Infertility

What is Infertility?
Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant despite having frequent, unprotected sex for at least one year.

• Under 35? Try for 1 year before seeing a doctor.
• Over 35? See a doctor after 6 months of trying.

Infertility affects about 15% of couples. The cause can lie with the male (1/3), the female (1/3), or a combination of both.

Symptoms

The main symptom is the inability to get pregnant. Other signs may include:

• Women: Irregular or absent menstrual periods.
• Men: Hormonal changes (hair growth patterns), sexual dysfunction, or pain/swelling in the testicles.

Causes

1. Male Causes

• Sperm Issues: Low count, poor mobility, or abnormal shape.
• Varicocele: Swollen veins in the scrotum that overheat the testicles.
• Delivery Problems: Premature ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, or blockage in the epididymis.
• Environmental: Exposure to pesticides, radiation, or excessive heat (saunas).
• Lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol, and steroid use.

2. Female Causes

• Ovulation Disorders: PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) or hormonal imbalances.
• Fallopian Tube Damage: Blockage due to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
• Uterine Issues: Fibroids or polyps interfering with implantation.
• Endometriosis: Tissue growing outside the uterus affecting ovaries and tubes.
• Early Menopause: Primary ovarian insufficiency before age 40.

Diagnosis

Both partners usually need testing.

Tests for Men

• Semen Analysis: To check count, shape, and movement.
• Hormone Testing: Checking testosterone levels.
• Scrotal Ultrasound: To find varicoceles or obstructions.

Tests for Women

• Ovulation Testing: Blood tests to measure hormone levels.
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG): X-ray with dye to check if fallopian tubes are open.
• Ovarian Reserve Testing: Checking the quantity/quality of eggs available.
• Laparoscopy: Minimally invasive surgery to view ovaries and uterus directly.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause, age, and duration of infertility.

1. Medications & Surgery

• Fertility Drugs (Clomid, Letrozole): Stimulate ovulation in women.
• Surgery: To repair varicocele in men or unblock fallopian tubes in women.

2. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

• IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Placing concentrated sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation.
• IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Eggs are retrieved and fertilized by sperm in a lab. The resulting embryo is implanted into the uterus.
• ICSI: Injecting a single sperm directly into an egg (used for male fertility issues).

Complications of Treatment

• Multiple Pregnancy: Fertility drugs and IVF increase the risk of twins or triplets, which carries higher health risks for mother and babies.
• OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome): Swollen, painful ovaries caused by fertility drugs.
• Stress: The process is financially and emotionally draining.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.