How Do You Find Out if You Are Able to Get Pregnant?

Most women dream to carry and deliver a healthy baby someday. Unfortunately, not every woman is able to get pregnant. There are many ways you can find out if you have the ability to do so.

Most women dream to carry and deliver a healthy baby someday. Unfortunately, not every woman is able to get pregnant. There are many ways you can find out if you have the ability to do so.

Several factors could determine if you are able to get pregnant. Your medical consultants may ask you the following before they perform an infertility test: 

• Your age
• Your menstrual history, whether regular or irregular
• The timing and frequency you engage in sex
• If you previously used contraceptives
• If you've been pregnant before and the outcome
• If you've had pelvic infections
• The type of medication you use  
• What your job exposes you to (stress levels)
• If you have a history of substance abuse
• What your alcohol intake level is
• If you use tobacco 
• If you've had surgery on your reproductive organs
• Your body mass index to check if you're over or underweight

These tests could help you learn if you are able to get pregnant:

1. Ultrasound scan. Your doctor may suggest an ultrasound test to check if there is any blockage in your fallopian tubes. The scan also checks for conditions such as fibroid growths that might occur in the uterus. It also checks for endometriosis, abnormal growth of internal uterine tissues outside the uterus. Generally, the ultrasound scan will check if you have any problem affecting your womb, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.   
2. Hormone tests. Your doctor may collect a blood sample to test your progesterone levels. Your body would normally produce the progesterone hormone during ovulation. There are additional hormone tests if you have irregular periods. Your doctor may check whether your body releases gonadotropins to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs.
3. Hysterosalpingogram. This is a type of X-ray done on your uterus and fallopian tubes. During the procedure, your doctor will probably inject a special dye to outline any blockage of your fallopian tubes.
4. Hysteroscopy.  Your doctor may insert a thin tube with a light and camera at the end (hysteroscope) to check if you have any visible problem affecting your womb. Hysteroscopies allow doctors to identify fibroids or scar tissues that might affect your fertility. 
5. Laparoscopy. If your medical team strongly suspects you're suffering from a fertility problem, they might suggest doing this surgical test. Your doctor has a close view of the uterus through a small incision in your lower abdomen. . Dye is used in the fallopian tubes to spot areas where there might be a blockage.

Here are a few tips that might improve your chances to get pregnant:

1. Timing. Your chances of getting pregnant increase if you have unprotected vaginal sex during your fertile window. You can calculate your ovulation day using various menstruation tracking applications available. 
2. Age.  Age is an essential factor when considering getting pregnant.  Keep in mind that age affects both sperm and eggs equally.  This means younger women have more eggs and healthier eggs and younger men have healthier sperms. The combination of the two increases the chances of getting pregnant. Age also affects the odds of pregnancy through In vitro fertilization (IVF).
3. Weight. Both men and women increase their chances of having a baby if they carry a healthy weight. Being overweight affects women's hormones and reduces the quality of their eggs. In men, weight problems affect the quality of sperm. 
4. Lifestyle changes. You may have to change some of your lifestyle choices to become pregnant. Smoking, excessive alcohol, too much caffeine, and substance abuse can affect fertility in both men and women. Changing your lifestyle choices may be difficult, but can bring an overall health benefit for you and your baby.
5. Health and medications. Some diseases and medications can affect your chances of getting pregnant. Get medical advice from your doctor regarding these. Do not forget to mention your goal to have a baby so that the doctor may suggest relevant health options.