Trying to get pregnant can feel simple — until it isn’t. Fertility problems are common and often involve both partners. Half of fertility cases include a male factor. That means the first step is practical: test and talk, not blame or guesswork.
For women, the usual suspects are ovulation issues, age-related egg decline, blocked tubes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis. For men, the main issues are low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal shape. Basic checks you can ask for: a semen analysis for him, and ovulation tracking plus a pelvic ultrasound or hysterosalpingogram for her. Those tests give clear next steps.
Timing matters. Track ovulation with ovulation kits or by recording basal body temperature and cervical mucus. Most people conceive when intercourse happens in the five days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation.
Some medicines affect fertility or pregnancy. Accutane (isotretinoin), for example, causes severe birth defects — women must avoid pregnancy while on it and follow strict medical guidance. Other drugs can change hormones, reduce sperm quality, or interact with fertility treatments. Always check with your prescriber before stopping or starting meds.
Lifestyle changes often help. Quit smoking, cut back alcohol, keep a healthy weight, eat balanced meals, and get regular activity. Aim for moderate caffeine use. For men, reducing heat exposure (soaked hot tubs, tight underwear) and avoiding heavy alcohol or recreational drugs can improve sperm quality.
If you’re considering medications bought online, verify the pharmacy, keep prescriptions current, and consult a clinician first. Unverified sites may sell wrong doses or counterfeit drugs that harm chances of conception or a future pregnancy.
When to see a specialist: if you’re under 35 and haven’t conceived after 12 months, see a fertility doctor. If you’re 35 or older, get help after six months. If you have known issues — irregular periods, severe endometriosis, previous pelvic infections, multiple miscarriages, or a partner with poor semen results — seek help sooner.
Treatments range from simple to advanced. Doctors may start with ovulation drugs, lifestyle fixes, and timed intercourse. Next steps include intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each option has pros, costs, and timelines, so get clear estimates and success rates from your clinic.
Want more practical reads? Check our articles tagged "fertility" for drug safety notes, pregnancy-safe tips, and how to navigate online pharmacies safely. Start with clear testing, fix what you can at home, and get specialist help when the simple steps don’t work. Fertility is often a step-by-step process — and most couples find a path forward with the right tests and care.
