Infertility: Understanding the Basics



Infertility is an issue that affects many couples, and it can be a difficult and emotional experience. Understanding the basics of infertility can help you to better understand your own situation and make informed decisions about your future.

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. It is estimated that between 10-15% of couples in the United States are affected by infertility. The cause of infertility can be either male or female factor, or a combination of both.

The most common causes of female infertility include ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and age-related issues. Ovulation disorders are caused by hormonal imbalances which prevent eggs from being released from the ovaries on a regular basis. Blocked fallopian tubes are usually caused by pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis which can cause scarring in the tubes making them unable to transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus for fertilization. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus which may prevent implantation of embryos into the uterine wall or interfere with sperm migration into the fallopian tubes. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to that which lines inside of uterus grows outside it causing inflammation and scarring within reproductive organs making it harder for eggs to travel through them properly. Age related issues include decreased egg quality due to age as well as decreased ovarian reserve (the number of eggs remaining in a woman’s body).

The most common causes of male infertility include low sperm count, poor sperm motility (movement), abnormal semen analysis results (such as abnormal shape or structure), genetic factors such as chromosomal defects, varicoceles (enlarged veins around testicles), infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, environmental factors such as exposure to toxins like pesticides or radiation therapy for cancer treatment; and erectile dysfunction medications such as Viagra® .

If you have been trying unsuccessfully for more than one year to conceive naturally then you should discuss this with your doctor who may refer you to an infertility specialist who will assess both partners’ fertility status before recommending any treatment options available including lifestyle changes such as weight loss/gain if necessary; drug therapy; assisted reproductive technology like IVF; surgery; donor egg/sperm; adoption etc..

Understanding basic facts about fertility can help couples make informed decisions about their future family planning options so they can move forward with confidence knowing they have explored all available paths towards achieving their dream family goals!

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Infertility, couples, cause, ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, age-related issues, low sperm count, poor sperm motility, abnormal semen analysis results, genetic factors, varicoceles, infections, environmental factors, erectile dysfunction medications, lifestyle changes, drug therapy, assisted reproductive technology, IVF, surgery, donor egg/sperm, adoption,

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