I Can’t Get Pregnant: Is It Because of Me or Him?

Pregnancy is a female condition, and you may automatically blame yourself when you can’t get pregnant. But infertility isn’t just a woman’s problem. Men also have health conditions that affect conception.

The only way to know if it’s you or him is for both of you to undergo testing.

At CARE Fertility in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas, our specialists evaluate both partners during infertility consultations to find the underlying cause. 

In this month’s blog, we focus on infertility, common causes in women and men, and what tests you need to find out if it’s you or him.

How conception happens

Pregnancy results when sperm fertilizes an egg, creating an embryo. It may seem straightforward, but pregnancy is complex, involving multiple steps that must all be met to make it happen.

Conception centers around your menstrual cycle, which is how your body prepares itself for pregnancy. Your cycle starts the first day of your period and lasts about 28 days, but it can range from 21 to 38 days. 

Midway through your cycle, you ovulate, releasing an egg from the ovary. The egg travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus. Sperm from your partner travels through the vagina and uterus to get to the fallopian tube to fertilize the egg. When the fertilized egg continues to the uterus and implants itself in the uterine lining, you’re pregnant.

If you can’t get pregnant, you or your partner may have a health issue that affects one or more of those steps.

Female causes of infertility

Problems with ovulation is the most common cause of infertility in women. An irregular menstrual cycle is a sign of an ovulation problem. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects ovulation. Women with PCOS may ovulate less than eight times a year. 

Structural problems like a blocked fallopian tube or uterine fibroid may also affect conception, preventing fertilization or implantation.

Women also have a harder time getting pregnant after age 30 due to a decline in egg quality. 

Male causes of infertility

Problems with sperm health is the most common cause of male infertility. Men may have a disorder that affects sperm production, shape, or movement. It only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg, but it can't happen if there aren't enough sperm or they’re too weak to reach the egg.

Varicoceles, swollen scrotal veins, are also a common cause of male infertility. The swelling occurs from blockages in the veins that allow blood to pool. The pooling blood increases temperature of the scrotum, affecting sperm viability. 

Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction (ED) also affect male fertility.

Is it you or him?

Data suggest that the cause of infertility is nearly equal between women and men. About a third of cases relate back to the male partner, another third the female, and the last third both. An infertility workup is the only way to know if it's you or him.

Infertility evaluations for women involve a physical exam, pelvic exam, and diagnostic testing like ultrasounds and hormone tests. For men, we do a semen analysis to check sperm count and health. 

With the findings, we work with you to develop a plan to improve chances of pregnancy. Treatment may include lifestyle modifications, surgery, or advanced reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

If you can’t get pregnant and don’t know why, we can find the answers you and your partner need. Call us today or request an appointment online at the CARE Fertility location that’s convenient to you.