Infertility: What You Need to Know

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Infertility is a condition that affects many couples who want to have a baby. It is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility can have various causes, in either the male or female reproductive system, or both. Sometimes, the cause of infertility is unknown.

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In this article, we will explain some of the common causes and symptoms of infertility, as well as the available treatment options and self-care tips.

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Causes of Infertility

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Infertility can be caused by several factors that affect the production, quality, or transport of sperm or eggs, or the fertilisation or implantation of an embryo.

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Some of the causes of infertility in women are:

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• Ovulation disorders, due to hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or other ovarian problems
• Tubal disorders, such as blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, surgery or abortion complications
• Uterine disorders, such as fibroids, polyps, septate uterus or endometrial problems
• Age-related decline in fertility, as the quantity and quality of eggs decrease with age

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Symptoms of Infertility

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The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant. However, some other signs and symptoms may indicate a problem with fertility. These include:

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• Irregular or absent menstrual periods in women
• Painful or heavy periods, pelvic pain, or bloating in women

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When to See a Doctor

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If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for at least one year without success, you should consult a doctor for an evaluation. However, you may want to seek medical help sooner if you have any of the following risk factors:

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• You are a woman over 35 years old
• You have a history of miscarriages, pelvic infections, endometriosis or cancer treatment
• You have irregular or very painful periods
• You are a man with a history of testicular, prostate, or sexual problems, cancer treatment, or low sperm count
• You have a family history of infertility

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Diagnosis and Treatment

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To diagnose infertility, your doctor will ask you about your medical history, sexual habits, and lifestyle factors. You will also undergo some tests to check your reproductive organs and hormones. These may include:

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• Ovulation tests for women, to detect the surge of hormones that triggers ovulation
• Hormone tests for both partners, to check the levels of reproductive hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
• Hysterosalpingography for women, to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes using an X-ray contrast dye
• Ultrasound for both partners, to visualise the ovaries, uterus, testicles, and other structures
• Laparoscopy for women, to inspect the pelvic organs using a thin tube with a camera inserted through a small incision in the abdomen
• Genetic tests for both partners, to identify any chromosomal abnormalities that may affect fertility

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The treatment for infertility depends on the cause, the age and health of the couple, and their personal preferences. Some of the treatment options are:

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• Medications that stimulate ovulation in women or improve sperm count in men
• Surgery that repairs any blockages or abnormalities in the reproductive tract
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI), which involves placing washed sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation
• In vitro fertilisation (IVF), which involves fertilising an egg with a sperm in a laboratory and transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which involves injecting a single sperm into an egg and transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus
• Donor eggs or sperm, which are obtained from anonymous donors and used for IVF or IUI
• Surrogacy or gestational carrier, which involves having another woman carry and deliver a baby for you

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Self-Care Tips

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While undergoing fertility treatment can be stressful and emotionally draining, there are some things you can do to cope and improve your chances of success. These include:

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• Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats
• Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs, which can harm your fertility and the health of your baby
• Maintaining a healthy weight, as being overweight or underweight can affect your hormones and ovulation
• Exercising moderately and regularly, can reduce stress, improve blood flow, and balance your hormones
• Managing stress, as this can affect your mood, libido, and fertility. You can try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, massage, or counselling
• Seeking support from your partner, family, friends, or a support group, as can help you cope with the emotional challenges of infertility

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Conclusion

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Infertility is a common problem that affects many couples who want to have a baby. It can have various causes and symptoms, and it requires a thorough evaluation and treatment. Fortunately, there are many safe and effective options available to help you achieve your dream of parenthood. If you are struggling with infertility, do not lose hope and seek professional help as soon as possible.

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Sources

World Health Organization. Infertility. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility

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Mayo Clinic. Infertility. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354317

MSN Health. Infertility. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/condition/Infertility/hp-Infertility?source=conditioncdx