Infertility is a condition where couples are unable to conceive after regular unprotected sex. In men, it is biological inability to assist conception. In females, it is inability to carry pregnancy to full term. Nowadays, treatments are available to help infertile couples have babies and enjoy the bliss of parenthood. Infertility Treatments are artificial insemination, IUI, IVF, and ICSI. These treatments require one or more of the procedures such as Blastocyst culture, Laser assisted hatching, retrieval of sperm by TESA, PESA and MESA.
Causes of Female Infertility
Many things may be keeping you from getting pregnant. Hormonal changes leads to ovary not releasing eggs or uterus lining is thick. Polycystic ovary syndrome, the hormone imbalance affecting ovulation. It causes Insulin resistance, obesity, abnormal hair growth on the face or body. Other reasons:
- Cervix issues: In some women, the cervix prevents the entry of the sperm through the cervical canal.
- Premature Ovarian Failure when ovaries release premature egg.
- Follicle – Stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. These two hormones produced by the pituitary gland are responsible for stimulating monthly ovulation. Excess physical or emotional stress, a very high or very low body weight, or a recent substantial weight gain or loss can disrupt production of these hormones and affect ovulation.
- Tubal Infertility – In this condition it’s very difficult to pass fertilized egg into the uterus. This is because of damaged or blocked Fallopian. The causes of Tubal Infertility are Pelvic inflammatory disease, previous surgery in the abdomen, pelvis, ectopic pregnancy and also pelvic tuberculosis.
- Endometriosis – Endometriosis is a medical condition in which the tissue that builds the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterine cavity. Endometrium is lining uterus. When the endometrium grows in the ovaries, it affects the bowel and tissues lining on the pelvis. Also, it is unusual for endometrial tissue to spread beyond the pelvic region.
Besides the above listed reasons, unexplained infertility can also be a hurdle for pregnancy. That means the doctors cannot find a reason why pregnancy is not occurring.
Infertility FAQs
Causes of Male Infertility
It has many causes of hormonal imbalances, genetic defects, physical problems, psychological and behavioral problems. More than 90% of male infertility is due to low sperm counts and/or poor sperm quality. Moreover, fertility reflects a man’s overall health.
- Semen – Semen or Seminal fluid are same. Abnormal semen (the fluid containing sperm that is ejaculated during sex) is the most common reason for Male Infertility. Some possible reasons for abnormal semen are very low sperm count, sperm mobility and, abnormal shape of sperms (hard to move and fertilize an egg).
- Testicles – Testicles produce and store semen. Damaged testicles may seriously affect the quality of semen. The reason of testicle damage is the infection in the testicles, cancer, any injury or surgery, a congenital defect.
- Ejaculation Disorders – Some men have difficultly to ejaculate. Two other ejaculation problems are retrograde and premature ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation is when semen is ejaculated into a bladder. Premature ejaculation when ejaculation is too quickly.
- Hypogonadism – This is a condition for the abnormally low level of testosterone. Hormones could cause havoc during puberty. They could impair masculine growth, thereby affecting ability to produce sperm. The reason of Hypogonadism is the tumor, illegal drugs or Klinefelter’s syndrome.
Cost of Infertility Treatment
The cost of Infertility Treatment varies from $250 to $8000 depending on other factors and one geographic area to another.
Infertility Symptoms
Women Infertility Symptoms
The menstrual cycle and ovulation changes are some symptoms of infertility. Abnormal or irregular periods and bleeding, no periods, painful periods, and hormone problem are common infertility symptoms. Others are acne, sex drive and mood swings. Majority of women also experience dark hair growth on the lips, chest, and chin, hair loss, and weight gain.
Male Infertility Symptoms
Infertility symptoms in men may be very unclear. These symptoms depend on infertility causes. They could be hair growth changes or changes in sexual desire. Other symptoms are testicles swelling, lump or pain, erections /ejaculation problem and small, firm testicles.