Infertility
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after 12 months or more of unprotected sexual intercourse. Currently, ~12% of couples in the US experience trouble conceiving or sustaining a pregnancy during their lifetimes. However, men and women are affected equally by infertility issues. According to the CDC, the following are the most common causes of infertility:
In women: * Ovulation disorders - ~25% of infertility cases * Problems in Fallopian tubes; blocked or damaged tubes * Endometriosis - impacts 1 in 10 women
In men: * Low or absent sperm counts * Low sperm motility * Varioceles * Undescended testicles
There are also other factors that can impede conception: * Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) * Problems with the cervix * Uterine fibroids * Obesity * Stress * Genetic disorders * Chronic health conditions * Tobacco, alcohol or drug use
So in summary, infertility is a complex medical diagnosis that affects a sizable portion of couples trying to conceive. It can originate from issues in either partner or a combination of factors, so full medical evaluations are crucial when issues with fertility arise. If problems persist for over a year, it's recommended to schedule appointments with both a reproductive endocrinologist and a fertility specialist.
With today's ever-advancing reproductive technologies, most cases of infertility can be overcome through procedures like hormone treatments, surgery, or assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures like; * In vitro fertilization (IVF) * Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) * Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT) * Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
So in general, the prognosis for infertile couples is improving, thanks to the expanding array of options out there. Stay positive and proactively work with doctors to explore all solutions. Overcoming infertility nowadays is more feasible than it ever was before.