What Makes a Woman Unable to Conceive: Common Reasons & Next Steps

At IVI, we understand that trying to conceive can be an emotional journey. ‘What makes a woman unable to conceive?’ is a question many find themselves asking. Infertility can arise from a range of factors, and identifying the underlying causes is the first step towards finding the right solution for you.

Why Conception Can Be Challenging

There are many reasons why a woman may struggle to conceive. Some of the most common include:

• Ovulation disorders: Irregular or absent ovulation can make it difficult to release an egg for fertilisation.
• Partial or Complete Blockages within the fallopian tubes: Damage or obstruction can prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
• Endometriosis: This condition occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, affecting fertility.
• Uterine or cervical issues: Abnormalities in the uterus or cervix can interfere with embryo implantation or sperm movement.
• Advanced Maternal Age: Fertility has an increased chance of declining with age as egg quality and quantity decrease, making conception more difficult.

Understanding these factors helps answer the question of what makes a woman unable to conceive and allows us to personalise care.

How a fertility Clinic like IVI Can Help

At IVI, we use a thorough and compassionate approach to uncover the causes of infertility. Our Fertility assessment includes:

• Pelvic ultrasound scan: Otherwise known as a transvaginal or gynaecological scan, this test uses ultrasound imaging to examine the morphology of the ovaries and uterus, ovarian reserve, and general health of your reproductive system.
• Ovarian Reserve Assessment: Evaluation of your ovarian reserve by assessing the Antral Follicle Count (AFC), an indirect measurement of the number of eggs present within your ovaries.
• A 60 minute review consultation with one of our fertility specialists: You’ll meet with a doctor to discuss your pelvic ultrasound scan results, and the most suitable next steps based on your circumstances.

Early and accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment.

Small Changes, Big Difference

While not all causes of infertility are preventable, certain lifestyle choices can make a positive impact. Maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and eating a balanced diet can all support reproductive health. Discussing lifestyle changes with your fertility specialist can be a valuable step in your journey.

Factors That Can Affect Fertility

Some aspects of life and health can increase the risk of infertility:

• Age: Fertility declines naturally, especially after the mid-30s
• Medical history: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pelvic inflammatory disease, or previous surgeries may play a role
• Environmental and lifestyle influences: Exposure to toxins or prolonged stress can also impact fertility

Being aware of these factors allows women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Signs It May Be Time to Seek Help

Certain symptoms can indicate potential fertility challenges:

• Irregular or absent periods
• Painful cycles or ovulation
• Unexplained pelvic discomfort

Recognising these signs early and seeking specialist advice can help identify underlying issues sooner.

Exploring Treatment Options

Each treatment plan is different and dependant on what is recommended at your initial fertility assessment, everyone’s needs are different and all options will be discussed at this appointment. Options may include:

• Medications to regulate ovulation or hormonal imbalances
• Surgical treatments to repair blocked tubes or correct uterine abnormalities
• Assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF or IUI
• Lifestyle support to improve overall fertility outcomes

Our team works closely with each patient to create the most effective and compassionate treatment plan.

When the Cause Isn’t Clear

Sometimes, even after extensive testing, no cause is identified—this is called unexplained infertility. At IVI, we have the expertise and advanced treatments to help couples achieve success, and make everything clearer.

Knowing When to Take the Next Step

It’s time to speak to a fertility specialist if you:

• Have been trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if over 35)
• Experience irregular or absent periods
• Have known medical conditions affecting fertility

Early consultation increases the likelihood of effective intervention and success.

At IVI, we are here to support you with compassion and expertise. Understanding what makes a woman unable to conceive is the first step towards hope, clarity, and personalised solutions on your journey to parenthood.