Infertility: When Trying to Conceive Becomes a Struggle
Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples. You are not alone, and most causes are treatable when properly identified.
If you've been trying to conceive without success, you deserve answers—not just 'try again.' There is always a reason, and finding it is the first step to your solution.
What is Infertility?
Medical Definition
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse (or 6 months for women over 35). It affects approximately 15% of couples worldwide. Causes include ovulatory disorders (30%), male factor (30%), tubal disease (20%), endometriosis (10%), and unexplained infertility (10%). In Dubai, where delayed childbearing is common, age-related fertility decline is increasingly prevalent. Functional medicine approaches identify and treat underlying hormonal and metabolic factors that affect fertility.
Common Misconception
Infertility is always a female problem or is unexplained.
Medical Reality
Male factor contributes to 50% of cases. Female causes include PCOS, thyroid disorders, endometriosis, tubal disease, and hormonal imbalances. Age-related decline is significant after 35. Most causes are treatable with appropriate intervention.
Common Accompanying Symptoms
- Unable to conceive after 12+ months of trying
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods
- Painful periods or endometriosis symptoms
- Recurrent miscarriages
- Hormonal symptoms (weight changes, fatigue, acne)
Your symptom pattern suggests underlying causes. Book comprehensive fertility evaluation now.
What May Be Causing Your Infertility
Infertility requires investigation for these common underlying conditions.
Biological Mechanisms
Infertility results from disruptions at multiple levels: (1) Ovulatory disorders—anovulation from PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, or premature ovarian insufficiency; (2) Tubal factors—blocked fallopian tubes from PID, endometriosis, or previous surgery; (3) Uterine factors—fibroids, polyps, or Asherman's syndrome; (4) Male factor—abnormal semen parameters from hormonal, genetic, or environmental causes; (5) Endometriosis—affects egg quality, tubal function, and implantation; (6) Immunological factors—antiphospholipid antibodies, NK cells. Each cause requires different treatment approaches.
Contributing Factors
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Anovulation from ovarian hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance
Thyroid Disorders
Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism disrupts ovulation and implantation
Endometriosis
Inflammation affects egg quality, tubal function, and implantation
Male Factor Infertility
Abnormal sperm parameters from hormonal or environmental causes
Tubal Factor
Blocked tubes prevent fertilization
Environmental Triggers
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals affecting hormones
- Heat exposure (hot tubs, laptops on lap)
- Air pollution and toxins
Dietary Factors
- Processed foods affecting hormone balance
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol
- Nutritional deficiencies (zinc, selenium, vitamin D)
Lifestyle Factors
- Advanced maternal age
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Extreme exercise or obesity
- Chronic stress
How We Identify the Cause
Comprehensive fertility evaluation identifies all contributing factors.
Our Approach
Standard fertility treatment often jumps directly to IVF without fully investigating underlying causes. At Healers Clinic, we believe in treating the underlying factors that affect fertility first. Many patients can conceive naturally once hormonal, metabolic, and environmental factors are optimized. Our integrative approach maximizes natural fertility while supporting IVF when needed.
Female Hormone Panel
Purpose: Assess ovarian function and ovulation
Shows: FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, AMH
Male Factor Assessment
Purpose: Evaluate sperm health
Shows: Semen analysis, sperm DNA fragmentation
Thyroid Panel
Purpose: Rule out thyroid causes
Shows: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, antibodies
Ovarian Reserve Testing
Purpose: Assess egg quantity
Shows: AMH, FSH, follicle count
Metabolic Panel
Purpose: Assess metabolic factors
Shows: Insulin, glucose, lipid profile
Infection Screening
Purpose: Rule out infectious causes
Shows: STI screening, uterine infection
How We Treat Infertility
We optimize fertility through comprehensive treatment.
Hormone Optimization
Balance reproductive hormones
PCOS Management
Address anovulation and metabolic factors
Thyroid Treatment
Optimize thyroid function for fertility
IVF Support
Optimize success with assisted reproduction
Lifestyle Optimization
Diet, exercise, stress management
Standard vs. Investigative Care
Standard Approach
Often recommends IVF without addressing underlying causes
- ×Expensive with significant physical/emotional burden
- ×Does not address treatable underlying factors
- ×May have lower success without optimization
Our Approach
Comprehensive evaluation and treatment of all factors affecting fertility
- Many can conceive naturally
- Better IVF outcomes with optimization
- Addresses overall health
Expected Healing Timeline
Phase 1: Investigation
Weeks 1-4Focus: Full hormone evaluation, Male factor assessment, Imaging
Expected Outcome: Complete diagnosis of all factors
Phase 2: Optimization
Weeks 4-12Focus: Treat underlying conditions, Lifestyle modifications, Cycle optimization
Expected Outcome: Address all modifiable factors
Phase 3: Conception Support
Months 3-6Focus: Timed intercourse or IUI, IVF support if needed, Continued monitoring
Expected Outcome: Achieve pregnancy
At-Home Support Strategies
Support fertility while undergoing treatment.
Track Ovulation
Use OPKs, basal temperature, or cervical mucus
Expected: Optimize timing of intercourse
Healthy Diet
Whole foods, lean protein, healthy fats; limit processed foods
Expected: Supports hormone balance
Maintain Healthy Weight
BMI 20-25 optimal for fertility
Expected: Improves ovulation and outcomes
Reduce Stress
Yoga, meditation, acupuncture
Expected: Reduces cortisol, improves fertility
Common Questions Answered
After 12 months of unprotected intercourse without pregnancy (6 months if woman is over 35). Earlier evaluation is warranted with known reproductive conditions, irregular cycles, or history of miscarriage.