Infertility refers to the inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term after 1 year of having unprotected, regular sexual intercourse without conception. It affects an estimated 1 in 8 couples globally.
The causes behind infertility are complex and can involve both partners. In roughly one-third of cases, infertility is due to female factors such as:
- Ovulation disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Poor egg quality
In another one-third of cases, male factors are the main cause:
- Abnormal sperm production or function
- Issues like varicoceles affecting the veins in the scrotum
The remaining one-third of cases involve both partners or have no identified cause.
There are various tests to diagnose the root cause of infertility. For women, these may check ovulation, uterine abnormalities, blocked tubes and more. Semen analysis is a key test for men to analyze sperm count, shape and movement.
Today there are also several treatment options depending on the cause:
- Fertility medications to stimulate ovulation
- Surgery to repair reproductive organs
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART) like IVF to help achieve conception
The emotional toll of struggling with infertility should not be underestimated. Many couples describe profound feelings of grief, loss of control, stress and relationship strain. Support groups and mental health counseling can greatly help to cope.
The good news is the outlook for overcoming infertility is better today than ever before due to medical advances. With timely evaluation and access to appropriate treatment, the vast majority of couples facing infertility challenges can successfully have a child.
I tried to provide an informative overview touching on key aspects like prevalence, causes, diagnosis and treatment options related to the complex topic of infertility. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!