Trying to conceive (TTC) can be an exciting yet frustrating journey, especially when pregnancy doesn’t happen as quickly as you’d hoped. If you’ve been tracking your cycle, taking prenatal vitamins, and doing everything “right” but still seeing negative pregnancy tests, you’re not alone. There are many factors that can impact fertility, from lifestyle choices and environmental exposures to underlying medical conditions. In this article, I’ll walk you through the top reasons why getting pregnant might be more challenging than expected, and what you can do to improve your chances of success.
As a fertility doctor, I spend much of my day looking at pregnancy tests. Seeing a positive test for the first time is one of the most exciting moments—but I also know how frustrating it can be when test after test comes back negative. Each one takes an emotional toll, no matter if it’s the first, the twelfth, or the twenty-fourth.
That’s why I’m dedicating this episode to teaching you about the factors that might be making it harder to conceive. There are many things that can impact your ability to get pregnant, and today, I’m reviewing the top 10 things to consider if you’re trying to conceive (TTC).
In This Episode, We Cover:
1. Environmental Toxins – Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, and always store food in glass or stainless steel. Consider using Million Marker to test for in-body toxicity.
2. Chemicals in Food and Everyday Products – Check if the products you use are chemical-free using EWG’s website.
3. Being Sedentary – The CDC and ACOG recommend 150 minutes of exercise per week, but avoid over-exercising, as a low BMI can also impact fertility.
4. Food Allergies or Intolerances – Work with a nutritionist to identify allergies or intolerances. If you have PCOS, consider using Pollie.co for management.
5. Blocked Fallopian Tubes – Check with your doctor to determine if this could be affecting your TTC journey.
6. THC and Cannabinoids – These can impact fallopian tube motility and uterine lining receptors, making embryo implantation more difficult.
7. Nicotine – Nicotine can damage DNA in egg and sperm cells and may lead to early menopause in women.
8. Blaming Birth Control Pills – Many think birth control pills cause infertility, but they actually regulate periods and can mask signs of infertility. Get your hormone levels checked annually.
9. Ignoring Biology – Women are born with a finite number of eggs. If you plan to wait to have kids, consider freezing your eggs in your 20s.
10. Not Getting Enough Sleep – Sleep is crucial for hormone regulation and overall reproductive health.
Resources:
Million Marker – Test Your Toxicity Levels
EWG – Check Your Products for Harmful Chemicals
Check out my YouTube Channel for more tips
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