check your health, ovulation, and reproductive system to find the cause and suggest the best treatment.
What is the age limit for getting pregnant?
Women are most fertile in their 20s and early 30s. After 35, fertility begins to decline, and it becomes harder to conceive naturally. While there is no strict age limit, pregnancy after 40 may need medical support like IVF.
How will I know if I can’t get pregnant?
Some common signs you can’t get pregnant may include irregular periods, no periods, very painful periods, or trying for a long time without success. A doctor can confirm infertility through specific tests.
How can I increase my chances of getting pregnant?
Maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, reducing stress, tracking ovulation, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and seeing a doctor early if there’s a delay can improve your chances of pregnancy.