Introduction
Here, you will learn about infertility signs, symptoms, and causes.
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse (or six months if the woman is over 35). It can be a complex condition with various signs, symptoms, and causes.
What is Infertility?
Infertility is when you have trouble getting pregnant or staying pregnant. Fertility problems can happen in people of all genders and can have many causes. fertility problem is common. You’re generally diagnosed with infertility if you don’t get pregnant after 1 year or more of trying. multiple miscarriages are also an indication of this problem.
It is a myth to say that fertility is just a “woman’s problem” or an issue with age. Lots of things can lead to infertility, and it can affect people of all sexes. When a couple has a hard time getting pregnant they are usually tested for infertility.
Causes of Infertility
There are lots of possible causes of infertility in women such as-
- Ovulation Disorders-Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems, hyperprolactinemia, and premature ovarian insufficiency. These conditions can prevent the release of eggs (ovulation).
- Fallopian Tube Damage or Blockage- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg.
- Endometriosis- Endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, scarring, and sometimes blockages. It can impair the function of the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
- Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities- Uterine fibroids, polyps, or an abnormally shaped uterus. These abnormalities can interfere with implantation or increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Pelvic Adhesions- It can causes the reproductive organs to stick together, making it difficult for the egg to be fertilized or for the embryo to implant.
Infertility in men
- low sperm count
- poor sperm motility (when sperm doesn’t swim well enough to reach an egg)
- sperm that aren’t formed correctly
- semen that’s too thick for sperm to move around in it easily
- no sperm in your semen
Certain health and lifestyle factors can increase your chances of having fertility problems. They include:
- Being older than 35 (for women)
- Being very overweight or underweight
- Chemotherapy or radiation
- Lots of exposure to environmental toxins, like lead or pesticides
- Excessive drug or alcohol use
- Smoking cigarettes
- Not getting recommended testing for chlamydia/gonorrhea
- A history of (PID)
- Injury to the scrotum and testes
- Overheated testicles (from wearing clothing that’s too tight, or swimming or bathing in hot water often and recently)
- Having an undescended testicle