You may feel stressed when pregnancy takes longer than expected. Many women face this phase during their reproductive years. Understanding the Top Reasons for Difficulty in Getting Pregnant helps you take the right steps at the right time. At Dranusharp, Dr. Anusha Rao Ponnamaneni uses her global training and experience to guide you through this process with clarity and care. Her work in India, the USA, and the UK gives you access to reliable evaluation and treatment for infertility, menstrual issues, ovulation problems, and more.
Most couples conceive within one year of regular unprotected intercourse. If you have tried for 12 months and have not conceived, or if you are above 35 and have tried for 6 months, you should seek medical support. Age, hormonal imbalance, lifestyle factors, and underlying health concerns can affect fertility in both women and men. The earlier you understand the cause, the better your chances of planning your pregnancy.
This page explains the Top Reasons for Difficulty in Getting Pregnant, signs to look for, and when to reach out for help. The goal is to give you clear facts that help you make informed decisions.
1. Irregular Ovulation
Irregular ovulation is one of the most common reasons for delayed conception. You need one healthy ovulation cycle to get pregnant. When ovulation does not happen regularly, the chances of timing fertilization drop.
Common signs include
• No predictable menstrual cycle
• Cycles longer than 35 days
• Very short cycles under 24 days
• Missed periods
Many women with ovulation issues have conditions like PCOS or thyroid imbalance. Nearly 25 percent of infertility cases link to ovulation problems. You can monitor this through hormone tests, ultrasound scans, and cycle tracking. When you understand your ovulation window, your chances improve.
2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, PCOS
PCOS affects about 10 percent of women of reproductive age. Hormonal imbalance leads to irregular periods, excess androgens, acne, and weight gain. PCOS disrupts ovulation, which makes it harder to conceive.
With proper treatment, many women with PCOS achieve pregnancy. Dr. Anusha checks your hormone levels, metabolic markers, and ovarian appearance to create a clear plan for your cycle health. Weight control, medical management, and timely monitoring can improve ovulation quality.
3. Age Related Decline in Egg Quality
Age is an important factor in the Top Reasons for Difficulty in Getting Pregnant. Female fertility begins to decline after 30 and drops faster after 35. Egg quantity and quality reduce every year. You may still ovulate, but the eggs may not fertilize well or implant properly.
Facts
• Women in their 20s have a 25 to 30 percent chance of conceiving each month
• By age 35, it drops to about 15 percent
• After 40, monthly chances fall to 5 percent or lower
Age also raises the risk of genetic concerns, miscarriage, and abnormal embryos. If you are above 35, early evaluation helps you save time and improve your chances with timely treatment.
4. Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Your fallopian tubes must stay open to let the egg and sperm meet. Any block or damage can prevent fertilization. This is a major cause of infertility in many women.
Common causes include
• Pelvic infections
• Previous abdominal surgery
• Endometriosis
• Past ectopic pregnancy
A simple HSG test, laparoscopy, or ultrasound based study helps check tube health. If your tubes have mild swelling or partial blocks, treatment is possible. If both tubes are blocked, IVF may be the best option.
5. Endometriosis
Endometriosis affects millions of women across the world. This condition causes tissue similar to the uterine lining to grow outside the uterus. It can lead to pain during periods, heavy flow, and fertility issues.
Endometriosis may reduce egg quality, disturb pelvic structures, and block tubes. Studies show that up to 50 percent of women with this condition may struggle to conceive. Expert evaluation with ultrasound and laparoscopy helps detect the severity. Treatment can include medication, lifestyle guidance, or surgery, depending on your stage and symptoms.
6. Thyroid Disorders
Your thyroid controls many hormones that affect fertility. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause delayed periods, irregular ovulation, and miscarriage risk. Thyroid problems affect about 5 percent of women trying to conceive.
A simple blood test checks TSH, T3, and T4 levels. When your thyroid stays in range, your cycles stabilize and your chances improve. Many women conceive quickly after correcting thyroid imbalance.
7. Low Sperm Count or Male Factor Infertility
In nearly 40 percent of couples who face conception issues, male factor plays a key role. Low sperm count, poor sperm movement, and abnormal shape can reduce the chance of fertilization.
Common causes include
• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Stress
• High temperature around testicles
• Diabetes
• Hormonal issues
A semen analysis gives clear results. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, supplements, and medications. Some couples may need IUI or IVF depending on the sperm quality.
8. Lifestyle Factors
Your daily habits affect your fertility more than you may think. When you try to understand the Top Reasons for Difficulty in Getting Pregnant, lifestyle is often a key factor.
Factors include
• High stress levels
• Poor sleep
• Obesity
• Excess caffeine
• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Poor diet
A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress control improve hormonal balance. Even a 5 to 10 percent reduction in body weight can improve ovulation in overweight women.
9. Uterine Problems
Your uterus must be healthy for implantation. Fibroids, polyps, a thin uterine lining, adhesions, and congenital shapes can affect conception.
Ultrasound and hysteroscopy help detect these issues. Many uterine concerns are treatable. When corrected, your chances of natural conception increase.
10. Unexplained Infertility
Nearly 10 to 20 percent of couples face unexplained infertility. All tests appear normal, but pregnancy still does not occur. This can be emotionally draining but many couples still conceive with timed intercourse, ovulation support, IUI, or IVF.
When to See Dr. Anusha at Dranusharp
You should seek medical support if
• You are under 35 and have tried for one year
• You are over 35 and have tried for six months
• You have irregular cycles
• You have painful periods
• You have a history of miscarriage
• You have known thyroid or PCOS concerns
• You or your partner have known reproductive issues
Dr. Anusha Rao Ponnamaneni uses evidence based methods to diagnose the exact cause. Her training in India, the USA, and the UK helps you receive reliable guidance for your fertility journey.
Understanding the Top Reasons for Difficulty in Getting Pregnant brings clarity. Timely action helps you protect your reproductive health and improve your chances of conceiving sooner.
