The possibility of getting pregnant in normal conditions for couples with no problems is between 25 and 30% every month. The reasons why not every woman can become pregnant may differ:
- the ovulation does not occur in every cycle at the same time
- the ovarian does not produce oocyte every month
- not every dominant follicle, which grows and “pop” during ovulation, contains oocyte
not every oocyte is suitable for fertilization
- the sperm cells do not come on time to the oocyte, or are not vital enough, or are not with the needed concentration (because it is not true that only one sperm is enough, in natural conditions millions are necessary because they help the chosen one to penetrate the oocyte shell)
- not every time the fertilized oocyte becomes an embryo with functional characteristics and high implantation potential

Infertility affects approximately 15% of the couples and is defined as the inability of getting pregnant despite regular sexual contacts without contraception methods. Besides, Infertility is also the impossibility of carrying a pregnancy to successful delivery (miscarriages).  

It is required to start infertility treatment after:
- one year of unsuccessful conceiving attempts despite regular sexual contacts without contraception methods
- six months of unsuccessful conceiving attempts despite regular sexual contacts without contraception methods, if the woman is 35 years old

Infertility is defined as primary when the woman has never become pregnant (even with ectopic pregnancy), and secondary when the woman has already had at least one pregnancy, regardless o the result (delivery, miscarriage, ectopic).

Do not forget that infertility affects both partners equally.

It is advisable the consult with a reproductive specialist if some of the following circumstances are detected in the couple:

Woman
- irregular or painful menstrual cycle
- shorter intervals between the menstrual cycles - 21 days or less
- lack of menstruation for more than three months
- two or more abortion/miscarriages
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- LUF Syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Mioma or Cervical canal polyps
- diminished ovarian reserve
- sexually transmitted diseases in the past (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, Trichomonas), etc.

Man
- surgery of hernia or testicles
- atypical location of the first or second testicle
- Mumps (during or after puberty)
- Varicocele
- Erection or ejaculation problems
- sexually transmitted diseases in the past (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, Trichomonas), etc.

In addition to the medical reasons, the capability of conceiving may be affected by diet and lifestyle, including drug abuse, alcohol consumption, smoking. Difficulties in conceiving may have women with significant overweight or underweight.

Sometimes infertility treatment requires a multi-profile team of Ob/Gyn specialists, andrologists, endocrinologists, embryologists, biologists, psychologists.


Meet the reproductive specialist of Dr. Shterev Hospital here.

Book your appointment via a phone call to  +359 2 920 09 01 or visit our online booking form, or our Viber channel and Facebook messenger. Plan the baby with a team of competencies, who will support you.