The most common reasons for difficulties in conceiving are equally divided between women and men. Sometimes both partners have issues, and in other cases, despite various tests, no clear cause is found.

Common Causes for Women:

  1. Age Age is the most significant factor affecting fertility. Research indicates that a woman’s fertility slightly declines at 30 and significantly declines around 40. As age increases, the quality of eggs decreases, the probability of miscarriage rises, and the likelihood of genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, increases. Therefore, those wishing to delay childbirth may consider egg freezing as a backup plan. If there are no issues with either partner, the natural pregnancy probability decreases with age, from 20% at age 30 to 5% at age 40. While age is an important factor, for older women, in vitro fertilization (IVF) can help increase the chances of pregnancy.
  2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) PCOS is an endocrine disorder affecting 1 in 5 women of childbearing age in developed countries. The incidence in our country is also rising annually. PCOS Symptoms include:
    • Multiple follicles in the ovaries
    • Excessive hair growth (usually on the face/abdomen or back)
    • Weight gain
    • Difficulty getting pregnant
    • High levels of insulin and androgens
    • Irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles
    • Acne How to get pregnant with PCOS?
    • Weight loss! Reducing BMI is essential, but losing weight with PCOS can be challenging and requires exercise and dietary adjustments. Avoid weight loss products, as rapid weight loss can lead to quick rebounds. Be cautious of rapid weight loss as it can be dangerous!
    • Appropriate and scientific supplementation of nutrients can help balance the body’s internal environment, improving cell sensitivity to insulin and reducing androgen levels. Some people think they don’t need nutrients because they are overweight, but being overweight is a sign of nutritional imbalance, so supplementation is necessary.
    • Use ovulation-inducing drugs (like Clomiphene), or consider artificial insemination or IVF. A doctor will recommend the best method for pregnancy.
  3. Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can prevent sperm from meeting the egg. In this case, the best way to conceive is through IVF. For women with good ovarian function and younger age, laparoscopic surgery may be attempted to unblock the tubes.
  4. Endometriosis Endometriosis is a common condition. Among 100 women, 10 have endometriosis, and 3 may have difficulty getting pregnant. Fortunately, there are many treatments available.
  5. Miscarriage Miscarriage refers to the termination of pregnancy before 28 weeks, with some countries defining it as before 20 weeks. Miscarriages most often occur in early pregnancy, with a low incidence after 10 weeks. Many women experience miscarriage but eventually give birth to a child, so there is no need to be overly fearful. If a woman experiences two or more consecutive miscarriages without any successful pregnancies in between, it is referred to as recurrent miscarriage, and medical advice should be sought to analyze and find the cause. Common causes of miscarriage include:
    • Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo
    • Uterine abnormalities
    • Endocrine disorders
    • Infections and other diseases
    • Lifestyle issues (e.g., smoking/drinking or drug use)
    • Age-related factors: The likelihood of miscarriage significantly increases after 40. If recurrent miscarriage occurs, after ruling out the above causes, the doctor may recommend checking for immune-related issues or embryo screening.
  6. Uterine Fibroids Fibroids are benign growths of muscle tissue that form on the uterine wall. They are rare in women under 20 but occur in 20% of women over 30, with fewer than 3% having difficulty conceiving. Most fibroids are asymptomatic. When symptoms do occur, they vary based on the size and location of the fibroids. Treatment for fibroids usually involves hysteroscopic or laparoscopic surgery. Small fibroids or those located in non-critical areas (generally considered not to affect implantation) may not need treatment before pregnancy. Common symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
    • Abnormal bleeding
    • Frequent urination
    • A sense of abdominal pressure
    • Pain