Speak To An Expert
Get clear, personalised advice for your situation.
Jot down a few questions to make the most of your conversation.
Female reproductive conditions
Several medical conditions can make it harder to get pregnant by affecting ovulation, hormone levels, or the health of the womb and ovaries. Some people have more than one condition, which can make conception more difficult.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is one of the most common causes. It can lead to irregular or absent periods, meaning ovulation does not happen regularly.
Endometriosis can also affect fertility. This is where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the pelvis, which may cause inflammation, scarring, and pain.
Problems with ovulation
Ovulation problems are a major reason some people struggle to conceive. If an egg is not released regularly, there is less chance of sperm and egg meeting.
These problems can be linked to conditions such as thyroid disease, high prolactin levels, or primary ovarian insufficiency. They may also happen after changes in weight, stress, or intense exercise.
Some people stop ovulating after stopping hormonal contraception for a period of time, although this usually settles. If periods are very irregular, a GP can look for possible causes.
Male fertility conditions
Fertility issues are not only about the female partner. In many couples, a male factor is involved, either on its own or alongside other causes.
Low sperm count, poor sperm movement, or abnormal sperm shape can reduce the chance of pregnancy. These problems may be linked to varicoceles, infections, hormone problems, or previous testicular injury.
Some medical treatments can also affect sperm production, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and certain medicines. A semen analysis is often one of the first tests offered.
Conditions affecting the womb or fallopian tubes
Physical problems in the reproductive system can stop sperm and egg from meeting or make it harder for an embryo to implant. This includes blocked fallopian tubes and changes to the womb.
Blocked tubes can happen after pelvic inflammatory disease, previous surgery, or endometriosis. Fibroids, polyps, and some forms of scar tissue can also interfere with fertility.
Congenital conditions, such as a womb that has an unusual shape, may also affect pregnancy chances. These are less common, but they can be important when investigating infertility.
Other health conditions and lifestyle-related factors
Some general health conditions can affect fertility for both men and women. Diabetes, thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions, and untreated coeliac disease may all play a role.
Age is also a major factor, especially for women, as egg quality and number naturally decline over time. Smoking, heavy alcohol use, obesity, and being significantly underweight can also reduce the chance of conceiving.
If pregnancy is not happening after a year of trying, or after six months if the woman is over 36, it is sensible to speak to a GP. Early assessment can help identify treatable conditions and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical conditions causing difficulty getting pregnant are health problems that can interfere with ovulation, sperm production, fertilization, implantation, or the ability to carry a pregnancy. Common examples include polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, blocked fallopian tubes, thyroid disorders, and certain male factor conditions.
Symptoms can vary by condition, but may include irregular or absent periods, pelvic pain, painful periods, heavy bleeding, signs of hormonal imbalance, trouble with erections or ejaculation, or a history of pelvic infections, surgery, or testicular problems. Some people have no obvious symptoms and only learn about the condition during fertility testing.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common medical conditions causing difficulty getting pregnant because it can disrupt regular ovulation. Without predictable ovulation, it may be harder to release an egg each month, which lowers the chance of conception.
Endometriosis is a medical condition causing difficulty getting pregnant because tissue similar to the uterine lining can grow outside the uterus, causing inflammation, scarring, and sometimes damage to the ovaries or fallopian tubes. It may affect egg quality, fertilization, or implantation.
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can be medical conditions causing difficulty getting pregnant because they disrupt hormone balance and ovulation. Thyroid problems can also affect menstrual regularity and increase the risk of miscarriage if not treated.
Uterine fibroids can be medical conditions causing difficulty getting pregnant when they distort the uterine cavity, interfere with implantation, or block the fallopian tubes. Not all fibroids affect fertility, but location and size matter.
Blocked fallopian tubes are medical conditions causing difficulty getting pregnant because the egg and sperm may not be able to meet, and a fertilized egg may not be able to travel to the uterus. Causes can include pelvic infection, endometriosis, or prior surgery.
Premature ovarian insufficiency is a medical condition causing difficulty getting pregnant because the ovaries stop working normally before age 40. This can lead to irregular periods, low estrogen, and reduced or absent ovulation.
Ovulation disorders are medical conditions causing difficulty getting pregnant because they prevent eggs from being released regularly or at all. Without ovulation, conception cannot occur naturally, making cycle tracking and treatment important.
Male factor issues are an important part of medical conditions causing difficulty getting pregnant because sperm count, motility, shape, or delivery can reduce the chance of fertilization. Common causes include varicocele, hormonal problems, genetic conditions, and previous infections or injuries.
Yes, diabetes can be a medical condition causing difficulty getting pregnant if blood sugar is not well controlled. It may affect ovulation, sexual function, sperm quality, and the ability to maintain a healthy pregnancy.
Yes, obesity can be associated with medical conditions causing difficulty getting pregnant because it can affect hormone levels, ovulation, sperm quality, and pregnancy outcomes. Weight-related metabolic changes may also increase the risk of irregular cycles.
Yes, being underweight or having an eating disorder can be medical conditions causing difficulty getting pregnant because the body may not produce enough reproductive hormones for normal ovulation or sperm production. Restoring healthy nutrition and weight can improve fertility in some cases.
Yes, certain sexually transmitted infections can lead to medical conditions causing difficulty getting pregnant by causing pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal scarring, or inflammation of the reproductive tract. Prompt treatment can help reduce long-term fertility damage.
Age is a major factor in medical conditions causing difficulty getting pregnant because egg quantity and quality decline over time, especially after the mid-30s. In men, age can also affect sperm quality and increase the chance of certain health issues.
Yes, some autoimmune diseases can be medical conditions causing difficulty getting pregnant by affecting hormones, ovulation, implantation, or pregnancy maintenance. Treatment depends on the specific disease and how active it is.
Yes, genetic conditions can be medical conditions causing difficulty getting pregnant if they affect ovarian function, sperm production, or reproductive anatomy. Some genetic issues can also increase the risk of miscarriage or be passed to a child.
Someone should seek evaluation for medical conditions causing difficulty getting pregnant after 12 months of trying if under age 35, after 6 months if age 35 or older, or sooner if there are irregular periods, known reproductive conditions, prior pelvic surgery, or concerns about sperm health.
Testing for medical conditions causing difficulty getting pregnant may include a medical history, physical exam, hormone blood tests, ovulation tracking, semen analysis, pelvic ultrasound, and imaging tests to check the uterus and fallopian tubes. The exact tests depend on the suspected cause.
Treatment for medical conditions causing difficulty getting pregnant depends on the cause and may include lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, hormone treatment, or assisted reproductive technologies such as intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization. A fertility specialist can help choose the best approach.
Ergsy Search Results
This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice.
Always seek guidance from qualified professionals.
If you have any medical concerns or need urgent help, contact a healthcare professional or emergency services immediately.
Some of this content was generated with AI assistance. We've done our best to keep it accurate, helpful, and human-friendly.
- Ergsy carefully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings.
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.