January 24, 2026
Infertility Causes: Why Am I Not Getting Pregnant?
Infertility affects both men and women, with maternal age being the top predictor. Key factors include age, smoking, BMI, PCOS, and unexplained causes. Early evaluation by a fertility specialist is crucial for timely treatment options.
Key Takeaways
Understanding How Maternal Age Impacts Fertility Chances
Women’s fertility declines significantly after age 35 due to reduced egg quantity and quality. By age 40, pregnancy rates drop to 5%, and miscarriage risks increase by 50% compared to younger women.
Smoking’s Detrimental Effects on Female Fertility and Menopause
Smoking accelerates follicular depletion, reducing egg reserves by 34% and advancing menopause by 1-4 years. Smokers face a 2-3x higher infertility risk than non-smokers.
How Body Weight Affects Ovulation and Pregnancy Prospects
BMI extremes disrupt hormonal balance: underweight women (BMI <18.5) may develop amenorrhea, while obesity (BMI >30) increases insulin resistance and testosterone levels, impairing ovulation.
Why Male Infertility Contributes to 40-50% of Cases
Male factors like low sperm count, poor motility, or erectile dysfunction account for half of infertility cases. Semen analysis should be a first-step diagnostic for couples struggling to conceive.
Unexplained Infertility: When Tests Are Normal But Conception Fails
20-30% of infertility cases remain unexplained after standard testing. Advanced methods like IVF often reveal hidden issues such as poor fertilization or embryo development that standard tests miss.
Source: Read full article