Symptoms
Despite having regular, unprotected sex for a year or longer.
Inconsistent or absent periods can indicate ovulation problems.
Symptoms such as hair loss, weight gain, or abnormal hair growth in women, and changes in sexual function or decreased facial or body hair in men.
Pain during sex can be a sign of underlying issues.
Problems with erections, ejaculation, or reduced sexual desire.
Causes
Infertility can arise from issues in the male or female reproductive systems or a combination of both.
Ovulation Disorders: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid problems.
Fallopian Tube Damage or Blockage: Often caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or previous surgeries.
Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities: Including polyps, fibroids, or structural anomalies.
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Early menopause or decreased ovarian reserve.
Endometriosis: Tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it, causing fertility issues.
Sperm Disorders: Low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm shape.
Testicular Damage: Due to injury, infection, or surgeries.
Hormonal Imbalances: Issues with the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or testicles.
Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum that can affect sperm production.
Genetic Disorders: Such as Klinefelter syndrome or cystic fibrosis.
Risk Factors
Fertility declines with age, especially for women after age 35.
Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and drug abuse.
Can affect hormone levels and ovulation.
Can cause damage to the reproductive organs.
Such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders.
Exposure to toxins and chemicals.
Investigations
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To identify any underlying conditions or risk factors.
To check hormone levels.
Semen Analysis (Men): To evaluate sperm count, motility, and morphology.
Ovulation Testing (Women): To confirm if and when ovulation is occurring.
Imaging Tests: Such as ultrasound, hysterosalpingography (HSG) to check for blockages in the fallopian tubes, or laparoscopy for a closer look at the reproductive organs.
Genetic Testing: To identify any chromosomal abnormalities.
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Management
Improving diet, exercise, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, and managing stress.
Clomiphene Citrate: To induce ovulation in women.
HormoneTreatments: Such as gonadotropins or thyroid medications.
Antibiotics: To treat infections.
Laparoscopy: To remove endometriosis, fibroids, or adhesions.
Hysteroscopy: To remove uterine polyps or fibroids.
Varicocelectomy: Surgery to repair varicocele in men.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Sperm is directly placed into the uterus.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Eggs are fertilized with sperm in a lab, and the embryo is implanted into the uterus.
IntracytoplasmicSperm Injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
Infertility can be emotionally challenging, so counseling or joining a support group can be beneficial for individuals and couples to cope with the stress and emotional aspects of infertility and its treatment.
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