In this article, we discussed the meaning of infertility, the causes, the symptoms, the types, we also talked about the treatment.
Definition
Infertility: is the inability of a couple to conceive and reproduce. Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after one year of regular intercourse without contraception or the inability of a woman to carry a pregnancy to a live birth. Infertility can affect either the male or the female and can result from a number of causes.
Infertility can be caused by many factors, including issues in the following:
Reproductive system issues
Blocked fallopian tubes: Can be caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unsafe abortion, or pelvic surgery
Endometriosis: Tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus
Uterine fibroids: Benign tumors that can affect the uterus
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): A disorder of the ovaries that can affect egg maturation
Birth defects: Some birth defects can affect fertility
Hormonal imbalances
Ovulation problems: When the body doesn’t produce enough hormones to release a healthy egg
Thyroid problems: An underactive or overactive thyroid can affect fertility
Endocrine system disorders: Issues with the hypothalamus and hypophysis glands can cause hormonal imbalances
Lifestyle choices
Alcohol and drug use: Heavy drinking can lower sperm count and affect sperm movement
Smoking: Smoking cigarettes can impact fertility
Diet: Poor nutrition, eating disorders, and very low-calorie diets can affect fertility
Exercise: An inactive lifestyle can raise the risk of infertility
Exposure to toxins: Exposure to lead, pesticides, or other environmental toxins can affect fertility
In some cases, the cause of infertility is unknown.
The main symptom of infertility is the inability to get pregnant after trying for six months to a year. However, there may be no other clear symptoms, or symptoms can vary from person to person.
Symptoms in women
Irregular or absent menstrual periods
Menstrual cycles that are too long (35 days or more) or too short (less than 21 days)
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Pain during sex
Digestive problems like diarrhea, bloating, nausea, or constipation
Symptoms in men
Hormonal problems like changes in hair growth or sexual function
Penile disorders or issues with ejaculation
Other symptoms
Skin changes like acne
Changes in sex drive and desire
Dark hair growth on the lips, chest, and chin
Loss of hair or thinning hair
Weight gain
Many couples eventually conceive, with or without treatment. However, it’s important to discuss any unusual symptoms with a doctor.
There are several types of infertility
Primary infertility
When someone has never conceived a child and has difficulty getting pregnant
If you are under 35, you have primary infertility if you’ve tried to conceive for at least one year without birth control
If you are 35 or older, you have primary infertility if you’ve tried to conceive for at least six months without birth control
Secondary infertility
When someone has had at least one pregnancy but is having difficulty getting pregnant again
Unexplained infertility
When fertility testing doesn’t identify a clear reason why someone can’t get pregnant.
Infertility can be treated with the following:
Medications
Fertility drugs
These drugs regulate or stimulate ovulation. For example, Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) is an oral medication that stimulates ovulation.
Sperm count medications
These medications can improve sperm count and help the testicles function better.
Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery: This surgery can remove scar tissue and implants that may be causing endometriosis.
Fallopian tube repair: This surgery can repair damaged fallopian tubes.
Sperm retrieval: This procedure can collect sperm if you can’t ejaculate or if there is no sperm in your semen.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
Intrauterine conception (IUI): This procedure involves placing sperm in the uterus during ovulation.
In vitro fertilization (IVF): This procedure involves retrieving mature eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm.
Donor eggs: This procedure involves transferring an embryo from a donor to an infertile woman.
Lifestyle changes
Having sex more frequently, especially around the time of ovulation
Exercising regularly
Reducing alcohol consumption or stopping the use of harmful substances like tobacco.
Conclusion
Infertility refers to the inability of a couple to conceive a pregnancy after a year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, or after six months if the woman is 35 or older; it can be caused by issues with either the male or female reproductive system, and can stem from a variety of factors including ovulation problems, blocked fallopian tubes, sperm quality issues, or unexplained causes.