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What is Infertility?
Infertility is a medical condition characterized by the inability of a couple to conceive a child despite regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for a prolonged period, typically around one year. It can affect both males and females and it is crucial to seek appropriate medical intervention.
Female infertility means that a woman has trouble getting pregnant even after trying to have a baby for a long time. It can happen for various reasons, like problems with releasing eggs from the ovaries, issues with the tubes that carry eggs and sperm, or problems with the uterus, where a baby grows. Sometimes, hormonal imbalances or health conditions can also make it hard for a woman to get pregnant. Age can also play a role, as it might become more difficult to have a baby as a woman gets older.
Symptoms
- Irregular menstrual cycles or absence of periods
- Painful or abnormal periods could indicate conditions like endometriosis
- Hormonal imbalances lead to excessive hair growth, acne, or weight gain
- Pain during intercourse may point to issues like pelvic inflammatory disease
- Recurrent miscarriages
Causes
1
Ovulation disorders
Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt regular ovulation
2
Fallopian tube issues
Damage to or blockage of fallopian tubes can hinder the passage of eggs
3
Uterine abnormalities
Abnormalities in the structure of the uterus can affect implantation
4
Endometriosis
The tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside, causing inflammation and scarring
5
Age
Fertility decreases with age as the quality and quantity of eggs decline
Male infertility means that a man has difficulties making a woman pregnant, even though they are trying to have a baby. This usually happens because the man's sperm, which is needed to make a baby, might not be working well or there might not be enough of them. There could be various reasons for this, like problems with the testicles that make the sperm, issues with how the sperm moves, or hormonal imbalances. Lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or certain health conditions can also affect a man's ability to make a woman pregnant.
Symptoms
- Changes in sexual desire or difficulty maintaining an erection
- Pain, swelling, or lump in the testicles
- Abnormal ejaculations, like low volume or pain during ejaculation
Causes
1
Low sperm count
Insufficient production of sperm can reduce the chances of
fertilization
2
Abnormal sperm function
Sperm with poor motility or abnormal morphology may struggle to reach and penetrate the egg
3
Varicocele
Swelling of veins in the scrotum can affect sperm production
4
Hormonal imbalances
Issues with hormones like testosterone can impact sperm production
5
Genetic factors
Genetic disorders can lead to abnormal reproductive function
Shared Causes
Lifestyle Factors
Poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug abuse can affect fertility for both genders
Medical Conditions
Chronic diseases like diabetes or autoimmune disorders can contribute to infertility
Environmental Factors
Exposure to toxins and pollutants can harm reproductive health
Stress
High stress levels can disrupt hormonal balance and fertility