Preparing to start a family is one of the most precious moments. Often, couples will try to have children as early as possible and plan for it. However, many find it challenging to conceive. Non-genetic fertility issues have nothing to do with your genes. Instead, they’re linked to your reproductive health or your partner’s reproductive health. One in six couples has trouble conceiving, and the most common causes are non-genetic issues. If you’re struggling to conceive, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis to rule out any health issues. Your doctor may order blood tests or an ultrasound to look for signs of an underlying problem.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects more than 5% of women of childbearing age. It’s a hormone imbalance that can cause irregular periods and make it difficult to get pregnant. If you have PCOS, your ovaries make more male hormones (androgens) than female hormones (estrogens). That can affect your fertility by interfering with ovulation. But it can also cause you to make eggs with chromosomal abnormalities.
If you have PCOS, you’re more likely to have an abnormal number of chromosomes in your eggs. This is called aneuploidy, and it can cause Down syndrome. Women with PCOS are also at higher risk of miscarriage. Treatments like medication and lifestyle changes can help some women with PCOS get pregnant.
There’s no surefire way to know if you have a genetic or non-genetic fertility issue, but there are ways to help you figure it out. One way is to create a list of possible causes. You can add to that list as you find out more about your fertility issues and their causes.
Another way is to keep a journal about your fertility issues. You can write down when you got your diagnosis and how it’s impacting your life, like your stress level, mood, and relationships. You can also keep track of the treatments you’ve tried and the results. As you journal and investigate the possible causes, you’ll learn more about your own body and your partner’s. You’ll also be able to track how your issues change as you get closer to getting pregnant.