Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to full term after 12 months or more of unprotected intercourse. It affects an estimated 15% of couples worldwide. There are many potential causes of infertility in both women and men.
Some key facts about infertility:
- It is often caused by problems with ovulation in women, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Up to 30% of infertility cases are due to ovulation disorders.
- In men, the most common causes are low sperm count or poor sperm quality. Up to 30% of cases are due to male factor infertility.
- Age is also a major factor. A woman's fertility starts to decline significantly after age 35. Male fertility can also decrease with age.
- In 30-40% of cases, infertility is caused by a combination of problems in both partners.
- Unexplained infertility accounts for around 30% of cases.
- Risk factors include smoking, alcohol abuse, being overweight or underweight, and stress.
So what are the main
treatment options for infertility?
- For women, the first line of treatment is usually fertility drugs to help with ovulation. Other options include artificial insemination and surgery.
- For men, treatments can include medications, surgery, or assisted reproduction techniques like IVF.
- IVF involves fertilizing the egg with sperm in a lab and then transferring the embryo into the uterus. It has high success rates but is expensive.
- Other assisted reproductive technologies like ICSI (direct sperm injection) may also be used.
The emotional toll of infertility can be significant. Many couples describe it as an isolating, frustrating journey. Support groups and counseling are recommended to help cope with the stress.
Dealing with infertility can be challenging, but new technologies and treatment options are steadily improving success rates.