Why Am I Not Getting Pregnant? Common Conditions and How to Overcome Them
Trying to conceive can be an exciting experience, but it often comes with unexpected challenges for many couples. If you’ve been having difficulty getting pregnant, you’re not alone; 1 in 8 couples experience infertility. The good news is that most fertility issues have solutions.
At the Southern California Fertility Center (SCFC), Dr.Foyouzi and her team focus on identifying the underlying causes of infertility as the crucial first step toward successful conception. Through comprehensive evaluations and advanced diagnostics, they uncover the specific factors affecting each patient’s fertility and develop personalized treatment plans, enhancing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
In this blog, we will explore:
- Conditions that may prevent pregnancy
- Factors that decrease the chances of conception
- Conditions that can lead to infertility
- Five common causes of infertility
- How SCFC and Dr. Nastaran Foyouzi can help you overcome fertility challenges
Let’s dive in!
What Conditions Stop You from Getting Pregnant?
Several medical conditions can interfere with conception. The most common ones include:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that disrupts ovulation by causing irregular periods, excess androgens (male hormones), and ovarian cysts. Since ovulation is essential for pregnancy, PCOS can make conception difficult.
- Endometriosis: This condition occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to pain, inflammation, and scarring. It can affect the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus, making it harder for the egg and sperm to meet.
- Blocked Fallopian Tubes: If your fallopian tubes are blocked due to infection, surgery, or endometriosis, sperm cannot reach the egg, preventing fertilization.
- Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous uterine growths can distort its shape, making implantation more difficult.
- Low Ovarian Reserve: As women age, the number and quality of eggs decline, reducing fertility. A simple AMH test at SCFC can help determine your ovarian reserve.
For a more in-depth look at common infertility conditions, check out this SCFC blog post.
What Decreases the Chances of Pregnancy?
In addition to medical conditions, lifestyle, and environmental factors can lower fertility:
- Age – Fertility declines after age 35 for women and age 40 for men.
- Smoking & Alcohol – These damage egg and sperm quality.
- Obesity or Being Underweight – Hormonal imbalances can disrupt ovulation.
- Chronic Stress – High-stress levels can interfere with reproductive hormones.
- Excessive Exercise – Over-exercising can suppress ovulation.
If you’re unsure how lifestyle changes might impact your fertility, SCFC can help evaluate your unique situation.
What Conditions Can Make You Infertile?
Infertility does not mean that pregnancy is impossible; it simply indicates that you may require medical assistance to conceive. Several conditions can lead to infertility, including:
- Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): POI occurs when the ovaries stop functioning before age 40.
- Severe Endometriosis: This condition can cause significant scarring, which may block conception.
- Male Factor Infertility: Includes issues such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm shape.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus or thyroid disease can negatively impact fertility.
- Untreated Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Infections can lead to scarring and blockages in the reproductive tract.
What Are the Five Causes of Infertility?
Here are five major causes of infertility that affect both men and women:
- Ovulation Disorders (PCOS, thyroid issues, early menopause)
- Tubal Blockages (from infections or surgery)
- Sperm Issues (low count, poor motility, abnormal shape)
- Uterine Problems (fibroids, polyps, congenital abnormalities)
- Unexplained Infertility (when no clear cause is found, but pregnancy still doesn’t happen)
How SCFC Can Help You Get Pregnant
At Southern California Fertility Center, they offer personalized fertility treatments tailored to individual needs, including:
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – High success rates for various infertility cases
- Ovulation Induction & IUI – Increases the chances of natural conception
- Egg & Sperm Freezing – Preserves fertility for future use
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) – Ensures the health of embryos before transfer
- Ovarian Rejuvenation (PRP Therapy) – Stimulates egg production for women with low ovarian reserve
Meet Dr. Nastaran Foyouzi, A Leader in Fertility Care
Dr. Nastaran Foyouzi is a renowned reproductive endocrinologist and fertility expert passionate about helping patients overcome infertility. With a background in OB/GYN and genetic endocrinology, she has helped bring over 10,000 babies into the world through advanced reproductive treatments.
Why Choose Dr. Foyouzi?
✔️ Extensive Expertise – Specializes in complex infertility cases, genetic testing, and personalized fertility treatments
✔️ Compassionate Care – She understands the emotional challenges of infertility and provides empathetic, individualized support
✔️ Cutting-Edge Science – Offers the latest fertility advancements, including gender selection, ovarian rejuvenation, and preimplantation genetic testing
At Southern California Fertility Center, patients are not just clients—they are family. The team is here to support them every step of the way. Getting pregnant doesn’t have to be complicated. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward their dream family!
