Trying to conceive is often painted as a simple process where you decide you’re ready, start trying, and eventually see two lines. For many women in the United States, that isn’t actually how the story unfolds, and they find they’re struggling to get pregnant. Around 13.4% of women aged 15 to 49 have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term.
If you’re struggling, you are far from alone. The question becomes: what can you actually do next?
Get Tested, Both of You, if You’re Struggling to Get Pregnant
One of the most important early steps is medical testing for both partners. Fertility challenges are not solely a “women’s issue.” Male factor infertility contributes to a significant portion of cases, and identifying the root cause early can prevent uncertainty.
A healthcare provider may recommend hormone testing, ovulation tracking, ultrasound imaging, or a semen analysis. These tests can reveal underlying conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, low sperm count, or structural concerns.
Even if results come back normal, that information is valuable. It narrows the path forward and turns guesswork into a clearer plan.
Consider Targeted Treatment Options
Once you understand what may be affecting conception, treatment becomes more focused. For some couples, medication to regulate ovulation is enough. Others may need more advanced reproductive support.
Options such as IVF can be appropriate for individuals facing blocked fallopian tubes, severe male factor infertility, diminished ovarian reserve, or unexplained infertility that hasn’t responded to other interventions.
Assisted reproductive technologies are not the first step for everyone, but for many families, they offer a structured, medically guided path forward when natural conception proves difficult.
Fertility medicine has advanced significantly, but it works best when tailored to the specific diagnosis rather than approached as a one-size-fits-all solution.
Protect Your Mental Health
Fertility struggles are not just physical. They can reshape your emotional world, too. Month after month of disappointment can trigger anxiety, sadness, guilt, or isolation. What many people don’t realize is that chronic stress may also affect hormonal balance. High stress levels can influence cortisol, which interacts with reproductive hormones.
While stress alone rarely causes infertility, ongoing emotional strain can disrupt cycles, sleep, and overall well-being. It may be worth seeking counseling or joining a support group to speak about it and unload the emotional weight.
Taking care of your mental health is a crucial part of the process when trying to conceive.
Understand Your Fertility Window
Are you struggling ot get pregnant or struggling to get the timing right? Timing matters, and even for couples without diagnosed fertility issues can miss the most fertile days of the month. Ovulation typically occurs about 12–14 days before the next menstrual period, but cycles vary.
Fertility tracking apps and ovulation predictor kits can help identify patterns. Tools like Flo and similar platforms allow women to monitor cycle length, symptoms, and predicted ovulation windows. While no app guarantees pregnancy, consistent tracking increases awareness and reduces missed opportunities.
Recap: Struggling to Get Pregnant
There’s no denying that fertility challenges are tricky, but approaching them with a patient, compassionate, and informed mind can help navigate this difficult period.
If you’re struggling to get pregnant, remember to take care of yourself and prioritize your mental health. Remember that there is more than one option to become a mother, even if some do not involve carrying a fetus yourself.
