Infertility is a medical term to describe the inability to have a child. It affects men and women alike.
All women, all men have their own unique fertility profile depending on their age, medical background and fertility test results.
In women, fertility is tested by blood tests for hormonal profiling and also by ultrasound scan and hysterosalpingogram. In men, the most important fertility test is a semen analysis. There are further fertility tests for both men and women, depending on age, fertility history and basic fertility test results.
Infertility affects 1 in 8 couples. So, this means it is quite common issue. Look around you – 1 in 8 of the women you know have trouble getting pregnant or have experienced pregnancy loss.
Infertility is still a taboo in many parts of the world and it has a significant psychological impact on the lives of men and women struggling to become parents. Normalizing infertility and fertility treatments has become a goal to communities around the world.
40% of infertility cases are due to female infertility, another 40% is due to male factors and 20% is unexplained infertility.
Several underlying diseases may be responsible for causing infertility. The most common reasons why you may have difficulty conceiving are unexplained infertility, polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, low ovarian reserve, fallopian tubes issues, premature ovarian failure, uterine abnormalities, advanced maternal age, medication such as chemotherapy.
Infertility affects men as well. According to World Health Organisation, ‘male infertility’ means that sperm has lower count, mobility or morphology than WHO’s criteria. Other male infertility factors include oxidative stress. When there is no sperm in a semen sample, then this condition is called ‘azoospermia’. A testicular biopsy may solve this in some cases.
If the age of the female partner is up to 35 years old, then it is recommended to try to conceive for a full year before consulting a fertility expert. This means having unprotected intercourse during the fertile window.
If the female partner is older than 35 years old, then they are advised to try for 6 months and then consult with a fertility expert. This is because fertility declines with age.
