Basics of Infertility

June 22, 2008

Infertility is the inability to obtain pregnancy after one year of trying. Even if a woman manages to become pregnant but miscarriages; it is still called infertility. It is thought that up to 15% of the American population has infertility problems. This means that only 85% of couples manage to obtain pregnancy after a year of trying. However in recent years, infertility is on the rise not only in the U.S.A. but throughout the world.

Infertility is not always a woman’s problem. Approximately 40% of infertility is due to a female medical factor and 40% is due to a male reason. Infertility could be due to a single reason in either the male or the female or multiple factors in both that may prevent a pregnancy from occurring or continuing.

Ovulation disorders are the most common causes of infertility in female that includes; chronic conditions such as a cancer or HIV infection. Premature ovarian failure around the age of 40 that prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries or polycystic ovary syndrome and certain thyroid problems that prevents the ovaries from producing an egg are some of the many causes of infertility in females. Another major cause of infertility in females is “endometriosis” i.e. the cells lining the ovaries grow or invade other organs preventing sperm movement. Non-cancer tumors called sub-mucosal fibroids in the womb can also prevent implantation.

In men, infertility can be due to aberrant ejaculation into the bladder termed as “retrograde ejaculation”. Increase in environmental pollutants are now being investigated as causes of infertility such as passive smoking, pesticides and industrial and household solvents that can cause infertility in both men and women.

Most people do not realize that infertility can be a cause of anguish. Encountering infertility is a maddening experience. If a couple believes that they might be suffering from infertility then they should first consult their doctor. Medical treatment of a couple’s infertility is dependent on the causes of infertility. In most cases infertility can be treated with drugs or surgery. After the grounds of infertility are established, infertility treatments that may work for you and your partner can be started.

Infertilty is the inability and sustainability of pregnancy. Though it is on the rise it is nevertheless curable.

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