What is Infertility?
Infertility refers to a condition in which a couple is unable to conceive after having unprotected sexual intercourse for one year, or six months if the woman is over the age of 35. This condition can affect both men and women, and may result from a variety of biological, medical, or lifestyle related factors.
Causes of Infertility
In Women:
- Ovulatory Disorders
- Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can interfere with normal ovulation, leading to difficulties in conception.
- Fallopian Tube Blockage
- Blockages caused by infections or endometriosis (a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus) can prevent the egg from meeting the sperm.
- Uterine Abnormalities
- Uterine fibroids or abnormal uterine shape can affect implantation or the growth of a pregnancy.
- Age
- As women age, the quality and quantity of their eggs decrease, making conception more difficult.
In Men:
- Low Sperm Count or Poor Sperm Quality
- Men with a low sperm count or poor-quality sperm may face challenges in achieving pregnancy.
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Issues with hormones affecting sperm production can lead to infertility.
- Reproductive Organ Abnormalities
- Conditions like undescended testes (cryptorchidism) can impair sperm production and fertility.
- Infections or Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
- Infections or STDs that affect the reproductive organs can impair sperm production and fertility.
Symptoms of Infertility:
- Inability to conceive after trying for a prolonged period.
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods.
- Pain in the lower abdomen, which may be caused by endometriosis.
- In men, problems such as erectile dysfunction or low sperm count may be observed.
Treatment Options for Infertility:
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Regular exercise to maintain a healthy body weight.
- Weight management.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Medications:
- For women, ovulation-stimulating drugs to aid in egg release.
- For men, hormonal treatments to address sperm production or erectile issues.
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Sperm is directly placed into the uterus during ovulation.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Eggs and sperm are combined outside the body in a lab, then implanted in the uterus.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected directly into an egg to assist fertilization.
- Surgery: For abnormalities in the uterus or fallopian tubes, surgery may be necessary.