Difficulties getting pregnant
Some women get pregnant very quickly; others have to try for a long time. It can take 1 year to get pregnant. This is normal.
If it takes longer, you or your partner may be less fertile. For instance: the man’s semen may not contain sufficient sperm cells.
Unhealthy lifestyle and age
Many factors can have a negative effect on the fertility of you and your partner. For example:
- smoking;
- drinking too much alcohol;
- being very overweight or underweight;
- certain medicines, for instance HIV medication;
- chronic diseases such as diabetes;
- using drugs;
- doing hard physical work;
- untreated STIs.
Live a healthy lifestyle: try to eat healthy food and do physical exercise.
Fertility changes during your life. Above the age of 35, a woman’s fertility declines rapidly. Between the ages of 45 and 55, a woman stops having menstrual periods and can no longer have children. This is called the menopause.
What to do in case of infertility?
Go to a doctor to find out why you are not getting pregnant (infertility). If necessary the doctor can give advice on the right fertility treatment. There are different options:
- therapy with medicines;
- technologies to aid fertilization;
- an operation.
You can also adopt a child. Beware of untrustworthy organisations. Consult official adoption agencies only.