Most doctors will tell you that you have nothing to worry about if you have been trying to get pregnant for less than a year and are not pregnant yet (this changes to 6 months if you are over 35). If, however, you have had plenty of unprotected sex for more than a year and you are not pregnant yet there may be cause for concern. Research indicates that about 1 in 10 couples have trouble getting pregnant.

There are many things that are considered risk factors of fertility for both men and women.

For women the risk factors fertility problems include:

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Blocked fallopian tube, either from a prior infection or surgery
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Painful or irregular periods
• Excessive facial or body hair
• Pelvic or abdominal surgery
• Chronic disease such diabetes, cancer, or thyroid disease
• You are a smoker
• You are more than 25 percent under or overweight

For men the risk factors include:

• Infection with the mumps virus after puberty
• Chronic illness such as diabetes, cancer, or thyroid disease
• Undescended testicles
• Testicular tumor, cyst, or cancer
• You take medications that include steroids
• You smoke
• You use a hot tub or sauna on a regular basis
• You go on frequent, long bike rides

If you suspect there is a problem, no matter how long you have been trying to get pregnant the best thing to do is to talk with your doctor. Your doctor should be able to answer any questions or concerns you have, and if a problem is suspected you can be sent in for tests that will better be able to determine if there is a problem, what it is, and what can be done about it.

Most couples who have trouble conceiving will go on to have children of their own, sometimes after medical intervention. Some couples are not able to conceive, for those couples adoption is a great alternative.