Infertility affects approximately 6.7 million women in the United States and if you’re trying to get pregnant, you know how disappointing it can be every month to get a negative pregnancy test. But before assuming that in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be your only option which its not , it’s important to prepare your body at least 3 months prior but also rule out some of the very common and —and often treatable—causes of infertility.
Here are three possible reasons why you might be struggling to get pregnant and what you might want to do about it
1. You don’t ovulate.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, which can cause irregular menstrual cycles and an increase in male hormones, affects about 10 percent of women and is one of the most common reasons women don’t ovulate. In addition, being overweight, obese or underweight, as well as having a thyroid imbalance, can affect ovulation.
What to do: If you already know you don’t ovulate, talk to your acupuncturist. Most of the time PCOS can be treated effectively with proper nutrition, acupuncture and herbs.
2. It’s his problem.
Male factor infertility is responsible for up to a third of infertility cases. If your guy is overweight, obese or a smoker, it could be affecting your chances of getting pregnant.
What to do: See your doctor and have your partner lose weight and quit smoking . Remember you pass on everything to your child.
3. Your fallopian tubes are blocked.
When the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, tubal factor, which accounts for about 35 percent of infertility, occurs. Tubal factor infertility can be caused by a previous surgery, endometriosis or an STD. “Sexually transmitted diseases, especially chlamydia, years later will contribute to tubal factor infertility,” Hirshfeld-Cytron said.
What to do: “We have to make sure that the tubes are open, otherwise there’s no way for sperm and egg to communicate,” Ask your doctor to screen you for tube blockages.
