Infertility is described as the diminished ability or inability to conceive and have offspring. A couple is considered to be infertile if they have failed to conceive after twelve months of regular sexual intercourse without contraception. Women over 30 are considered infertile after six months. Women who continue to miscarry are also considered infertile.
Infertility is also subdivided into two groups: primary and secondary. Couples that have primary infertility are those that have never had a child. Couples with secondary infertility are those that have had a child in the past, but are unable to have one now. This includes those couples who have undergone sterilization procedures and have changed their mind.
Infertility rates have been increasing worldwide for some time. A major contributing factor is that the number of women having their first child after age 30 has quadrupled since the 1970s. The chance of a woman becoming infertile increases 3 to 5% each year after age 30.
Studies have shown that approximately one third of infertility cases are due to female causes, one third due to male causes, and the other one third are mutual or unexplained.
The most common reason for infertility in men is low sperm count. There are several common reasons for infertility in women, including failure to ovulate, blocked fallopian tubes and antibodies to a partner’s sperm. Psychological issues may contribute as well.
Infertility can be caused by many things: disease, fibroids, diabetes, pollution, stress and age are just a few. Fortunately, with advances in medicine, most of these causes are now treatable. Some of the common treatments include assisted conception and fertility drugs. Other techniques may be used as well, such as in vitro fertilization or surrogacy.
If you have been unsuccessfully trying to conceive for over a year, or for six months if you are a woman over 30, you should see your doctor. As with any health problem, it is important that you seek diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
Infertility can be a difficult trial for a couple to deal with. The good news is that many couples who are treated for infertility are eventually able to have children.
