Not pregnant after six months of trying? What now?

Have you and your partner been trying for a baby for six months, without any positive pregnancy test? Although it is quite normal not to conceive within the first months of trying, many couples start to get worried by the six month mark. So, what is wrong? And what can you do to improve your chances?

Pregnancy and your menstrual cycle

No matter how much sex you have, you won't get pregnant unless you do it in the days before your ovulation or while you are ovulating. Are you sure you are getting your timing right? If you have not tracked your fertile days through an ovulation calendar, charting to conceive, or ovulation tests, now is a good time to start. Ovulation tests, in particular, tell you whether you actually ovulate or not. If you have bleeding outside of menstruation, or irregular cycles, it is time for a visit to your healthcare provider.

Health

Take a critical look at your health and lifestyle, and ask your partner to do the same. Nutritional deficiencies can have a negative impact on male and female fertility, and taking a multivitamin or eating better may help you get pregnant. Both men and women should take note of the fact that obesity decreases fertility too, and of course you have to quit alcohol and cigarettes if you had not already done so wannabe fathers should be just as healthy as their female halves.

Medical checkup

Are you over 35 or have any other risk factor for infertility? In that case, you should not wait until a year or two have passed, and should go for fertility checkups right away. You can start with your family doctor and explain your situation. After that, your doctor can refer you to a fertility clinic or hospital for further testing and perhaps treatment.