What is infertility?
Infertility in todays time has become more common because of the lifestyle we are living. Not only this the health condition and other factors also matter. Let us know what is it? what are reasons of infertility in men and women.
The condition of not achieving pregnancy after having unprotected sex for almost a year is termed infertility.
In olden times, only women were blamed for it as they were capable of being pregnant, but nowadays it is proven that infertility is caused by both males and females.
10–15% of the US population is suffering from infertility. Advanced science has proven that this can be solved with proper treatment.
What are the symptoms of infertility?
- Not achieving pregnancy
- Irregular or absent periods
- In men, hormonal changes such as changes in hair growth or sexual function
When do you need to visit a doctor?
If you have been trying to get pregnant for less than 6 months to a year, there is no need to visit a doctor(Gynecologist). If it is more than this, then you need to pay attention to it.
Other factors to consider while visiting a doctor include:
For men
- sperm count.
- If they have undergone cancer treatment.
- If they have a history of testicular problems or other sexual problems,
- Having small testicles in the scrotum
- Having swelling in the scrotum
- Other family members have infertility problems.
For women
- Women aged over 40 face this more
- Women who have been trying to conceive for a year at the age of 35 or older need to go to a doctor.
- Women who were cancer survivors.
- Women who have undergone multiple miscarriages
Causes of infertility:
In female
- Ovarian disorders such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), hyperprolactinemia, and increased or decreased thyroid
- Blockage or damage to fallopian tubes may cause infertility
- The function of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the uterus is affected by ‘Endometriosis’, This happens when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus.
- Certain cancers, like reproductive cancers, affect fertility. During treatment sessions, radiation and chemotherapy may affect fertility.
In male
Abnormal production of sperm and their abnormal function are caused by genetic disorders, diseases like diabetes, infections like HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and mumps.
- Intoxication and exposure to some environmental factors like smoking, alcohol, and heat can raise body temperature and may affect sperm production, such as in saunas or hot tubs.
- As for damage related to cancer and its treatment, as discussed above, in the case of women, men also have damage due to radiation and chemotherapy.
- Reasons in sperm delivery
1. Sexual problems. such as premature ejaculation
2. Genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis
3. Structural problems, such as blockage in the testicle and
4. Damage and injury of the reproductive organs
When are you at a higher risk of infertility?
There are too many risks due to which infertility occurs. So people should take some precautions, like
- Having exercise issues like lack of exercise increases obesity, which increases the risk of infertility also. As previously discussed, being overweight or underweight affects hormone production.
- Alcohol and intoxication can impair the ability to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy. So it should be avoided.
- Age matters a lot in this case, especially for women. Their fertility gradually declines with age, especially after age 37, when it drops rapidly. It happens due to the lower number and quality of eggs, and also due to health problems. In the case of men, their fertility becomes low after the age of 40.