Why am I not pregnant yet?

Infertility or subfertility is defined as an inability to conceive or carry a baby to term after one year of regular intercourse without birth control. Common causes of infertility include hormone imbalances, ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, and problems with sperm count or motility. 

Often couples struggling to conceive will consider assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF (in-vitro fertilization) or IUI (intrauterine insemination).

Factors that affect fertility

Before jumping to such expensive and time-consuming treatments there are other factors to consider. Many couples often believe that there is an underlying medical problem causing their infertility and overlook lifestyle and environment. 

Harvard researchers found a clear link between diet and lifestyle habits and fertility. Nutritional deficiencies and body weight are key factors that impact a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a baby to full term. 

Emotional distress, cigarettes and alcohol, and environmental pollutants also contribute.

There is also growing evidence linking toxic chemicals to a variety of different illnesses and health conditions including infertility. Chemicals in the air, household cleaners, laundry detergents and pesticides can all be potentially harmful to your body – and increased exposure can affect your chances of conceiving.

Successful studies addressing lifestyle factors

One study conducted at the University of Surrey, followed the progress of 367 couples who were trying for a baby while on a health improvement programme. 

The programme included appropriate supplements, removing heavy metals, improving diet, increasing organic food consumption, curing infections, and correcting other lifestyle issues. 

By the end of the study 89% of the couples had given birth. 

Within the group 37% had a history of infertility and of these 81% had a healthy child. 

In addition, 38% of the couples in the group had experienced miscarriage in the past and of these, 83% gave birth with no miscarriages.

Recommended tests to uncover causes of infertility

Testing your hormonal profile can reveal imbalances in your hormones - for both men and women. 

Exposure to heavy metals can limit your chances of becoming pregnant. Our tests can screen for heavy metals among many other pollutants. 

Your nutritional status - for both men and women, can significantly affect your chances of becoming pregnant. We need adequate nutrition to produce healthy eggs or sperm. Our tests help put together a nutritional profile, identifying deficiencies and imbalances. 

A personalised approach

Fertility is multifactorial and while there is no magic pill that works for all. Testing can help identify the key elements preventing you from becoming pregnant. Once identified, these factors help define a clear path forward. 

References:
Chavarro, J.E. et al., 2007. Diet and lifestyle in the prevention of ovulatory disorder infertility. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 110(5), 1052-3.
Toft, G., 2004. Epidemiological evidence on reproductive effects of persistent organochlorines in humans. Reproductive Toxicology, 19, 5–26.
Ward, N., 1995. Journal of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine, 5, 205-208.