Why can't I get pregnant?

There can be many reasons why a woman cannot get pregnant. In the Western world, about 25% of couples face fertility problems, either male infertility, female infertility, or both. There is also a significant rate of unexplained infertility that amounts to approximately 15% to 20% of cases.

But before we discuss infertility, it is useful to establish some points that determine the reasons why a woman cannot conceive.

• How well does every woman know her cycle?
  • In order to achieve pregnancy, one should know their ovulation days. The menstrual cycle lasts approximately 28-35 days and starts from the first day of menstruation. Each month during ovulation (cycle day 13 to 16), only one mature egg is released from the ovary and can be fertilized in less than 24 hours.
  • If a woman's ovulation is irregular, due to polycystic ovarian sydrome, due thyroid issues, or even stress related issues, intercourse will not lead to conception. In this case, a sonographic evaluation by the gynecologist or an ovulation test are recommended.
  • The right intercourse frequency is also very important for sperm renewal. It is advisable to intercourse every two days during the week when ovulation is calculated.
• A woman's age is very important in terms of the quality and quantity of eggs she produces. Women are now delaying childbearing for social, professional or even medical reasons, but unfortunately over time the chances of genetic abnormalities in their eggs increase. At the same time, the symptoms of premature ovarian failure or the inability to produce eggs become more apparent.
• Bad lifestyle. Factors such as overconsumption of alcohol, coffee and cigarettes or food can affect the quality of the gametes (eggs, sperm). Women trying to reproduce should have a body mass index (BMI) of no more than 25 and no less than 17.

A couple who after a year of free and regular intercourse have not achieved spontaneous conception should contact their gynecologist and carry out a series of tests that may determine a cause of infertility. These tests include:

• A transvaginal ultrasound scan to check the ovaries
• A hormonal blood testing
• A hysterosalpingography to investigate the patency of the fallopian tubes but also the cavity of the endometrium
• A semen analysis
• If deemed necessary, male hormonal blood testing.

In the event that a semen analysis is normal but cannot fertilize the egg, we can check whether the DNA of the sperm is fragmented. When the DNA fragmentation is pathological (at a rate of about more than 20%), we consider that it has a reduced chance of successful fertilization.

For women, the diagnosis of endometriosis is important, and is only confirmed laparoscopically. Endometriosis affects the quality and quantity of eggs and it also affects/changes the uterine environment in which the embryos implant, resulting in a reduced chance of implantation.

But what do we do when all the tests come back normal and infertility is truly unexplained?

A young couple that does not obviously deal with any age related infertility problems, can initially choose to induce ovulation with drugs and monitor it sonographically. In this case, the couple can have free, but timed intercourse in order to conceive.

A second approach would be insemination, under a medicinal regime in order to create two or three follicles. We can thus program their maturation as well as activate the sperm with a special treatment. On a specific day and time, sperm is injected into the uterine cavity, bypassing any anatomical problems.

If the above fails, there is always the option of in vitro fertilization, which is now a technologically advanced process and the drugs used are proven completely safe. Success rates are much higher compared to the interventions and techniques mentioned above.

Newlife's medical and scientific team is at your disposal for a thorough and personalized investigation of your infertility so do not hesitate to contact us in order to schedule a free medical consultation.