Difficulty Becoming Pregnant? Don’t Lose Hope.

Mayo Clinic Health System  |

Image: David Leo Veksler
Image: David Leo Veksler

Many people dream of becoming parents, but for some, that dream is difficult because they have trouble getting pregnant on their own. It can take a healthy couple up to a year to conceive. Unfortunately, trying isn’t enough for some. Thankfully, couples can seek fertility assistance. After one year of unprotected, appropriately timed intercourse (every day to every other day around expected ovulation), couples may begin evaluation. They may begin evaluation, also, within six months of trying if the woman’s menstrual cycle is irregular, if they are over age 35, or if there is history to suggest there may have difficulty getting pregnant. History includes a tubal pregnancy for the woman or a pelvic injury for the man. Couples can learn the cause of infertility through various tests. For women, this may also involve monitoring ovulation. Treatment for fertility issues varies. As initial fertility methods, oral and injectable medications can trick the ovary into releasing at least one egg. Other options are available depending on the need. Monitoring continues after treatment to measure the body’s response. Don’t give up or lose hope when conception isn’t happening on its own or on your timing.