Infertility

Infertility is a term used to describe a couple who are not able to conceive despite having frequent unprotected sex for at least a year.

Primary Infertility: If a couple cannot conceive at all.
Secondary Infertility: When a couple have had one or more babies, miscarriages or still births.

Being Fertile Needs:

• A healthy sperm & egg
• Unblocked fallopian tubes
• A healthy normal uterus
• A healthy fertilized egg able to implant in the uterus
• An adequate hormonal environment for the embryo to develop till full term

Causes of Infertility

a) Causes of Infertility in Males

• Low thyroid function
• Low or absent sperm production
• Abnormal sperm function
• Varicocele (dilatation of the veins associated with the spermatic cord in the testes)
• Birth defects

b) Causes of Infertility in Females

• Ovulation problems caused by diseases, birth defects, or abnormal hormonal production
• Hormonal imbalances: Female reproductive hormones are designed to initiate the maturation and release of the egg while preparing the uterus for implantation and maintaining the endometrial thickness throughout the pregnancy.
• Abnormality in female anatomy, including tubal ligation
• Inflammation causing adhesions and scar tissue such as in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Endometriosis

Ten to twenty percent of infertility cases are unexplainable. Treating infertility depends on the underlying cause.

Patient Advocates can provide information & help on this condition. They can be contacted HERE.