For those who want to have children, challenges with becoming pregnant can be very upsetting. Around one in seven couples have difficulty conceiving, and there are various reasons why it occurs. 

Some of the more common causes of infertility in women are problems ovulating; non-cancerous growths called fibroids or post-surgical scarring, which can both distort the usual reproductive anatomy; endometriosis; pelvic inflammatory disease; and problems with the cervical mucus meaning sperm can’t get to the egg as easily. 

In men, sperm quality and quantity are easily affected, and ejaculation disorders and testicular problems can also cause infertility. 

For both men and women, medicines and illegal drugs can also have an impact. But for a quarter of all cases of infertility, no issues are identified despite both partners undergoing tests. If a couple has been trying to conceive for a long time without success, fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilisation or using donor eggs or sperm may be options.

There are various measures that couples can take to improve their chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy, including taking folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida, stopping smoking, avoiding alcohol, getting to and maintaining a healthy weight, being up to date on vaccinations, eating a healthy diet, and making sure any long-term conditions are under control.