How Infertility Affects Men and Women

Infertility affects millions of people worldwide, yet it’s often kept hidden due to feelings of shame or embarrassment. It’s time to break the silence and talk openly about this common issue. To better understand the problem’s scope, let’s look at some statistics before exploring treatment options.

Globally, 1 in 6 couples struggles with infertility (Source: World Health Organization).
In India alone, over 27 million couples face infertility issues (Source: Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction).
Infertility affects both males and females equally, with 30-40% of cases attributed to male factors, 30-40% to female factors, and 20-30% to unexplained or combined factors.

These statistics underscore the significance of infertility as a public health concern. Moreover, the emotional toll of infertility should not be underestimated. The journey to parenthood can be fraught with anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.

At Imprimis IVF, we’re dedicated to helping individuals and couples build their families. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the complex issue of infertility, including its causes, signs, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is Infertility?

Infertility is when a person or couple has trouble getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to full term. It’s a common problem that many different things, such as medical issues, lifestyle choices, or genetic factors can cause.

Defining Infertility

So, how do we define infertility? Well, doctors say that if a couple:

– Has regular, unprotected sex for a year (or 6 months if the woman is over 35) and still can’t get pregnant, they might have infertility issues.

Types of Infertility

Infertility falls into two main groups:

Primary Infertility: This means a couple has never been able to get pregnant.
Secondary Infertility: This means a couple has gotten pregnant before, but is having trouble getting pregnant again.

Understanding what infertility is and how it’s defined can help us better tackle the issue. Next, we’ll explore what causes infertility.

Causes of Infertility

Infertility isn’t just one problem – it’s often a mix of different issues that can affect many people. To create a treatment plan that works, it’s essential to understand what’s causing the issue.

Causes of Infertility in Male:

Low sperm count: 1 in 5 males have low sperm count, which can reduce fertility.
Poor sperm motility: 1 in 3 males have poor sperm motility, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg (Source: Mayo Clinic)
Varicocele: A common condition where the veins in the scrotum become enlarged, affecting sperm quality.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive drinking, and obesity can all impact male fertility

Causes of Infertility in Females

Ovulation disorders: 1 in 4 females with infertility issues have ovulation disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (Source: American Society for Reproductive Medicine)
Tubal damage: Damage to the fallopian tubes can prevent sperm from reaching the egg (Source: Mayo Clinic)
Endometriosis: A condition where tissue grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation and scarring.
Age-related factors: Females fertility declines with age, especially after 35 years old

By understanding the causes of infertility, individuals and couples can take the first step towards seeking effective treatment and achieving their reproductive goals.

Signs and Symptoms of Infertility

Infertility can be a silent struggle, but there are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate a problem:

Irregular periods or ovulation issues in females (affecting 1 in 5 females with infertility) (Source: American Society for Reproductive Medicine)
Low sperm count or poor sperm motility in males (affecting 1 in 3 males with infertility) (Source: Mayo Clinic)
Painful or heavy periods, pelvic pain, or vaginal discharge in females (potential signs of endometriosis or other underlying conditions)
Erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, or testicular pain in males (potential signs of underlying hormonal or medical issues)

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about your fertility, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the chances of conception.

Diagnosis and Testing of Infertility

Diagnosing infertility is like being on a journey to build your family, but first, you need to uncover the obstacles that are standing in your way.

Here’s an overview of the diagnosis and testing process:

Initial Consultation: A healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical history, and physical exam, and discuss lifestyle habits. (Source: American Society for Reproductive Medicine)
Semen Analysis: A semen test checks the health of a man’s sperm, looking at how many there are, how well they move, and what shape they are. (1 in 3 males with infertility have abnormal semen analysis results) (Source: Mayo Clinic)
Ovulation Testing: Females may undergo ovulation testing, such as basal body temperature charting or ovulation predictor kits. (1 in 5 women with infertility have ovulation disorders) (Source: American Society for Reproductive Medicine)
Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, hysterosalpingogram (HSG), or other imaging tests may be used to evaluate the reproductive organs. (HSG is used to diagnose tubal damage or blockage in 1 in 4 females with infertility) (Source: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)

Treatment Options for Infertility

It can be a challenging and emotional experience, but there is hope. With advancements in medical technology and a range of treatment options available, many individuals and couples can overcome infertility and build their families.

Medications and Hormonal Treatments

Medications and hormonal treatments are often the first line of treatment for infertility. These can include:

Clomiphene citrate (Clomid): A medication that stimulates ovulation in females (success rate: 20-60% per cycle) (Source: American Society for Reproductive Medicine).
Gonadotropins: Hormonal injections that stimulate ovulation in females (success rate: 30-50% per cycle) (Source: Mayo Clinic)
Testosterone replacement therapy: Hormonal treatment for males with low testosterone levels (success rate: varies depending on individual circumstances) (Source: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

ART includes a range of treatments that involve assisted fertilization or implantation. These can include:

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): It is when eggs are fertilized in a lab and then placed in the uterus. For females under 35, the success rate is around 40-50% per attempt.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A procedure where a single sperm is injected into an egg (success rate: 30-40% per cycle) (Source: American Society for Reproductive Medicine)
Donor Eggs or Sperm: Using donated eggs or sperm to facilitate fertilization (success rate: varies depending on individual circumstances) (Source: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)

Surgical Options

Surgical options may be necessary to treat underlying medical conditions or to repair damaged reproductive organs. These can include:

Tubal reversal surgery: A procedure to reverse tubal ligation (success rate: 50-70% per cycle) (Source: American Society for Reproductive Medicine)
Vasectomy reversal surgery: A procedure to reverse vasectomy (success rate: 50-70% per cycle) (Source: Mayo Clinic)

Lifestyle Changes to Boost Fertility

Making healthy lifestyle changes can significantly improve your chances of getting pregnant. Boost your fertility with these simple yet powerful strategies:

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps to boost ovulation and sperm quality.
Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity can improve fertility.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Healthy Eating for Fertility: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet.
Find Your Calm: Too much stress can make it harder to get pregnant, so taking time to relax and unwind is important for your fertility.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can damage reproductive organs and reduce fertility.

By incorporating these lifestyle changes, you can improve your overall health and increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Conclusion

Infertility can be a tough and emotional journey, but with the right help, you can get through it. Understanding the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options is key to making informed decisions about your reproductive health.

Why Choose Imprimis?

At Imprimis, we get how complex and sensitive infertility can be. Our team of experts uses the latest tech and proven treatments to help you achieve your dreams.

What You Can Expect from Imprimis:

Get care that’s designed specifically for your situation
Access to the latest reproductive technologies
We’ll be with you every step of the journey, offering help and support whenever you need it.