New Delhi:
It is usually a complicated affair to be able to pinpoint why a woman is not getting pregnant. Generally, there is no single factor responsible, but a combination of factors. So we asked experts, who gave us the top 15 reasons.
1. Postpone!
The most common reason for a woman not conceiving is delaying pregnancy to a later stage, because of the concentration on career or family and other personal issues.
2. Damage to the fallopian tubes.
This is responsible for infertility in almost 30% of the cases. When the fallopian tubes are blocked, they thwart the sperm from getting to the egg or obstruct the passage of the fertilized egg into the uterus, thus causing infertility.
3. Anaemic or low haemoglobin.
Studies have revealed that women, whose intake of iron is insufficient, may suffer from lack of ovulation, a condition called anovulation. This results in low quality of eggs, which can reduce chances of pregnancy by as much as 60% as compared to women with sufficient iron levels in their blood.
4. Thyroid problem.
Hypothyroidism is related to a range of reproductive disorders, ranging from abnormal sexual development to menstrual irregularities and infertility. Numerous studies have pointed out to the prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity in infertile patients, which suggest that there is an increased occurrence of AITD in infertility clinics.
5. Use of lubricants.
It reduces the movement of sperm and transfer. Reproductive Physiologist, Joanna Ellington, tells us that water-based lubricants often contain glycerine (which has been shown to be toxic to sperm) and propylene glycol both of which are highly hyper osmotic. This results in permanent damage to sperm and a reduction in motility after being exposed to commercial lubricants. Damage to sperm and subsequent inability of the sperm to go through the cervix following exposure to lubricants may prevent conception in some couples.
6. Premature menopause.
Some women experience menopause at an early age which affects their chances of conceiving.
7. Male infertility.
In one in five infertile couples, the problem lies totally in the male partner. It has been calculated that one in 20 men has some kind of fertility problem, including low sperm count in his ejaculate.
8. Poor lifestyle choices.
Poor diet and nutrition are other causes for infertility in men and women.
9. Urinary Tract Infection and other medical problems.
Approximately 35% of women with an infertility problem suffer from genital tract infections.
10. Bad sex life.
Zero sex, broken relationships and extreme strain and anxiety can indicate that you are not hitting the right target.
11. Emotional disturbance
Studies have concluded that stress, depression, and anxiety can decrease your fertility levels. A recent study on stress and infertility explains how people with major depression are less likely to conceive than others.
12. Smoking, drinking, drug abuse.
Smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse lead to sperm damage, making them less likely to fertilize eggs.
13. Sleep deprivation, long travelling and driving.
Sleeping less than the required number of sleep hours a night can affect your ability to conceive. Sleep has a strong influence on the body's hormonal balance, which controls a woman's cycle and regulates ovulation.
14. Immune system diseases.
An abnormal immune function can decrease fertility as well as increase chances of miscarriage. Affected women need two layers of treatment: The first layer of treatment to conceive, and second to prevent pregnancy loss after conception. Women suffering from Asthma, Diabetes or Kidney diseases suffer from infertility because of low immunity.
15. Being overweight or unusually thin.
Being too thin is worse than being too overweight when trying for conception, women have been cautioned. A study found that very thin women have fewer chances of getting pregnant than those who are overweight – including those classed as dangerously obese.
