Why Can't I Get Pregnant? Understanding Infertility and Conceiving Naturally
By Saara Jamieson - Cool Beans Underwear Founder
Deciding to start a family is one of life’s biggest milestones—but for many couples, the road to conception isn’t always simple. Infertility now affects 1 in 6 couples worldwide, and yet many are still unsure where to turn or what to ask first.
If you’ve found yourself searching, “Why can’t I get pregnant?”, this guide is for you. We’re cutting through the noise with straight talk on what really affects fertility—for both men and women—and how small daily changes (like your underwear) might matter more than you think.
What Is Infertility—and Why It’s Not Just a Female Issue
Infertility is generally defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex. While most of the focus tends to fall on women, around 50% of infertility cases involve the male partner.
Common causes include:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Irregular ovulation or ovulation disorders
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Low sperm count or poor motility
- Environmental and lifestyle stressors
Fertility is a shared journey. Getting the full picture means understanding both sides.
Timing is Everything: Understanding Ovulation and Fertility Windows
Even couples with no underlying fertility issues can miss their moment. Ovulation only lasts 12–24 hours per month, and poor timing is one of the most common reasons for delays in conception.
What many don’t realise is that sperm can survive inside the female reproductive tract for up to six days. This means it’s not just about timing sex during ovulation—it’s also crucial to start having sex in the days leading up to it. Experts recommend having sex every two days in the fertile window to maximise the chance of healthy sperm being present when ovulation occurs.
Try using:
- Fertility tracking apps
- Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs)
- Basal body temperature charting
These tools help identify your most fertile days and increase your chances of success.
How Stress Can Wreck Hormones and Fertility
Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can disrupt menstrual cycles, delay ovulation, and impact sperm production. In other words: stress affects everything.
To combat it, try:
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Daily movement and exercise
- Sleep hygiene
- Reducing screen time, especially before bed
Fertility and Age: What the Science Really Says
There’s no sugar-coating it: fertility declines with age. For women, egg quality and quantity decrease sharply after 35. For men, testosterone and sperm quality also decline—especially after 40.
But there's more to the story. Research now shows that men over 30 are up to six times more likely to pass on spontaneous genetic mutations to their children compared to younger fathers (Kong et al., 2012). These mutations have been linked to a higher risk of physical and mental developmental conditions such as autism, schizophrenia, and certain congenital disorders.
This surge in risk is strongly correlated with subfertile sperm and increased paternal age, both of which are becoming more common as people delay starting families. Combined with declining testosterone and environmental stressors like scrotal heat, it’s a quiet crisis hiding in plain sight.
If age is a factor, consider:
- Fertility testing
- Sperm or egg freezing
- Seeking support early
The Most Overlooked Fertility Factor: Testicular Heat
Male fertility is quietly but critically affected by something most people ignore: testicular temperature.
Just a 1°C rise in scrotal temperature can reduce sperm production by up to 14%, and a 2–3°C increase may halt it altogether (Jung & Schuppe, 2007). Tight jocks, long hours sitting, and synthetic fabrics trap heat where it matters most.
This is where Cool Beans Underwear comes in.
Our patented mesh pouch lifts and supports the testes, keeping them cool, naturally. No polyester. No gimmicks. Just real science for better sperm.
When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?
The rule of thumb:
- Under 35? Try for 12 months.
- 35 or older? Try for 6 months.
If it’s taking longer, see a specialist for tests like:
- Hormonal bloodwork
- Semen analysis
- Ultrasounds or imaging
- AMH (ovarian reserve) testing
When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?
The rule of thumb:
- Under 35? Try for 12 months.
- 35 or older? Try for 6 months.
If it’s taking longer, see a specialist for tests like:
- Hormonal bloodwork
- Semen analysis
- Ultrasounds or imaging
- AMH (ovarian reserve) testing
How to Boost Fertility Naturally: Lifestyle, Diet & Daily Habits
Optimising fertility isn’t just about doctor visits—it starts at home. Here’s what helps:
For everyone:
- Eat a whole-food, antioxidant-rich diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
- Manage stress and sleep
For men specifically:
- Avoid polyester or tight-fitting underwear
- Keep testicular temperature in check
- Consider supplements like zinc, CoQ10, or L-carnitine (speak to your doctor)
Why Underwear Actually Matters
Most people don’t realise how much heat builds up from sitting, driving, or wearing synthetic briefs. In fact, sitting on a padded chair for just 20 minutes can increase scrotal temperature enough to affect fertility.
That’s why Cool Beans was created. As the first wearable solution designed to reduce heat and support hormonal health, our underwear helps take the pressure off—literally.
Learn more about the science behind it → How Cool Beans Works
Ready to Take Control of Your Fertility?
Infertility isn’t a dead end. It’s a sign to pause, re-evaluate, and make empowering choices.
Whether you’re starting out or feeling stuck, Cool Beans is here to support your journey with science-backed, daily-wear innovation that puts sperm health front and centre.
👖 Support your fertility, naturally.
🧬 Shop the world’s first fertility-friendly men’s underwear.
👉 Shop Cool Beans Underwear