Infertility

Key Points

Overview

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after a year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. For women aged 36 and over, or those with known fertility concerns, seeking medical advice sooner is recommended. About 1 in 7 couples experience difficulty getting pregnant. More than 80% of couples where the woman is under 40 will conceive naturally within a year. However, for those trying for over three years, the natural conception rate drops significantly. Infertility can be primary, meaning someone has never conceived before, or secondary, meaning they have conceived in the past but are now struggling again. Diagnosis and treatment typically begin after two years of trying to conceive. Medical professionals can identify common causes and suggest appropriate treatments to help couples achieve pregnancy.

Signs and Symptoms

• Inability to conceive after 1 year of trying
• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
• Pain during periods or sexual intercourse
• Problems with sexual function
• Symptoms of hormonal imbalance

Things That Increase the Risk

• Increasing age for both partners
• Being overweight or obese
• Being severely underweight (in women)
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Smoking, including passive smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Exposure to certain environmental toxins
• High stress levels

Diagnosis

• Initial consultation with a doctor
• Review of medical history for both partners
• Physical examinations
• Tests to check for regular ovulation in women
• Semen analysis to assess sperm quality in men
• Checks for blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
• Screening for conditions like endometriosis

Treatment & Management

• Medical treatment for ovulation problems
• Surgical procedures for conditions like endometriosis
• Repair of fallopian tubes or removal of uterine scarring
• Assisted conception methods like IUI (intrauterine insemination)
• IVF (in vitro fertilization)
• Lifestyle adjustments to improve fertility

Prevention

• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Practice safe sex to prevent STIs
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake
• Manage stress effectively
• Limit exposure to environmental toxins
• Seek medical advice if struggling to conceive after a year

Related Diseases

• Endometriosis
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Chlamydia
• Ectopic Pregnancy

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Infertility:

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Infertility: