12 Reasons for Not Getting Pregnant Explained + Proven Tips to Improve Your Fertility

Trying to get pregnant but not seeing those two pink lines? You’re not alone — there are many reasons for not getting pregnant, and most of them are more common than people think. From ovulation problems to low sperm count or blocked fallopian tubes, fertility can be affected by a range of factors.

According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 women between 15 and 49 years old face infertility after a year of trying.

The good news? Many of these fertility problems have answers — and in this article, we’ll walk you through the most common causes and the proven ways to improve your chances.

What is Infertility?

Infertility means not getting pregnant after a year of unprotected sex. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 6 adults face infertility at some point in life.

It may stem from sperm disorders, erectile dysfunction, or issues with the reproductive system, like scar tissue or uterine abnormalities.

Everyday lifestyle factors like smoking tobacco, too much alcohol, or chronic stress can also affect conception.

If you're trying to conceive, tests like semen analysis help. From there, doctors may suggest fertility treatments such as IVF treatment or intrauterine insemination.

You're not alone — and help is available.

What Dr. Anshu Agarwal Wants You to Know Before Trying to Get Pregnant

1. Medical Conditions That Can Affect Fertility

• Conditions like pelvic infection, uterine fibroids, or sexually transmitted diseases may silently damage your reproductive organs.
• According to the CDC, undiagnosed chlamydia causes up to 30% of tubal infertility. These issues often go unnoticed without proper checkups.

2. Everyday Habits That Quietly Affect Fertility

• Habits like smoking, heavy drinking, and certain prescription drugs can impact fertility without showing symptoms.
• Even recreational drugs and chronic stress may interfere with hormone balance. These lifestyle factors are often underestimated.

3. Hidden Fertility Problems You Might Not Know About

• Some people experience egg loss, abnormal sperm movement, or weak sperm function without knowing.
• Problems in the vaginal canal, uterine wall, or even low body weight can make a difference. It's why early help from a fertility specialist or infertility specialist matters.

"Schedule Your Fertility Consultation Today. Take the first step toward understanding your fertility. Book a one-on-one consult with Dr. Anshu Agarwal — compassionate, expert care you can trust."

12 Expert-Backed Reasons You’re Not Getting Pregnant

If you’re wondering why things aren’t working out, you're not alone. Below are 12 possible reasons that might quietly be affecting your ability to conceive.

1. Ovulation Issues

When ovulation is irregular or absent, conception becomes less predictable. Subtle hormone shifts or thyroid issues may be at play.

What could be happening:

• Disrupted menstrual cycle
• Hidden hormonal problems
• Irregular or missed ovulation windows

2. Blocked Fallopian Tubes

The egg and sperm need to meet — and that happens in the fallopian tubes. If they're blocked, fertilization won’t occur.

What may block your tubes:

• Underlying health conditions like past infections
• Scarring from surgery or disease control procedures
• Tubal damage not visible without a scan

3. Poor Egg Quality

Even if you're ovulating, poor-quality eggs may not lead to a healthy pregnancy. This can be due to age or other biological changes.

Contributing factors:

• Egg loss accelerates after 35
• Irregular development of more than one egg
• Chromosomal abnormalities during the fertilization process

4. Male Infertility Factors

Male fertility matters just as much. Problems like low sperm count, weak motility, or poor sperm quality can prevent conception.

What to consider:

• Low sperm production
• Poor sperm function
• Abnormal shape or abnormal sperm movement

5. Age-Related Fertility Decline

Age can impact both egg quality and hormone balance. Experts say fertility dips more sharply after 37.

Risks that rise with age:

• Higher chance of multiple pregnancy
• Greater fertility issues
• Delayed or missed ovulation

6. Hormonal Imbalances

Subtle hormone changes often fly under the radar. But they can disrupt ovulation or cause cycle irregularities.

Possible signs:

• No ovulation despite regular cycles
• Trouble with egg maturation
• Unexplained infertility problems

7. Endometriosis

Tissue growing outside the uterus can interfere with fertility. It might also affect your monthly symptoms.

How it interferes:

• Causes scarring or blockages
• May damage reproductive organs
• Often goes undiagnosed until an infertility evaluation

8. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common hormonal condition that affects ovulation. It’s a major factor in early-age fertility issues.

Watch for:

• Irregular periods
• Ovarian cysts seen on ultrasound
• Resistance to usual ovulation treatments

9. Uterine or Cervical Conditions

Sometimes the uterus isn’t the ideal environment for implantation. Conditions here may go unnoticed.

Potential issues:

• Thin or irregular uterine wall
• Small uterine fibroids
• Disruptions to the reproductive system

10. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits

Daily choices have a real effect on fertility. Some things reduce your odds quietly over time.

Habits that may affect you:

• Smoking or smoking tobacco
• Too much alcohol or heavy drinking
• Use of recreational drugs

11. Unexplained Infertility

All test results normal — and still no pregnancy? You’re not imagining it.

What to know:

• May need other fertility treatments
• Often managed with assisted reproductive technologies
• Might relate to timing or subtle internal factors

12. Timing Outside the Fertile Window

It’s all about timing — even a day off can make a difference. Your fertile window can be easy to miss without tracking.

Avoid this by:

• Using ovulation prediction tools
• Understanding your body’s cues
• Working with a fertility specialist if needed

"Not Sure Where to Start? Let’s Talk.Every fertility journey is different. Get personalized guidance from Dr. Anshu to find the right path for you."

When Is It Time to Get an Infertility Evaluation?

If you’ve been trying to conceive for a while and it’s not working, it may be time to take a closer look. An infertility evaluation helps uncover hidden issues — and gives you clarity. Here’s when experts say you should consider it:

What Infertility Treatment Options Do Experts Recommend?

If you're facing challenges getting pregnant, knowing your treatment options can make things feel more manageable. Doctors often suggest a mix of medical, surgical, and lifestyle-based approaches depending on the root cause.

1. Fertility Medications

Medications are usually the first step, especially when ovulation is irregular. These help stimulate egg release and regulate cycles.

Options may include:

• Oral drugs that trigger ovulation
• Hormones to correct factors affecting the cycle
• Supportive meds guided by a fertility specialist

2. Hormone Therapy

When hormone levels are off, targeted therapy can restore balance. This is helpful in cases involving sexual function or irregular cycles.

What it may treat:

• Low estrogen or progesterone
• Mild hormonal problems
• Men with testosterone-related issues

3. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

This procedure places concentrated sperm directly into the uterus. It's often paired with fertility meds.

Why it's used:

• Mild male infertility
• Issues with sexual function or premature ejaculation
• Timing problems within the fertile window

4. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is widely known and used when other treatments don’t work. It helps when there are issues with the fallopian tubes or fertilized egg formation.

Includes:

• Egg and sperm combined in a lab
• Monitoring embryo development
• Transfer to the uterus once ready

5. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI is a specialized IVF method. It involves injecting one healthy sperm into a single egg.

Best for:

• Poor sperm function
• Low count or motility
• Couples with previous IVF failure

6. Surgical Treatments

Surgeries can correct physical issues affecting fertility. This might include endometriosis or uterine abnormalities.

What’s treated:

• Blocked tubes
• Removal of scar tissue
• Repairing the reproductive organs

7. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

ART refers to all advanced fertility methods like IVF, ICSI, and donor programs. It’s typically suggested for persistent or unexplained infertility.

Can involve:

• Using donor eggs or sperm
• Coordinating with specialized labs
• Advanced reproductive medicine support

8. Lifestyle Changes and Supportive Therapies

Sometimes, small changes make a big impact. This includes medical management for things like high blood pressure or addressing risks from past cancer treatments.

What may help:

• Diet, stress relief, and exercise
• Cutting smoking tobacco and alcohol
• Mental health support and counseling

How Can You Naturally Support Your Fertility?

Supporting your fertility doesn’t always start in a clinic. Many changes begin right at home — through everyday habits that impact both men and women. Small, consistent actions can make a noticeable difference in your reproductive health.

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Weight is one of the key factors that affect ovulation and hormone balance.

• Aim for a BMI between 19 and 24
• Both underweight and overweight ranges can delay conception

2. Manage Stress Effectively

Chronic stress may throw off hormones and cycles.

• Practice yoga, deep breathing, or guided meditation
• Prioritize rest and down-time

3. Track Your Fertile Window

Knowing your fertile window helps with proper timing.

• Use ovulation kits or mobile apps
• Keep track of patterns in your menstrual cycle

4. Eat a Fertility-Friendly Diet

• Include leafy greens, whole grains, and healthy fats
• Antioxidants support women’s health and egg quality

5. Exercise in Moderation

• Avoid both inactivity and overtraining
• Light cardio and strength workouts are best

6. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol

• Smoking reduces egg health and hormone function
• Alcohol affects ovulation and sperm

7. Improve Sleep Quality

• Poor sleep is linked to hormonal shifts
• Aim for 7–8 hours nightly to support egg health and improve sperm quality

"Ask Dr. Anshu a Question — No Judgement, Just Support
Got concerns or confusion about conception? Send us a message. We’re here to listen and help."

FAQs on Female Fertility

1. Why am I not getting pregnant but have normal cycles?

• Even with regular cycles, factors like blocked fallopian tubes, poor egg quality, or low sperm count can silently interfere. It’s worth getting a full infertility evaluation for both partners.

2. Why am I ovulating but not getting pregnant?

• Ovulation alone doesn’t guarantee conception. Timing, sperm quality, or issues with the fertilization process could be affecting outcomes.

3. What are signs you can't get pregnant?

• Signs may include irregular periods, severe cramps, or a history of pelvic infection. In men, low libido or past STDs may signal male infertility risks.

4. What can block you from getting pregnant?

• Common blocks include scar tissue, uterine abnormalities, or undiagnosed conditions like endometriosis. These issues often need imaging to detect.

5. What is the best age to get pregnant?

• Medically, ages 20–30 are considered the most fertile. Fertility begins to decline after 35, especially egg quality.

6. What should I do if I cannot get pregnant?

• Start by consulting a fertility specialist. They’ll suggest lifestyle changes, testing, or infertility treatments like IUI or IVF depending on your situation.

Conclusion

If you’ve been trying and still aren’t getting pregnant, it’s okay to feel confused or frustrated. The truth is — fertility is influenced by many moving parts, and understanding them is the first step.

From medical conditions to timing your fertile window, knowing what’s in your control matters. Don’t wait too long to talk to a fertility specialist — even a simple infertility evaluation can offer clarity.

And remember, you’re not alone in this. With the right support and informed choices, many couples do find their path forward. You’ve got options — and they’re worth exploring.