childlessness
If you and your partner are trying to conceive but are struggling, you are not alone In America, 10-15% of couples suffer from infertility Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive for a year or more (in some cases 6 months) with frequent, unprotected sex.
Infertility can be caused by a single problem in you or your partner, but it can also be a combination of factors that result in the pregnancy not developing or ending prematurely. Fortunately, there are many safe and effective treatments for infertility As a result of this treatment, the chance of getting pregnant increases significantly
In order to get pregnant, it is necessary for the ovulation and fertilization processes to proceed correctly In the case of some couples, infertility can be congenital or develop during life
The cause of infertility can be in one or both partners In general:
- in 1/3 of the cases, the cause of infertility lies in the man
- In 1/3 of the cases, the cause of infertility lies in the woman
- In other cases, the cause is either in both partners or cannot be determined
Causes of male infertility The causes of male infertility are:
- Abnormal production or function of sperm caused by various problems, such as testicles Dilation of the testicular veins can increase blood flow and temperature, changing the shape and quantity of sperm.
- Sperm release problems caused by sexual problems including premature ejaculation, sperm going into the bladder instead of the penis during orgasm, some genetic diseases (cystic fibrosis), structural problems (suppression of the sperm-replacing part of the testicles), and trauma or damage to the reproductive organs Men who have had a vasectomy will need to either have the vasectomy reversed or have their sperm artificially surgically harvested.
- Contact with some compounds or toxins These include: pesticides, radiation, tobacco smoke, alcohol, marijuana, and steroids (including testosterone) Frequent exposure to high temperatures, such as being in saunas and hot baths, can increase the temperature of the testicles and interfere with sperm production.
- Damage caused by cancer and its treatment (radiation, chemotherapy). Cancer treatment can reduce sperm production, sometimes severely Removal of one of the testicles due to cancer can also cause infertility
Causes of female infertility The causes of female infertility are:
- Ovulation disorders that prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries Examples include hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition in which the ovaries overproduce the male hormone testosterone, and prolactinemia, in which there is an excess of the breast milk-producing hormone prolactin. Other triggers may include over-exercise, eating disorders, trauma, and cancer
- Uterine or cervical abnormalities, including cervical and mucosal problems and abnormalities of uterine size and shape In women, a tumor in the wall of the uterus (uterine fibroids)
- rarely can cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes More often, these tumors change the uterine cavity and prevent the implantation of a fertilized cell
- Endometriosis, which occurs when endometrial tissue grows and spreads outside the uterus At this time, ovarian function, uterus and fallopian tubes are often damaged
- Primary ovarian failure, also known as premature menopause At this time, the ovaries cease to function until the age of 40 and menopause develops The cause is unknown, but some conditions are associated with premature menopause These include diseases of the immune system, radiation or chemotherapy treatment, and tobacco smoking
- Connective tissue scar tissue that holds organs together after pelvic infection, appendicitis, and abdominal or pelvic surgery
Other causes in women are:
- Thyroid problems Too much or too little thyroid hormone can affect the menstrual cycle and cause infertility.
- Cancer and its treatment Some cancers, especially cancers of the female reproductive system, have a major effect on fertility Radiation and chemotherapy can cause infertility
- Other states Medical conditions associated with delayed menopause and absence of menstrual cycles (amenorrhea), such as celiac disease, Cushing's disease, sickle cell anemia, kidney disease, and diabetes, affect a woman's ability to conceive. Genetic pathologies can also make it difficult to conceive and become pregnant
- Some medicines Temporary infertility can develop when using some medications In most cases, infertility disappears after stopping the medication
Most couples are able to conceive within the first 6 months of trying 90% of couples succeed after 12 months, and sooner or later most couples do
The main sign of infertility is the inability to conceive There may be no more symptoms
In some cases, an infertile woman may have irregular periods or none at all An infertile man may have signs of hormonal changes, such as changes in hair growth and sexual function, decreased libido, and ejaculation problems. It may also have small testicles or the insertion of a testicular sac
When to see a doctor Consider seeing a doctor if you and your partner have been trying to conceive for more than a year. See your doctor sooner if you are a woman and:
- You are 35-40 years old and have been trying to conceive for more than 6 months
- You are over 40 years old
- You have irregular or absent periods
- You already have infertility problems
- You have endometriosis or
