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How to know if your body is not ready for pregnancy
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Many health conditions can make it hard to get pregnant. (shutterstock.com/-)
P
lanning to have children is a big decision that can cause concern for any parent-to-be. Sometimes, despite your and your partner's efforts, having unprotected, regular sex for six months, or even years, you still cannot get that positive result on the pregnancy test.
You may have health problems that lead to infertility. Many health conditions can make it hard to get pregnant. This article will give you several common signs that tell you your body is not ready for pregnancy.
Your menstrual periods are abnormal
If you notice that your periods are much heavier than normal, irregular or absent for months, you should know that this is a sign that can reveal health issues that could cause infertility. Having irregular periods, no periods, or abnormal bleeding often indicates that you aren't ovulating. As you probably already know, if you're not ovulating, you can't get pregnant. According to scientific statistics, irregular or abnormal menstrual periods account for roughly half of all infertility cases.
You have weight problems
When your body is undernourished, the possibility of ovulation may decrease. Meanwhile, being overweight or obese will also decrease your chance of getting pregnant, even if you have regular, healthy intercourse. Hence, a woman who is underweight or overweight may have some difficulty conceiving a baby. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight should not be a short-term project. You have to maintain a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity. If you are underweight, overweight, or obese, talk to your doctor about ways to reach and maintain a healthy weight so you can get pregnant.
(Read also: Reasons other than infertility that stop you getting pregnant)
You have certain medical conditions
Certain health conditions can cause difficulties getting pregnant. If you currently have a medical condition, be sure it is under control and being treated. Some of the conditions that result in difficulty getting pregnant include sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), diabetes, thyroid disease, seizures, high blood pressure, arthritis, eating disorders and chronic disease.
Your sex drive decreases dramatically
Decreased sexual desire could signal more important problems besides infertility. Your reduced sexual desire might just mean you're extremely stressed or depressed. This can cause painful intercourse for many women, as well as make it harder to get pregnant. Infertility doctors and sex therapists can help normalize the situation and help couples to communicate better.
You have Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone disorder in which a woman's hormones are imbalanced. PCOS may cause unwanted changes in the way you look, such as abnormal hair growth on the face or body and acne breakouts. It also causes problems with your periods, like irregular cycles, no periods or heavy bleeding, which make it difficult for you to get pregnant. If it isn't treated, over time it can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. It's the most common cause of female infertility.
The desire to have a child and health that doesn't support this can be cruel. However, knowing your body's signs is the very first step to diagnosing and seeking treatment in time. The aforementioned signs may not be the exact reason for your infertility. You should consult your doctor if you think these do not apply to you for a more precise diagnosis. (kes)
