Difficulties getting pregnant

Some women get pregnant very quickly, while others have to try for a long time. It can take one year to get pregnant. This is normal. If it takes longer, you or your partner may be less fertile.

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 sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Live a healthy lifestyle: try to eat healthy food and stay physically active.

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 menopause.

Go to a doctor to find out why you are not getting pregnant (infertility). If necessary, the doctor can advise on the proper fertility treatment. There are different options:

• Therapy using medicines.
• Technologies to aid fertilisation.
• An operation.

You can also adopt a child. Beware of untrustworthy organisations. Consult official adoption agencies only.