Infertility

Reproductive endocrinologists, the doctors specializing in infertility, consider a couple to be infertile if:

It is estimated that one in six couples face difficulties in conceiving. There is no sex bias in the cause of infertility; it may be caused due to woman (female factors) and/or due to the man (male factors) or unknown factors.

The main symptom of infertility is inability for a couple to get pregnant. There may be no other obvious symptom, though in some cases an infertile woman may have abnormal menstrual periods and an infertile man may have some signs of hormonal problems.

Causes of female infertility: The human reproductive process is complex something going wrong in this complex process, results in infertility.

Infertility in female is often caused by:

• Most common cause of female infertility is fallopian tube damage or blockage.
• Uterine tissue implants and grows outside of the uterus- Endometriosis.
• Irregularities in the hormone system lead to ovulatory disorder.
• High levels of prolactin in women who aren't pregnant or nursing may affect ovulation.
• When body produces too much androgen hormone, which affects ovulation and causes irregular menstruation is known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
• The absence of menstruation and the early depletion of ovarian follicles before age 35 known as early menopause.
• Fibroids, benign tumors in the wall of the uterus, are common in women in their 30s. Occasionally they may cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes.
• Bands of scar tissue that binds to the organs after pelvic infection, appendicitis, or abdominal or pelvic surgery. This scar tissue formation may impair fertility.
• Other causes includes certain medications which may cause temporary infertility, thyroid problems, cancer and it treatment, other medical conditions like HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, diabetes, etc.

Causes of Male Infertility

Infertility in men is most often caused by:

• Problems making sperm -- producing too few sperms or none at all
• Problems with the sperm's ability to reach the egg and fertilize it
• Sometimes a man is born with the problems that affect his sperm. Other times problems start later in life due to illness or injury.
• At times infection(s) may temporarily affect sperm motility. Repeated bouts of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are most often associated with male infertility.
• A man's general health and lifestyle may affect fertility like emotional stress, malnutrition, obesity, etc.
• Overexposure to certain environmental elements such as heat, toxins and chemicals can reduce sperm count either directly by affecting testicular function or indirectly by altering the male hormonal system

Treatment:

Treatment of infertility depends on the cause, how long infertility has been, the age of the partners and many personal preferences. Some causes of infertility can't be corrected.

In Females

In Males

• General sexual problems: Addressing impotence or premature ejaculation can improve fertility. Treatment for these problems often is with medication or behavioral approaches.
• Lack of sperm: Surgery or hormones to correct the problem or use of assisted reproductive technology is sometimes possible.
• Electrical or vibratory stimulation to achieve ejaculation: It brings about ejaculation to obtain semen.
• Surgical sperm aspiration: This technique involves removing sperm from part of the male reproductive tract such as the epididymis, vas deferens or testicle. This allows retrieval of sperm if the ejaculatory duct is blocked

A woman can increase her chances of becoming pregnant in a number of ways:

• Exercise moderately: Regular exercise is important, but if exercising intensely that periods are infrequent or absent, fertility may be impaired.
• Avoid weight extremes: Being overweight or underweight can affect hormone production and cause infertility.
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco and street drugs: These substances may impair ability to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy.
• Limit caffeine: Women trying to get pregnant may want to limit caffeine intake to no more than 250 milligrams of caffeine a day (one or two cups of coffee).
• Limit medications: The use of both prescription and nonprescription drugs can decrease chance of getting pregnant or keeping a pregnancy. Talk with the doctor about any medications taken regularly.