It is possible to become pregnant after experiencing fertility challenges, depending on the cause. Certain factors, such as age, underlying conditions, and lifestyle, all play a role in the ability to conceive.
Navigating fertility challenges can be emotionally draining for individuals and couples. Support and treatment are available, including some natural conception methods.
This article explores fertility challenges and conception, whether it is possible to become pregnant naturally after infertility, fertility treatments, support, and more.
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Experts define infertility as not getting pregnant after
It is a common condition. According to the World Health Organization, about
Doctors typically find a cause for fertility challenges in about
The most common cause of infertility in females is ovulation problems. Other causes include uterine problems and tubal damage or blockage, but infertility can also have no known cause.
In males, the most common cause of infertility is abnormalities in sperm health and function.
Other factors that affect fertility include age, lifestyle, and underlying conditions.
It is possible to become pregnant naturally after experiencing fertility challenges. However, no one statistic highlights how common pregnancy after infertility is.
When a person becomes pregnant naturally without any medical intervention, people refer to it as spontaneous conception.
A study
Age is the most important factor that determines fertility and the ability to get pregnant. As people get older, their chances of spontaneous pregnancy decrease.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
It is not always possible to become pregnant naturally after experiencing fertility problems. For some people, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a good option that can often enable a couple to conceive.
IVF involves stimulating the ovaries to produce eggs, retrieving those eggs from the ovaries, and fertilizing them with sperm in an embryology lab to create an embryo.
The doctor can then transfer an embryo into the uterus with the hope that it will implant and become a viable pregnancy.
The cost of IVF can vary greatly, depending on geographic location, the specifics of the individual medical case, and any additional procedures. Some insurance plans cover the cost of IVF, but many do not.
According to a 2022 review, a couple can plan to spend between
The success rate of IVF varies. The
For women 41 to 42 years old, the success rate is about 10%. For women over age 42, the success rate is about 3%.
Fertility treatments are not always successful, and even IVF treatment will not guarantee a pregnancy.
Even though the odds of success are usually higher with fertility treatment, it is still possible to get pregnant naturally, even if treatments have previously failed.
Several studies have looked at the chances of success after failed fertility treatment. The likelihood of getting pregnant naturally after a failed IVF cycle ranged anywhere between 17% and 26% among various studies.
A spontaneous pregnancy can happen if a person still ovulates monthly, has no problems with the uterus or fallopian tubes, and a partner has healthy sperm.
Becoming pregnant after experiencing fertility difficulties can trigger a complex set of emotions.
While the news of a successful pregnancy can bring immense joy and relief, it can also stir up feelings of anxiety and fear.
Some couples may also find it difficult to transition from the intense focus and routine of fertility treatments to enjoying the pregnancy.
Pregnancy itself can bring on a whole host of emotions for the pregnant parent while their hormones adjust and their body changes. According to a 2022 study, approximately
The non-pregnant partner may also experience unexpected emotions. A
It is important to understand that pregnancy is a time of extreme changes that may bring about complex emotions, both positive and negative.
Reaching out to friends, family members, and medical professionals for support is a beneficial way to help manage these emotions.
Women over age 35 should seek fertility help after 6 months of trying unsuccessfully, and women over age 40 or those with conditions known to affect fertility should seek help right away.
A fertility doctor can perform comprehensive testing, including ovarian reserve testing, hormone testing, and a semen analysis to figure out any risk factors.
Infertility treatments include medications, surgery, intrauterine insemination, or assisted reproductive technology, such as IVF.
The treatment choice depends on several factors, including:
- the underlying cause
- age of the female
- duration of infertility
- the couple’s preference
This section answers some frequently asked questions about pregnancy after infertility.
What do you call a baby conceived after infertility?
A baby conceived after overcoming fertility challenges does not have a specific medical term distinguishing it from babies conceived without such challenges.
However, some couples may refer to their child as a “miracle baby” due to their sense of wonder at achieving pregnancy after a difficult journey.
People may refer to a baby conceived by a couple after experiencing pregnancy loss as a “rainbow baby.” The term signifies hope and beauty after a storm.
Can a marriage survive infertility?
While infertility may cause strain on a relationship, marriages can survive and even grow stronger through this challenge by using open communication, mutual support, and sometimes professional counseling.
The fertility resource RESOLVE provides support groups for individuals and couples experiencing fertility challenges. The organization provides many tools, techniques, and suggestions for navigating fertility challenges as a couple.
Why does infertility hurt so much?
Infertility can be deeply painful on multiple levels: emotionally, physically, and psychologically.
The longing for a child, coupled with unsuccessful attempts at conception, can lead to profound grief. The physical toll of fertility treatments can also contribute to distress, and the societal expectations surrounding parenthood can exacerbate emotions.
Couples can overcome the pain of fertility challenges by having open conversations with each other and their loved ones.
Many support groups, forums, information centers, and other channels for dealing with the emotional pain that experiencing fertility challenges may bring are available to offer support right now.
Some resources for couples experiencing fertility challenges include:
Overall, natural conception after infertility is sometimes possible depending on the underlying cause and other factors related to overall health, age, and lifestyle.
Options such as reproductive technologies like IVF, medications, or surgeries are also possible options toward parenthood.
Support during this time is essential for navigating the complex emotions that may arise.