Why am I not getting pregnant? What can I do?

If you have been trying to get pregnant for months or years without any success, following these recommendations could help you.

Many couples in the world face problems to have children, either due to sterility or infertility, and they wonder how to get pregnant. It is considered that a couple is sterile when they have been having intercourse for a year or more to achieve a pregnancy, but it does not occur. On the other hand, infertility is the case when pregnancies occur, but these cannot be carried to term due to miscarriages. In this article we are going to check some options to reduce the probability of infertility in a couple.

Make sure you are having sex at the right frequency

Although it sounds obvious, many couples miss this point: having frequent sex is the first necessary condition to get pregnant. A couple trying to conceive should have vaginal intercourse every day, or at least every other day. Spacing more sexual relations could be playing against you when it comes to seeking a pregnancy.

You must know exactly when you are ovulating

To maximize your chances of getting pregnant, you need to take advantage of your fertile days. That is why it is essential to know what your ovulation dates are. In this aspect, many women are confused, since each body is different. Using a general ovulation calculation table is not going to be so useful, because generally those tables are based on 28-day menstrual cycles and very few women fit into such scheme.

Consult a fertility specialist

If you are having sex on your fertile days and still don't get pregnant, either you or your partner may have a health condition that needs treatment. In this case, it is best to consult as soon as possible with a doctor specialized in fertility, who will be able to examine you and make specific recommendations for you. The doctor may also perform specific tests such as spermogram, a transvaginal pelvic ultrasound to detect problems in the uterus or ovaries, a blood test to measure anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), etc.

Live a healthy lifestyle

Overweight, obesity, and a lack of adequate nutrients are factors that decrease fertility in men and women. To get pregnant you need your body to be in optimal health conditions, which requires you to be at a healthy weight and to follow proper exercise and eating routines. Meeting your daily requirements for micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants) and macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat, and protein) is essential for a successful pregnancy. Pay special attention to your daily requirements for folic acid, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and vitamin D. Exercise will help you stay in shape and regulate your hormonal system so that it works properly.

Finally, a fundamental part of the lifestyle necessary to get pregnant is getting enough sleep. You must sleep 7 or 8 hours a day for your endocrine system to work as required, as well as to control stress, which is an enemy of fertility. Something as simple as meeting your sleep requirements can make a huge difference in the functioning of your reproductive system and thus help you achieve a pregnancy.