What Can You Do If You're Struggling to Conceive

In the US, fertility challenges are more common than you might think. Approximately 9% of men and 11% of women of reproductive age have experienced such issues, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Globally, this figure sits around 17.5% of the adult population, according to the WHO. This means that you are not alone in this journey. Many others understand what you're going through. Infertility can be an increasingly upsetting and stressful thing to experience, especially if you dream of starting a family.

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If you're struggling to get pregnant, here are some viewpoints or suggestions to help you on your journey to becoming pregnant.

Talk to a Doctor
It's crucial to seek medical advice early in your fertility journey. Typically, you need to be practicing unprotected sex with the aim of falling pregnant for around 12 months before you're classed as having fertility issues. However, talking to your doctor can provide valuable insights into your fertility status and help you ascertain your chances of conceiving naturally. 

Your doctor may also offer some tips and advice, suggesting specific tests based on your individual circumstances. An initial appointment to assess your health can provide valuable insights into what you might be facing ahead of time, empowering you to take control of your fertility journey.

Get Fertility Advice
Talking to experts in reproductive health and learning about pregnancy, reproductive cycles, and the causes of infertility can help you learn more about your body and your partner's body and make changes to your lifestyle based on the findings. You might want to change your diet, quit smoking or drinking alcohol, take up exercise, and more. You can learn about your ovulation and understand menstrual cycles to help optimize your chances of getting pregnant naturally and increase your chances of conceiving.    

Consider Counselling
Dealing with the thought of never being able to carry a child or getting your partner pregnant can be emotionally overwhelming. The desire to become a parent can lead to a lot of stress and pressure. This is where counseling can play a crucial role. It can help you understand your emotions, teach you how to cope with your circumstances and provide coping mechanisms that allow you to express your emotions in a healthy way. 

Talk to Others
Sharing your journey with others is a vulnerable thing to do, and you're opening up on some of the hardest things you are experiencing. But this will allow your loved ones a glimpse into your life so they can offer support where they can and be mindful of your circumstances. Sharing your journey can help you feel connected and supported, reminding you that you're not alone in your fertility challenges.

Look at All of Your Options
These days, there is a range of options available for people struggling to conceive. You might find that fertility drugs can cut your chances of success, as can surgery to help remove any blockages or health issues impacting your fertility. There are options such as IUI or IVF you can consider, as well as surrogacy adoption or foster care. Consider your options, determine what you would be happy to do if natural conception is not feasible, and incorporate it into your parenting strategy moving forward.