There may be many reasons you’re not getting pregnant that you haven’t explored yet. Aside from the low odds of sperm and egg meeting due to lifestyle factors, let’s take a more in-depth look at other arguments, often overlooked, that couples struggle with when trying to conceive.
Men and Reasons they’re not Getting you Pregnant
Healthy sperm are made and transported effectively to meet the egg for successful conception. Some of the below conditions are irreversible, but almost all have alternative ways to achieve their goals. Lifestyle changes can help with other sperm conditions. Read everything to give yourself the best odds for success.
- The most common cause of infertility in men is varicocele (overheating). When the veins in the testicles are too large, similar to varicose veins in your legs, this, in turn, can cause heat to build up in the scrotum and reduce sperm count and viability. Approximately 10-15 of every 100 men have this problem. The cause is not clear but starts in puberty. He probably doesn’t even know he has this condition, or he may have felt some discomfort but didn’t understand why. It usually shows up above one of the testicles (left side is more common). A doctor may find the mass quickly or send him for an ultrasound. There are no medications to help with this condition. To help with fertility, he can have a procedure done to tie off blood supply to the spermatic cord. New sperm will grow in 3-4 months, and the doctor will check the sperm count. For some men, it can take a few cycles of new swimmers before conception is achieved.
- Low sperm count or oligospermia means that the semen he ejaculates during an orgasm contains fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter. The complete absence of sperm is called azoospermia. Some signs of a low or no sperm count are; problems with sexual dysfunction (low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, etc.), pain-swelling or lump in testicle area, and decreased facial or body hair.
- Celiac disease is a digestive disorder caused by a sensitivity to gluten — chances of fertility increase after adopting a gluten-free diet.
- Certain medications: testosterone replacement therapy, long term anabolic steroid use, cancer medications (chemotherapy), certain antifungal medications, some ulcer drugs, and other treatments can cause sperm problems. Talk to your doctor about fertility and these medications.
- Prior surgeries; vasectomy, inguinal hernia repairs, scrotal or testicular surgeries, prostate surgeries, and extensive abdominal surgeries performed for testicular and rectal cancer. Most of these can be reversed, or sperm can be retrieved directly from epididymis and testicles.
- Tumors, cancers, and nonmalignant tumors can affect the male reproductive organs directly through the glands that release hormones related to reproduction, such as the pituitary gland or through unknown causes. Depending on where the tumor is, retrieval of healthy sperm may be Possible.
- Industrial chemicals- extended exposure to benzenes, toluene, xylene, pesticides, herbicides, organic solvents, painting materials, and lead will cause sperm disorders. Change in the environment can reverse most fertility issues related to toxins.
- Radiation or X-Rays-low doses shouldn’t pose a fertility problem once eliminated from the body. High doses of radiation can permanently reduce sperm count. Talk to your doctor about alternatives.
- Hormone disorders- hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, diseases of testicles, low testosterone, gynecomastia (abnormal breast growth), and other hormonal problems have several possible underlying causes related to infertility. Usually, working with your health care team to adjust medications associated with these conditions can prove productive.
- Chromosome defects; inherited disorders such as Klinefelter’s syndrome- in which a male is born with 2 X chromosomes and 1 Y chromosome (instead of 1 Y and 1 X)- causes abnormal development of the male reproductive organs. Other genetic disorders that can cause issues with fertility include cystic fibrosis, Kallmann’s syndrome (inability to smell), and Kartagener’s syndrome (recurrent bronchitis and sinusitis). Your physician can help you evaluate your options with these problems.
- Injury to scrotal area; may be reversible with time and healing; talk to a physician.
- Heavy alcohol use-alcohol can lower testosterone, sperm quality, quantity, and motility. Sometimes it causes reduced libido and impotence. With the cessation of alcohol use, healthy sperm will regenerate with time.
- Drug use; while all drugs-legal and illegal- can have effects on sperm, the most commonly used is marijuana. THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) decreases sperm production and weakens sex drive by interfering with the creation of testosterone. It can directly affect the movement of sperm and prevent them from reaching their mark.
- Smoking- stop or reduce smoke exposure for increased odds of victory.
- Age; conception has a higher likelihood in men under the age of 40. Men between 20 and 80 have declining semen, sperm vitality, and sperm motility.
- Obesity; leads to a drop in testosterone, and erectile dysfunction is at a higher rate.
Studies confirm male sperm counts are declining, and environmental factors may negatively impact spermatogenesis. Even global warming has recently been named as a factor in the decline of sperm. Stress from heatwaves reduces sperm number and viability in the latest research, including radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation from technology. Keep your cell phones and laptops off your lap. Anytime scrotum is being heated up, there is a chance of lower sperm and quality.
Women and why they aren’t getting pregnant
Producing a healthy pregnancy and baby will help build healthy eggs for the next generation. Females are born with the complete volume of eggs they will ever have. Taking good care of yourself through pregnancy will afford your female offspring the very best start to her motherhood journey.
More Fun Facts about the Female Egg
- Eggs are enormous in comparison to other cells in the body.
- Eggs are precious and worth more than sperm because there’s a limited supply.
- Egg cells take years to grow up, unlike other cells in the body.
- Eggs are fragile. When “freezing” eggs, it involves the outer shell-like encasing them in glass. The insides do not freeze.
- Eggs age fast. After age 20, the percentage of viable eggs declines rapidly.
- Eggs are monogamous. Only one sperm is allowed to enter.
- Eggs have all the baby-making machinery- Contrary to old beliefs that the sperm ran the show.
- Egg donation is complicated and painful, unlike sperm donation, which involves masturbating.
Keeping these facts in mind, remember one mature egg is released from 1 healthy ovary once per month, therefore allowing for a 12-24 hour window for sperm to meet egg. If the egg or the sperm are not robust, the odds of healthy conception are limited adding to the reasons you’re not getting pregnant.
Other Reasons Females Struggle to Achieve Conception
- Irregular ovulation and painful or irregular menstruation- When an egg is not released with ovulation, therefore nothing is ready to fertilize. You can use ovulation testing at home to help determine if this is your problem. A blood test for progesterone-a hormone released after ovulation-can also document whether you are ovulating. Some health care providers may order another hormone testing, such as prolactin, to get a much clearer picture of your issues. Having a knowledgeable provider in this field can help you carry out this mission toward a successful ending.
- Hormone insufficiencies; polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems, primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), hyperprolactinemia, low progesterone, hypothalamic dysfunction, low estrogen are a few common disorders. Most issues can be corrected with medications, a thorough checkup, and talking to an expert.
- Structural issues; Blocked Fallopian tubes, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, sterilization surgeries, and cervical scarring can all create a barrier between egg and sperm. Surgery to correct the issue can help achieve the goal. Egg retrieval is another conversation to have with your health care team.
- Physical abnormalities of the uterus. There needs to be a clear path for implantation to occur. Hysterosalpingography is an x-ray using a special dye to inject into the uterus to rule out any blockages. Some women will undergo laparoscopy for doctors to explore more intricate areas. The light can help them examine ovaries, tubes, and uterus to rule out disease, scarring, abnormalities, and endometriosis. Hysterosonography is another method used to see more details inside the uterus that isn’t obvious with a regular ultrasound.
- Fibroids, these noncancerous clumps of tissue and muscle on walls of the uterus, can make it difficult for implantation. Medications and surgery are viable options.
- Obesity; disruption of “hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis” creates the likelihood of infertility. Although weight loss and adopting a healthier lifestyle improves the odds of fertility by 90%, tell your physicians that you are trying to get pregnant to optimize a plan that is easy to maintain.
- Underweight; not getting enough vitamins and nutrients can be as detrimental as getting too much. If your body doesn’t understand what it needs, your pituitary gland may send the wrong signals or misfire completely. Talk to your health care team about your desire to reproduce. Getting you on a diet with the right calories and vitamins will improve the odds of offspring.
- Excessive exercise; some studies conclude that “superwoman workouts” triple the likelihood of fertility problems. Reinforcing that everything in moderation is better, even fertility.
- Untreated diabetes, poor glycemic control, and the presence of diabetic complications are associated with lower chances of fertility.
- Autoimmune diseases- specifically lupus or celiac, can cause fertility issues. Although adopting a gluten-free diet will improve the likelihood of conception, inflammation prevents the absorption of vital nutrients. Reduce inflammation in the body with lifestyle changes, medications & natural therapies to increase the likelihood of conception.
- Undiagnosed sexually transmitted diseases (STD); both of you should get tested before going any further. Even if you don’t think you have an STD.
- Depression and anxiety; can cause hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, thyroid dysfunction, and elevated prolactin, which is associated with the hormones that regulate ovulation. Talk to your healthcare provider about mental health medications that are safe for pregnancy or find alternative therapies that work for you.
- Stress can lead to interruption in the menstrual cycle. Making changes in lifestyle to reduce stress will increase your chances of success.
- Sleep deprivation can strain and exhaust the body, which drains the immune system causing a delay in menstruation. Make sleep an essential part of your fertility plan.
- Cervical mucus is your best friend. Learn how to read your mucus to support a fertile environment.
- Environmental toxins- Lead exposure, ovotoxicants can halt reproduction, endocrine disrupters, phthalates like plastic containers-cling wrap- IV bags- medical supplies- vinyl flooring & packaging, VCH chemicals which are in rubber tires-plastics-pesticides, PAH’s are released from cigarettes-car fumes-road tar. Keep in mind formaldehyde is in air fresheners-deodorant-floor polish-upholstery cleaners, organic solvents can be found in petroleum-based liquids in household products-electronics-car repair-health care-photography-agricultural- printing-construction-cosmetics and more, dry cleaning chemicals and paint fumes. Incidentally, these can be found in the atmosphere and on the ground in cities and waterways. Changing your environment (as much as possible)and adopting an organic diet can be all that is needed to ensure the best possible outcome.
- As with men, street drugs, alcohol, and smoking can negatively affect egg and sperm. Reevaluate lifestyle choices before creating a human to be sure you give the best of you both. There are so many programs to help you get clean. Reach out and ask for help if you need it.
- Radiation or x-rays- have an impact on healthy eggs and ovulation. Limit exposure and talk to your healthcare provider if needed, including limiting exposure to technology-especially around your lap (Cells phone and laptops).
- Age; Good, strong, healthy, young eggs have a higher probability of conception; the under 30-year-old is optimal. Ovarian reserve testing can be used to determine the quality and quantity of eggs available for ovulation. Women at risk for depleted egg supply and over 35 years old, may have this series of blood and imaging testing.
Although this was a long, arduous list of negatives and you may be feeling overwhelmed, my intentions were purely to give you a one-stop-shop for updated, comprehensive infertility education. Some of the reasons you’re not getting pregnant are simple to correct, others may need a professional. Don’t agonize over these daunting tasks, instead take each challenge as a step toward your blessing to be. Change what you have control over and leave the rest to nature! Good Luck!
Happy Parenting-to-be!
