Your Guide to Infertility

Fighting infertility for years and losing all your hopes to achieve parenthood? Well, you aren’t alone. Yes, you heard that right. Want to know, how? Let’s look at what the studies suggest.

According to the WHO or world health organization, it has been found that infertility affects millions of people of reproductive age across the world. As per the data available, it is discovered that more than 48 million people and more than 186 million individuals have been fighting infertility. Isn’t it surprising? Surely, it is.  The percentage of the population struggling with this health condition across the world is around 15%. 

Don’t get apprehensive and always be in the dilemma that just because infertility has hit, you and your partner can never achieve conception. It’s not like that at all.

Want more clarification on this? Here are the quick facts for you before we get into the detailed discussion on infertility.

Quick facts

  • As per one research, infertility influences around 11% of the reproductive age populace which means 6.7 million females across the globe.
  • Around 25% of the females with fertility problems experience irregular ovulation, whereas 12% aren’t able to fulfill the requirement of normal BMI.
  • Did you know? 3% of infertility couples require IVF only and with other latest reproductive treatments 90% of infertility issues can be treated with medications or surgical procedures.
  • Females don’t have a higher infertility rate. It affects both the genders equally.
  • Women around the age of 25-29 are likely to conceive when trying for a year, whereas these chances reduce to 36% for females aged around 40-44.

What is infertility?

If you or your partner has been diagnosed with infertility after trying for more than a year, then it means that you won’t be able to achieve pregnancy. It is important to comprehend that it doesn’t mean you will never be parents. This is a reproductive health condition like any other health problem that requires timely treatment and medications.

Women who are older than 35, should know that the time drops by six months when try to conceive pregnancy. On the other hand, for women who are 40, there is the requirement of immediate evaluation.

So, what are the causes of infertility?

The infertility causes for men and women both are different. Let’s find out for both of them individually.

Male infertility causes

Here are causes of infertility in men:

  • The very first cause is abnormal sperm production. It occurs because of testicles that are undescended, genetic defects, health issues like infections, diabetes, gonorrhea, HIV, etc. Enlarged tests also lead to affecting the sperm quality.
  • Another cause is issues with sperm delivery in men. This happens because of sexual issues like premature ejaculation, genetic issues like cystic fibrosis, and structural issues like testicles blockage to the reproductive system.
  • One main reason is overexposure to the environmental factors like chemicals, radiations and pesticides. It is important to note that habits like smoking, alcohol, steroids, marijuana, medications for bacterial infections treatment etc. causes infertility in men.
  • If a male has experienced damage associated with cancer and its treatment then it also causes the issue of infertility. It is because this is linked to radiation, chemotherapy etc. Cancer treatment can lead to impairing the production of sperms.

Infertility causes in females

Let’s find out the main reasons of infertility in women:

  • Ovulation disorder is the cause of infertility in women as it leads to affecting the eggs release from the ovaries. It also integrates hormonal imbalances like PCOS, increased prolactin levels etc.
  • Uterine or cervical anomalies include issues with the cervix and polyps in the uterus. It causes infertility as it’s a noncancerous tumor in the uterine wall that blocks the fallopian tubes resulting in inadequate egg fertilization.
  • Blocked fallopian tube is also among the causes of women infertility. It is caused by inflammation which is a result from the pelvic inflammatory diseases and is often transferred through the sexual intercourse.
  • Endometriosis also causes infertility in females as it takes place when there is the growing of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. It leads to affecting the fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries.
  • Cancer is another reason for infertility in men as it involves treatment like chemotherapy and radiation.

When should you talk to a doctor?

If you are wondering about when should you see a doctor, let’s find out below:

Females must get in touch with the infertility specialist when:

  • They are over 35 years of age and are trying to get pregnant for more than six months or longer than that.
  • When a female is experiencing consistently irregular periods.
  • They are aware of the known fertility issues.
  • When recently diagnosed with endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory condition.
  • Female who have had experienced multiple miscarriages history.
  • When a woman has undergone cancer treatment.

Men must talk to an infertility doctor when:

  • There is an issue of low sperm count or has issues with the sperm.
  • Sexual, prostate, testicular issues history.
  • Men who have undergone cancer treatment.
  • When there is swelling in the scrotum or have the issue of small testicles.
  •  History of infertility problems.

Risks factors of infertility

 When we talk about the risk factors related to infertility, then it is the same for both male and female. Here they are:

  • Age is the most important risk factor that needs consideration from both men and women. Female fertility reduces with age and begins to drop when they are in their mid-30s. On the other hand, for men their sperm count keeps decreasing when they are over 40.
  •  If you and your partner both are smokers or are into tobacco, marijuana etc. then you can reduce the probability of easy conception. Even if a female is able to conceive, then it can lead to the higher risk of miscarriage. So, it is important to eliminate this habit 6 months before you plan conception.
  • Alcohol abuse is also at the higher risk of causing problems in conception. It contributes to infertility in men and women. Hence, it is essential to limit or even leave this habit.
  • If you have a lifestyle that is inactive, infertility may certainly hit your door. It is for both men and women so couples should ensure leading an active and healthy lifestyle.
  • Being underweight is also another main risk factor for infertility. Men or women following the very low-calorie or limited diet may experience the issue of infertility.

What are the available treatments for infertility?

Infertility in men is treated with:

  • Surgery, if there is a problem of varicocele or a blocked vas deferens-tubes carrying sperms.
  • Antibiotics for treating infections in the male reproductive system.
  • Medications and counseling for treating issues like ejaculation and erection.
  • Hormone treatments are available for the issue for low and high hormone levels.
  • Infertility in women is treated with:
  • Fertility drugs and hormones so that females can easily ovulate and leads to restoring hormone levels.
  • There is a surgery for removing the tissues that blocks fertility or for opening the blocked fallopian tubes.

Other treatments available

Infertility in women and men is also treatable with assisted reproductive technology or ART. IVF or in-vitro fertilization is a kind of assisted reproductive technology that involves collecting sperm and egg together to be mixed in a lab. The embryo is formed within the period of 3-5 days and then it is transferred into the female uterus. IUI or intrauterine insemination is another ART which involves sliding a thin and flexible tube through the cervix into the women’s uterus. Doctors use the small syringe for inserting the sperm through the tube directly into the female uterus. Pregnancy occurs if sperm has the efficiency of fertilizing the egg and then implantation occurs in the uterus lining.

Prevention

Let’s have a look at some of the tips that are useful in mitigating the probability of infertility issue in both men and women:

  • Make sure to avoid use of tobacco, smoking, and drinking alcohol.
  • Try staying away from high temperatures like bathing in hot tubes as it reduces the sperm production.
  • Don’t consume unnecessary medications.
  • Keep yourself involved in daily activities or exercise at least half an hour a day.
  • It is advisable to restrict the use or limit the caffeine consumption.
  • Ensure avoiding weight extremes such as being overweight or underweight. It leads to affecting the production of your hormones and causes infertility.

Final thoughts

Infertility causes different challenges in a couples or an individual’s life. It can also lead to affecting relationships and emotional well-being. The most important thing you should know is it’s not your fault. It is a health problem that requires treatment and medication. All you have to do is find a reliable and renowned infertility specialist who can guide you with everything and ensure that the journey is smooth for you. There are countless treatments available these days and thanks to assisted reproductive technology that has been fulfilling the lives of countless couples with their little bundle of joy. If you are also willing to achieve pregnancy, then begin your search and enjoy the journey.

Crysta IVF is one of the best and renowned infertility services around the country at present offering infertility treatments accessibility to every couple experiencing this health condition. With our experienced and talented team of infertility specialists, we have also won the best company award in the state-of-the-art technology services in the reproductive field by ET. We are everyday working hard to fulfill the dream for couples who have lost all their hopes. We give wings to those dreams and make them come true with our finest services. If you are struggling with infertility, we will make the journey smooth for you.