24/10/2022
DEFINITION. Infertility is being unable to get pregnant despite having frequent, unprotected s*x for at least a year .
Infertility may have different etiology. It can be from either gender, Fortunately, there are many safe and effective therapies that significantly improve your chances of getting pregnant.
Symptoms
The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant. Other symptoms are; Sometimes, a woman with infertility may have irregular or absent menstrual periods.
a man with infertility may have some signs of hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth or s*xual function.
Most couples will eventually conceive, with or without treatment.
When to see a doctor
You probably don’t need to see a doctor about infertility unless you have been trying regularly to get pregnant for at least one year. Women should talk with a doctor earlier, however, if they:
Are age 35 or older and have been trying to conceive for six months or longer
Are over age 40
Have irregular or absent periods
Have very painful periods
Have known fertility problems
Have been diagnosed with endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease
Have had multiple miscarriages
Have undergone treatment for cancer
Men should talk to a doctor if they have:
A low s***m count or other problems with s***m
A history of testicular, prostate or s*xual problems
Undergone treatment for cancer
Small testicles or swelling in the sc***um
Others in your family with infertility problems
Causes
Fertilization and implantation
Ovulation and fertilization are key factors to getting pregnant. Sometimes the issues that cause infertility in couples are present at birth, and sometimes they develop later in life.
Infertility causes can affect one or both partners. One-third of cases, are man related. In about one-third of cases are woman related. In the remaining cases, there are issues with both the man and the woman, or some causes are unknown.
Causes of male infertility
Abnormal s***m production maybe due to undescended testicles, genetic defects, health problems such as diabetes, or infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, mumps or HIV. Enlarged veins in the te**es (varicocele) also can affect the quality of s***m.
Problems with the delivery of s***m due to s*xual problems, such as premature ej*******on; certain genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis; structural problems, such as a blockage in the testicle; or damage or injury to the reproductive organs.
Overexposure to certain environmental factors, such as pesticides and other chemicals, and radiation. Cigarette smoking, alcohol, ma*****na, anabolic steroids, and taking medications to treat bacterial infections, high blood pressure and depression also can affect fertility. Frequent exposure to heat, such as in saunas or hot tubs, can raise body temperature and may affect s***m production.
Damage related to cancer and its treatment, including radiation or chemotherapy. Treatment for cancer can impair s***m production, sometimes severely.
Causes of female infertility
Ovulation disorders, which affect the release of eggs from the ovaries. These include hormonal disorders such as polycystic o***y syndrome. Hyperprolactinemia, a condition in which you have too much prolactin — the hormone that stimulates breast milk production — also may interfere with ovulation. Either too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) can affect the menstrual cycle or cause infertility.
Other causes may include too much exercise,
Eating disorders
Tumors.
Uterine or cervical abnormalities, including abnormalities with the cervix, polyps in the uterus or the shape of the uterus. ~Noncancerous (benign) tumors in the uterine wall (uterine fibroids) may cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes or stopping a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
Fallopian tube damage or blockage, often caused by inflammation of the fallopian tube (salpingitis). This can result from pelvic inflammatory disease, which is usually caused by a s*xually transmitted infection, endometriosis or adhesions.
Endometriosis, which occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, may affect the function of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes.
Primary ovarian insufficiency (early menopause), when the ovaries stop working and menstruation ends before age 40. Although the cause is often unknown, certain factors are associated with early menopause, including immune system diseases, certain genetic conditions such as Turner syndrome or carriers of Fragile X syndrome, and radiation or chemotherapy treatment.
Pelvic adhesions, bands of scar tissue that bind organs that can form after pelvic infection, appendicitis, endometriosis or abdominal or pelvic surgery.
Cancer and its treatment. Certain cancers — particularly reproductive cancers — often impair female fertility. Both radiation and chemotherapy may affect fertility.
Secondary infertility
Semen allergy: A cause of infertility?
Risk factors
Many of the risk factors for both male and female infertility are the same. They include:
Age. Women’s fertility gradually declines with age, especially in the mid-30s, and it drops rapidly after age 37. Infertility in older women is likely due to the lower number and quality of eggs, and can also be due to health problems that affect fertility. Men over age 40 may be less fertile than younger men.
To***co use. Smoking to***co or ma*****na by either partner may reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. Smoking also reduces the possible effectiveness of fertility treatment. Miscarriages are more frequent in women who smoke. Smoking can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction and a low s***m count in men.
Alcohol use. For women, there’s no safe level of alcohol use during conception or pregnancy. Alcohol use may contribute to infertility. For men, heavy alcohol use can decrease s***m count and motility.
Being overweight. Among women, an inactive lifestyle and being overweight may increase the risk of infertility. For men, s***m count also may be affected by being overweight.
Being underweight. Women at risk of fertility problems include those with eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, and those who follow a very low-calorie or restrictive diet.
Exercise issues. A lack of exercise contributes to obesity, which increases the risk of infertility. Less often, ovulation problems may be associated with frequent strenuous, intense exercise in women who are not overweight.
Prevention
Some types of infertility aren’t preventable. But several strategies may increase your chances of pregnancy.
Couples
Have regular in*******se several times around the time of ovulation for the highest pregnancy rate. In*******se beginning at least five days before and until a day after ovulation improves your chances of getting pregnant. Ovulation usually occurs in the middle of the cycle — halfway between menstrual periods — for most women with menstrual cycles about 28 days
