Infertility is common, affecting about 26% of women of childbearing age. Finding the cause of infertility can help direct treatment and pregnancy plans.
And, in some cases, infertility can resolve on its own, usually in people with unexplained infertility. You may have even heard stories about couples finally getting pregnant once they stop trying.
In this blog, our team of women’s health experts at Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, discusses infertility and how it might resolve on its own.
Infertility is when you can’t get or stay pregnant after a year of trying, or after six months if you’re 35 or older. We recommend a thorough medical workup to find the underlying cause. The pregnancy difficulties may happen for many reasons and can occur because of health issues involving one or both partners.
Many women with gynecological conditions that affect ovulation, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), may have a hard time getting pregnant. Conditions like endometriosis and fibroids may cause structural problems that affect pregnancy chances.
In men, problems with sperm quality or quantity are the most common cause of infertility. The abnormal sperm may occur from a reproductive structural problem or a hormonal condition.
You’re more likely to experience infertility as you get older. Lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking alcohol also affect fertility. Finding and addressing the cause of infertility improves your chances of pregnancy.
Unexplained infertility is when we’re unable to find the exact cause of why you can’t get pregnant. The difficulties may occur from any number of factors, such as an undiagnosed health condition or not having sex at the right time in your cycle.
Though many couples may find the non-diagnosis frustrating, whatever the cause is may correct itself, and then infertility resolves on its own.
There’s a strong connection between stress and infertility. Trying to have a baby and not conceiving causes stress that may perpetuate the difficulties. Once couples decide to take a break from baby making, they may end up pregnant because there’s less stress and pressure.
No matter what, if you’re not able to conceive after 6-12 months, it’s time to schedule an infertility workup. Once we know the cause, we can take steps to address it and improve the chances of pregnancy.
Even if we can’t find the cause, we can provide guidance on how to improve your chances of conception, such as using ovulation tests to improve intercourse timing or finding healthy ways to manage stress.
At Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, we offer many infertility treatments, including medication to increase ovulation and intrauterine insemination (IUI), placing your partner’s sperm into the uterus at the time of ovulation.
We also have a visiting reproductive endocrinologist for those who need more specialized care and offer mental health counseling to provide emotional support and help with stress.
Don’t wait to schedule an evaluation. If you’re having a difficult time getting pregnant, call us today at either location — in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebraska — or request an appointment online.
