14/11/2023
Infertility may be due to a single cause in either you or your partner, or a combination of factors that may prevent a pregnancy from occurring or continuing. Fortunately, there are many safe and effective therapies for overcoming infertility. These treatments significantly improve the chances of becoming pregnant.
SYMPTOMS
Most couples achieve pregnancy within the first six months of trying. Overall, after 12 months of frequent unprotected in*******se, about 90 percent of couples will become pregnant. The majority of couples will eventually conceive, with or without treatment.
The main sign of infertility is the inability for a couple to get pregnant. There may be no other obvious symptoms.
In some cases, an infertile woman may have irregular or absent menstrual periods. An infertile man may have signs of hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth, s*xual function, reduced s*xual desire, or problems with ej*******on. He may also have small testicles or a swelling in the sc***um.
When to see a doctor
In general, you may consider seeing a doctor about infertility if you and your partner have been trying regularly to conceive for at least one year. You may consider being seen earlier if you're a woman and:
You're age 35 to 40 and have been trying to conceive for six months or longer
You're over age 40
You menstruate irregularly or not at all
You have known fertility problems
You've been diagnosed with Endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease
You've had more than one Miscarriage
You've had prior Cancer treatment
If you're a man, you may wish to be evaluated sooner if you have:
A Low s***m count or other problems with s***m
Swelling in the sc***um (see 'Varicocele' below)
You have had a previous vasectomy
Undergone prior scrotal or inguinal surgery
Small testicles or problems with s*xual function or desire
Had prior Cancer Cancer treatment
Desire to know your fertility status
CAUSES
To become pregnant, the complex processes of ovulation and fertilization need to work just right. For some couples, infertility problems can be present from birth (congenital) or something can go wrong along the way that results in infertility.
The reasons for infertility can involve one or both partners. In general:
In about one-third of cases, the cause of infertility involves only the male.
In about one-third of cases, the cause of infertility involves only the female.
In the remaining cases, the cause of infertility involves both the male and female, or no cause can be identified.
Causes of Male infertility
Causes of Male infertility may include:
Abnormal s***m production or function due to various problems, such as Undescended testicles, genetic defects, health problems including Diabetes, prior infections such as Mumps, Trauma or prior surgeries on the testicles or inguinal region. Enlarged veins in the te**es can increase blood flow and heat, affecting the number and shape of s***m.
Problems with the delivery of s***m due to s*xual problems, such as Premature ej*******on, semen entering the bladder instead of emerging through the p***s during or**sm (Retrograde ej*******on), certain genetic diseases, such as Cystic fibrosis, structural problems, such as blockage of the part of the testicle that contains s***m (epididymis), or damage or injury to the reproductive organs. Men who have previously undergone a vasectomy and desire a return of fertility will also need to either have the vasectomy reversed (see 'vasectomy reversal' below) or have s***m retrieved through a surgical procedure for use in assisted reproductive techniques.
Overexposure to certain chemicals and toxins, such as Pesticides, radiation, to***co smoke, alcohol, ma*****na, and steroids (including testosterone). In addition, frequent exposure to heat, such as in saunas or hot tubs, can elevate the testicular temperature, impairing s***m production.
Damage related to Cancer and its treatment, including radiation or chemotherapy. Treatment for Cancer can impair s***m production, sometimes severely. Removal of one testicle due to Cancer also may affect male fertility.
Causes of Female infertility
Causes of Female infertility may include:
Ovulation disorders, which hinder or prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. Examples include hormonal disorders such as polycystic o***y syndrome, a condition that might relate to your ovaries producing too much of the male hormone testosterone, and hyperprolactinemia, when you have too much prolactin — the hormone that stimulates breast milk production. Other underlying causes may include excessive exercise, Eating disorders, injury or Tumors.
Uterine or cervical abnormalities, including problems with the opening of the cervix or cervical mucus, or abnormalities in the shape or cavity of the uterus. Benign Tumors in the wall of the uterus that are common in women (Uterine fibroids) may rarely cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes. More often, fibroids may distort the uteri
