Infertility is broadly defined as the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to full term after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It affects an estimated 1 in 8 couples, making it an exceedingly common issue. There are many potential causes, and often multiple factors contribute.
Some common causes of infertility include:
- Ovulation disorders - such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in which ovulation does not occur regularly. PCOS is one of the most common culprits.
- Blocked fallopian tubes - tubes that transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus can become inflamed, scarred or blocked. Most commonly a result of pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or prior surgeries.
- Sperm disorders - such as low sperm count, poor motility (movement & ability to fertilize eggs) or abnormal sperm shape and size. Can be caused by genetics, toxins, infection, or lifestyle factors like drugs, obesity, radiation, smoking.
- Age - Fertility significantly drops for women after 35, and for men after 50. Older eggs and sperm have higher rates of genetic abnormalities and decreased quality.
Diagnosing the cause(s) of infertility involves testing both partners through procedures like:
- Semen analysis
- Ovulation test kits
- Hysterosalpingography (imaging to check fallopian tubes)
- Blood tests to check hormone levels
Based on results, treatments can include
medications to help ovulation,
surgery to repair reproductive organs,
artificial reproductive technologies like
in vitro fertilization (
IVF), or using a
sperm donor or
gestational surrogate.
The emotional toll of
infertility is undoubtedly huge. The waiting, disappointment each month, associated pressures all take a significant mental health toll on couples. Support groups and mental health counseling greatly help.
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for over a year with no success, I encourage you to book a fertility assessment at Vitality Hormone Clinic Reproductive Clinic. Our compassionate team leverages the latest diagnostic tests and personalized fertility treatment plans to help patients realize their dreams of building families. We have helped over 500 families successfully conceive through IVF, IUI, egg/sperm donor matching, and surrogacy arrangements over the past 5 years. Schedule a risk-free consultation today to understand your options in this journey.
I hope this overview gives you a helpful understanding of this complex medical issue that impacts millions of couples. Please share any other questions! Wishing you the very best in your path to parenthood.