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 might be less fertile, for example the man may not have enough sperm cells in his semen.
Unhealthy lifestyle and age
Many factors can have an effect on the fertility of you and your partner. For example:
- smoking;
- drinking too much alcohol;
- being very overweight or underweight;
- certain medicines like, for example, HIV treatment;
- chronic diseases like, for example, 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.
