There are several recurring questions couples who struggle to get pregnant ask. Here are some of the most common questions:

What are the common causes of infertility?

There are many potential causes of infertility, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause without medical testing. Some common causes of infertility include hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities in the reproductive system, age-related factors, and lifestyle factors such as obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. There are also cases where no specific cause can be identified. It’s important for couples who are having difficulty conceiving to speak with a doctor to determine the underlying cause and discuss potential treatment options.

How can we increase our chances of conceiving?

There are several things that couples can do to increase their chances of conceiving. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy body weight: Being overweight or obese can reduce fertility in both men and women.
• Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and smoking: These habits can impair fertility.
• Tracking ovulation: Knowing when you ovulate can help you plan sexual intercourse at the most fertile time.
• Reducing stress: Chronic stress can interfere with hormonal balance and ovulation.
• Getting regular exercise: Exercise can improve overall health and increase fertility.
• Eating a healthy diet: A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support reproductive health.
• Seeking medical help if necessary: If you have been trying to conceive for a year or more without success, it may be helpful to speak with a doctor to discuss potential fertility issues and treatment options.

What fertility tests should we consider?

If you are having difficulty conceiving, there are several fertility tests that your doctor may recommend. These tests can help to determine the cause of your infertility and guide the development of a treatment plan. Some common fertility tests include:

• Ovulation tests: These tests can help to determine whether you are ovulating regularly.
• Semen analysis: This test evaluates the quantity and quality of a man’s sperm.
• Hormone testing: Blood tests can be used to measure levels of hormones that are involved in ovulation and fertility.
• Hysterosalpingography: This test uses X-ray imaging to evaluate the shape of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
• Laparoscopy: In this surgical procedure, a small camera is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen to view the reproductive organs.
• Hysteroscopy: In this procedure, a thin, flexible telescope is inserted through the cervix to view the inside of the uterus.

Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate tests for your situation based on your medical history, symptoms, and other factors.

Are there any lifestyle changes we should make to improve our fertility?

Several lifestyle changes can improve fertility. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy body weight: Being overweight or obese can reduce fertility in both men and women. Losing weight if you are overweight and maintaining a healthy weight can improve fertility.
• Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and smoking: These habits can impair fertility. Limiting alcohol intake and avoiding tobacco products can improve your chances of conceiving.
• Reducing stress: Chronic stress can interfere with hormonal balance and ovulation. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or therapy, can improve fertility.
• Getting regular exercise: Exercise can improve overall health and increase fertility. Get 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily.
• Eating a healthy diet: A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support reproductive health. Avoiding processed foods and foods high in added sugars can also be beneficial.
• Avoiding certain medications: Some medications, such as certain antidepressants and antipsychotics, can impair fertility. If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about the potential effects on fertility and whether there are alternative options.

What are the available treatment options for infertility?

If you have difficulty conceiving, several treatment options may be effective in helping you to get pregnant. The most appropriate treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your infertility. Some common treatment options include:

• Medications: In some cases, fertility medications can stimulate ovulation or improve sperm production. These medications can be taken orally or injected, and they are often used in combination with other treatments.
• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): ART refers to a group of techniques used to help couples conceive, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). In IVF, eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus. In IUI, sperm are placed directly in the uterus, increasing the chances of fertilization.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair structural abnormalities in the reproductive system that are causing infertility. This can include procedures to repair blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, remove fibroids, or correct endometriosis.
• Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as losing weight if you are overweight, quitting smoking, reducing stress, and exercising regularly, can improve fertility and increase the chances of conceiving.

It’s important to discuss all of your treatment options with a doctor to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

How much does fertility treatment typically cost?

The cost of fertility treatment can vary widely, depending on the specific treatments that are used and the length of time that treatment is needed. Some treatments, such as medications to stimulate ovulation, can be relatively affordable, while others, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), can be much more expensive. It’s important to discuss the potential costs with your doctor and explore your options for financing or insurance coverage before starting treatment.

Is it possible to get pregnant after experiencing infertility?

Yes, it is possible for couples who have experienced infertility to get pregnant. The success rate of fertility treatments can vary depending on the underlying cause of infertility and the specific treatments that are used. Some couples can conceive after making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. Others may need more advanced treatments, such as fertility medications or assisted reproductive technologies (ART), to increase their chances of success. In some cases, it may not be possible to overcome infertility, but many couples are able to conceive with the help of medical treatment. It’s important to discuss your options with a doctor if you are having difficulty conceiving.

Have more questions?

Connect with your OB-GYN and ask.