Our Services
Medical Information
Helpful Resources
Published on: 8/20/2026
What factors could be preventing pregnancy when trying to conceive?
Several factors can prevent pregnancy, including lifestyle choices and medical conditions. Common lifestyle factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, and marijuana use, all of which can reduce fertility in both men and women. Medical causes include infertility, which affects roughly 1 in 8 couples—far more common than most people realize. Other contributors include hormonal imbalances, ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, age-related decline, and underlying conditions like PCOS or endometriosis.
If you're struggling to conceive or noticing symptoms that concern you, understanding the root cause is the critical first step. Guessing wastes valuable time—especially since fertility is time-sensitive. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes based on your unique health profile and guide you toward the right next steps, whether that's a conversation with your doctor or a specialist referral. It takes just a few minutes and could save you months of uncertainty.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026
Quick answers
Frequently Asked Questions
4 answersThe most common questions people who are pregnant ask Ubie
Concerned about your symptoms?
Explanation
When trying to conceive, several factors can make it difficult to get pregnant. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, and marijuana use can negatively impact fertility. These substances can affect both men and women by altering hormonal levels and reducing the quality of reproductive cells.
Medical factors also play a significant role. Infertility is a condition where a couple is unable to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected sex. This can be due to issues in either partner or both. Common causes include problems with the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or sperm production. Infertility is more common than many might think, affecting a significant portion of the population.
Understanding these factors can help in identifying potential barriers to conception and seeking appropriate medical advice if needed. If you're experiencing symptoms or concerns related to fertility, you can check your symptoms to better understand what might be affecting your ability to conceive. It's important to consider both lifestyle and medical aspects when addressing fertility concerns.
(References)
Joesoef MR, Beral V, Aral SO, Rolfs RT, & Cramer DW. (1993). Fertility and use of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, and .... Annals of epidemiology, 7921305.
Vander Borght M, & Wyns C. (2018). Fertility and infertility: Definition and epidemiology. Clinical biochemistry, 29555319.
Gnoth C, Godehardt E, Frank-Herrmann P, Friol K, Tigges J, & Freundl G. (2005). Definition and prevalence of subfertility and infertility. Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 15802321.
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Was this page helpful?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.