Introduction
In this article, we will define infertility and examine the factors affecting fertility in males and females.
One in seven couples has trouble conceiving.
If you’re having trouble conceiving, you’re not alone. One in seven couples has difficulty conceiving, and it is normal for you to feel upset and irritated. You may also lose hope, and jealousy and anger may arise, hurting your relationship. However, you’re not alone; our clinicians are here to help you.
How is infertility defined?
Let’s start by defining the term infertility itself. Most literature defines the term infertility as the inability to achieve pregnancy, and this is usually after one year of unprotected sex. Now, if you’ve been trying to have a child for more than a year, then you should get in touch with one of our clinicians for advice.
Although the above definition defines infertility as being unable to achieve pregnancy within or after one year, once you are above the age of 35 and have not fallen pregnant within six months – we advise you to contact one of our clinicians sooner.
When do you think I should seek advice right away?
The critical thing to remember here is that if you have or suspect that you may have an underlying medical problem, you should seek advice immediately from one of our clinicians sooner.
For example, you may have an issue with your menstrual cycle, and this is where your periods are not regular; or if you’re aware that your partner may have fertility problems, then you should be getting in touch with our professionals, as mentioned earlier, as soon as possible.
Causes for infertility
Many factors cause infertility. The first one we will explore is the release of the mature egg from a female ovary. This is also known as ovulation and accounts for 25% of all infertility cases. A brief overview of ovulation is the release of a mature egg from a female ovary. For this to occur, various hormones will be playing an important role – the hormones include,
1) progesterone,
2) follicle-stimulating hormone and
3) luteinising hormone, amongst others –
all of which you can think of as part of an orchestra playing an essential role in ensuring that the body is prepared for pregnancy. It’s a very complex process, and any issues with the hormones, the timings of hormones released or the levels of hormones being produced can lead to infertility.
The second factor to consider is the fallopian tubes. These tubes are essential for the movement of the egg and the mating of the sperm. If the tubes are closed, this may also lead to fertility issues.
The third factor we are going to consider is the male factor itself. 40% of cases of infertility in a couple may be a result of issues with the male partner. Problems leading to infertility can involve the amount of sperm being produced, the quality of sperm being created and the shape of the sperm being produced. In addition, there may be issues of obstruction where the sperm itself is normal, but because of obstruction, the sperm are unable to be released into the fluid, which is necessary for sperm movement.
The fourth factor is age. However, delaying pregnancy is a common choice for men and women today. It’s important to remember that as you age, the quantity and quality of the eggs remaining declines, which can also affect your chances of pregnancy.
Other causes of infertility and treatment options
Other factors can also affect the chances of pregnancy, some of which include 1. genetic abnormalities, 2. lifestyle, and 3. mental health.
But help is available.
Our clinicians understand this can be a difficult time for you and your partner, but treatment options are available. Some of these include IVF, infertility medicines, stem cell therapy and more.
To discuss treatment options, book a consultation now and speak to one of our clinicians – because you’re not alone!
