Doctors generally define infertility as not conceiving after 12 months of regular sexual intercourse without the use of birth control. Infertility is when a couple cannot get pregnant (conceive) despite having regular unprotected sex.
What is infertility?
Infertility refers to a male or female’s inability to conceive due to a problem with their reproductive system. Infertility issues may occur in either partner. Infertility may be primary (not being able to conceive at all) or secondary (having conceived before, but no longer being able to. Common causes of infertility include:
lack of regular ovulation (the monthly release of an egg)
poor quality semen
blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
endometriosis – where tissue that behaves like the lining of the womb (the endometrium) is found outside the womb
How is infertility determined?
Your healthcare provider will examine both partners to determine the source of the couple’s infertility. For men, the examination includes a physical, and sperm analysis (testing the health of the sperm). For women, the examination includes a medical history, a physical exam, and a pelvic exam. After making sure the ovulation is regular and the ovaries release the eggs, blood tests help to measure hormone levels. An ultrasound may be done to check the uterus and fallopian tubes.
How is female infertility diagnosed?
The gynecologist may check ovulation records, such as basal body temperature and cervical mucus. These tests can also help diagnose or rule out a female fertility problem:
Pelvic exam: Including a Pap smear to check for structural problems or signs of disease.
Blood test: Checking hormone levels, including thyroid hormones.
Transvaginal ultrasound: Insert an ultrasound wand into the vagina to look for problems with the reproductive system.
Hysteroscopy: Insert a thin, lighted tube (hysteroscope) into the vagina to examine the uterus.
Saline sonohysterogram (SIS): Fill the uterus with saline (sterilized salt water) and conduct a transvaginal ultrasound.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): X-rays capture an injectable dye as it travels through the fallopian tubes, looking for blockages.
Laparoscopy: Insert a laparoscope (thin tube with a camera) into a small abdominal incision, helping identify problems like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and scar tissue.
How is male infertility diagnosed?
These tests done by an urologist can help diagnose or rule out a male fertility problem:
Semen analysis: Checking for problems with sperm, such as low sperm count and poor mobility.
Blood test: Checking testosterone, thyroid, and other hormone levels.
Scrotal ultrasound: An ultrasound of the scrotum identifies varicoceles or other testicular problems.
What are the different types of fertility treatments?
Nowadays technology helps people with different kinds of fertility issues. Sometimes only one partner will need treatment, and in other cases, both should use a combination of treatments. These fertility treatments may include medications (hormonal), or minor surgical procedures.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Includes different types of procedures that help you have a baby. During these procedures, the sperm fertilizes an egg, and the egg is implanted in the uterine lining. Cryopreservation (aka freezing your eggs, sperm, or embryos), egg or embryo donation, and gestational carriers (aka surrogacy) are also forms of ART.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Healthy sperm is collected and inserted directly into your uterus when you’re ovulating.
In vitro fertilization (IVF): Eggs are taken from your ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab, where they develop into embryos. Then a doctor puts the embryos into your uterus.
Donor sperm, donor eggs, and surrogates are mostly used by same-sex couples or single people who want to have a baby. However, heterosexual couples struggling with sperm cells or problematic eggs may consider using sperm or eggs from a donor.
Infertility Causes
Certain risk factors can increase the chance of infertility for both sexes. These include:
Smoking
Chemotherapy
Radiation
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Age
Weight
Alcohol
Environmental Factors
Stress
There's no evidence to suggest caffeinated drinks, such as tea, coffee, and colas, are associated with fertility problems.
Conclusion
Infertility treatment represents a beacon of hope for countless individuals and couples aspiring to conceive. It encompasses a spectrum of medical strategies tailored to address the diverse causes of infertility, ranging from hormonal therapies and surgical interventions to assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. The journey through infertility treatment is deeply personal and often challenging, yet it can lead to the joyous fulfillment of parenthood. As medical science advances, the promise of infertility treatment continues to expand, offering improved success rates and accessibility. Ultimately, the pursuit of infertility treatment is not just about overcoming a medical condition but also about nurturing dreams, building families, and enriching lives for those affected by infertility challenges.
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