Infertility Problems
Causes and Diagnosis Of Underlying Infertility Problems
It has been estimated that as many as 1 in 10 couples of
reproductive age will have infertility issue when they attempt
to conceive a child. Infertility is officially diagnosed when
a couple has been having properly timed intercourse for one
year without achieving pregnancy. There are many problems
related to infertility, with some being even unexplained infertility.
Identifying Fertility Issues
If a couple below 30 has been trying for one year or more
without success, or if an older couple has been trying for
6 months without success, then a medical workup will be needed
to identify what infertility problems are present. Initial
testing can be done by a gynecologist or obstetrician, who
is able to determine whether or not a woman is ovulating and
can interpret the results of a semen analysis. Beyond these
basic tests, couples should also make an effort to seek treatment
from a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist
whose specialty is infertility. These doctors and clinics
can perform more sophisticated tests to find out the root
problems of infertility for you.
Female Infertility
Maternal age is one of the biggest causes of infertility
problems in women. On top of that, some women do not ovulate
regularly due to several factors such as a hormonal imbalance,
excessive stress, drastic weight gain or loss, too much exercise,
eating disorders like anorexia, and hormonal imbalances. PCOS
or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a disorder in which multiple
cysts form on the ovaries, causing infertility problems.
Structural issues such as scar tissue in the abdomen, which
might have resulted from previous trauma, surgeries including
caesarian sections, a disorder called endometriosis, and sexually
transmitted diseases, they can potentially interfere with
ovulation and can also block the fallopian tubes, which is
responsible for transporting eggs from the ovary to the uterus.
Polyps in the cervix or uterus also contribute to infertility
problems in women, when they prevent fertilized eggs from
successfully implanting.
Male Infertility
Male infertility problems happen when men either do not produce
enough sperm or when the sperm they do produce is damaged.
Unlike women, men will constantly produce fresh sperm, and
men can conceive children well even when they are in their
older adult years. There are several problems that might lead
to sperm production, such as stress, genetic disorders that
affect sperm shape or mobility, and autoimmune disorders in
which men produce antibodies against their own sperm. In addition,
high scrotal temperatures, including varicose veins in the
testes, wearing tight underwear, and regular use of hot tubs
or saunas are all major causes of infertility problems in
men.
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