İnfertility refers to the inability of couples to achieve pregnancy despite regular sexual intercourse. This condition can stem from both female and male factors, and it has various possible causes. Here are some key points you should know about infertility:
Causes:
Female Factors: Factors such as structural issues in the uterus, hormonal imbalances, diminished ovarian reserve, and tubal blockages.
Male Factors: Issues related to sperm quality, including sperm count, motility, and morphology.
Common Factors: Conditions like menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis.
Age: Aging in both women and men can have negative effects on fertility.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors: Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity can also impact infertility.
Diagnosis: The diagnosis of infertility begins when a couple is unable to conceive after one year of regular sexual intercourse. Both the woman and the man undergo a series of tests. For women, methods such as hormonal tests, ultrasound, and tubal patency tests may be employed. Men may undergo sperm analysis and hormonal tests.
Treatment: Infertility treatment varies based on the underlying causes. Treatment options may include:
Hormonal Treatments: Medications to correct hormonal imbalances.
Surgical Interventions: Surgical procedures to address abnormalities in the ovaries or uterus.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Fertilization of eggs and sperm in a laboratory, with the resulting embryo placed in the uterus.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Direct placement of sperm into the uterus.
Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking/alcohol use.
Infertility can have emotional and psychological impacts on couples. The treatment process varies depending on factors such as the couple’s age, health status, and underlying causes. Couples facing infertility should collaborate with a healthcare professional to evaluate suitable treatment options and seek support.
