Signs You May Be Unable to Get Pregnant

Infertility can be a deeply emotional and challenging experience for many couples. Recognizing the signs early is essential for seeking guidance and taking appropriate steps. However, it’s important to remember that all life—including the blessing of children—comes by the will of the Creator, the Almighty Allah. Turning to Him with faith and prayer is the first and most important step in seeking a solution.

Reasons for Female Infertility

This chart highlights the primary causes of female infertility, with PCOS being the leading factor at 35%, followed by endometriosis at 20%.

Irregular or Missed Periods

One of the most common signs of potential infertility is irregular or absent menstrual cycles. Regular cycles indicate healthy ovulation, a necessary process for conception. If your periods are unpredictable or missing altogether, it may point to underlying hormonal imbalances or conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Painful Periods or Pelvic Pain

Severe menstrual cramps or chronic pelvic pain outside of your cycle could indicate conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). These conditions can affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, making conception more difficult.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal imbalances often manifest through physical changes, such as:

• Acne outbreaks.
• Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism).
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
• Decreased libido.

Such changes can be linked to reproductive health issues, including PCOS or thyroid disorders.

Recurrent Miscarriages

Experiencing two or more miscarriages in a row may be a sign of an underlying fertility problem. While miscarriage can happen for many reasons, recurrent cases should prompt a medical evaluation to determine the cause.

Male Factor Infertility

Infertility affects men as well as women. Signs of male infertility may include:

• Low sperm count.
• Difficulty maintaining an erection.
• Pain or swelling in the testicles.

Both the husband and wife should undergo evaluations when conception does not occur after a year of trying.

Turning to the Creator

While medical evaluations and treatments are valuable tools, never lose sight of the ultimate source of life. Seek help and comfort in prayer to Allah, who alone has the power to grant children. As mentioned in the Quran:

“To Allah ˹alone˺ belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He creates whatever He wills. He blesses whoever He wills with daughters, and blesses whoever He wills with sons, or grants both, sons and daughters, ˹to whoever He wills˺, and leaves whoever He wills infertile. He is indeed All-Knowing, Most Capable.” (Surah Ash-Shura: 49-50)

When to Seek Medical Advice

It’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider if:

• You are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months.
• You are over 35 and have been trying for six months.
• You experience any of the signs mentioned above.

While turning to Allah is paramount, medical science is a means by which He provides solutions. Seeking care does not diminish faith but complements it.

Editorial Advice

1. Start with Dua: Place trust in Allah’s wisdom and timing. Make dua sincerely and consistently for righteous offspring.
2. Embrace Healthy Practices: Reyus Mammadli, health care advisor, suggests: “Treat your body like a temple—eat nutritious foods and stay active. But remember, even the healthiest temple needs divine permission to flourish.”
3. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about fertility and seek advice from trusted experts.
4. Marry Early: A woman’s chances of healthy childbirth are higher when she marries at a younger age. Delaying marriage for career pursuits, as promoted by modern Western culture, has led to challenges and consequences they often overlook.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Stress: Stress can compound difficulties. Relax, but don’t forget to pray.

Age and Fertility Decline in Women

This chart illustrates the decline in fertility with age, showing a 90% chance of conception for women aged 20-24 and dropping to 30% for women over 40.

Infertility is a journey best approached with patience, faith, and proactive steps. Trust in the Creator’s wisdom while making the best efforts with the resources He has provided.