All Fertility Tests Are Normal – Why Am I Still Not Pregnant?

There are many many things that can cause fertility problems. Sometimes, the nature of fertility problems can be difficult to diagnose. To understand what might be the cause of not getting pregnant when all fertility tests appear to be normal, it is important to understand the things that can cause fertility problems in the first place.

Around 40% of all fertility problems are due to male infertility, and around 40% are due to female infertility. The remaining 20% of the time, there is a fertility problem with both the man and the woman. One possibility is that only one of the partners has a normal fertility test, but the other has not been tested. If you are not pregnant and fertility tests are normal, you should be sure to have your spouse tested.

Male fertility problems tend to have to do with sperm production, shape, and movement. Having a low sperm count, abnormally shaped sperm, or sperm that are low in motility can all keep a man from being able to get a woman pregnant. Most of the time, a fertility test can detect these sorts of problems; however, if you are still having problems becoming pregnant, a second sperm test might be a good option.

Female fertility problems are much more varied. They can stem from age, from problems with ovulation, from blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, or from any number of other factors. Not all fertility tests try to look for all of these problems. It is possible that, for example, if you have had a hormone test, that you may need a CT scan or some other sort of scan to detect problems with the fallopian tubes or the uterus. It may also be that endometriosis is causing problems with conception, and many fertility tests may not detect this.

Stress can be a big player in your ability to get pregnant as well. If you find daily life stressing you out on a regular basis, or if you are experiencing more than your usual share of stress, death in the family, moving, promotions, weddings and so on, the stress can cause a delay in ovulation which will make it more difficult for you to time intercourse properly for conception. Meditation and biofeedback can help you get your stress under control and help to increase the chances that your body will be able to perform as it should on the ovulation front.

The timing of conception is important, as well. If fertility tests are normal but you are not pregnant, you might want to make sure that you are trying to conceive when you are most fertile. Tracking your ovulation using cervical mucus and basal body temperature may help to optimize your chances of success.

As always, if you continue to have fertility problems, you should discuss the issue with your health care provider. She may be able to identify other causes of your conception difficulties.

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This entry was posted under Fertility Issues.