There are several internal as well as environmental factors that deprive a couple of conceiving and getting pregnant. These factors include problems with egg or sperm production, age, genes, smoking, alcohol consumption, or too much exposure to certain chemicals and toxins. Apart from this, there are certain diseases and conditions that can be blamed when a couple cannot conceive. Some of them are listed below.
Infertility
Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant even after frequent unprotected intercourse.
Symptoms: The most obvious symptom of infertility is inability to get pregnant. Sometimes, irregular or no menstruations may also be an indication. In some cases, men with infertility have been reported to have hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth or sexual function.
Causes:
- Causes Of Infertility In Males: These include an abnormal sperm production or function, problems with the delivery of sperm, or overexposure to certain environmental factors or cancer and its treatment.
- Causes of Infertility In Females: These include ovulation disorders, uterine or cervical abnormalities, fallopian tube damage or blockage, primary ovarian insufficiency (early menopause), pelvic adhesions, or cancer and its treatment.
Risk Factors:
- The risk factors of infertility include older age, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, being overweight or underweight, and exercise issues.
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- Diagnosis For Men: These include semen analysis, hormone testing, genetic testing, testicular biopsy, imaging tests, and other specialty testing.
- Diagnosis For Women: These include ovulation testing, hysterosalpingography, ovarian reserve testing, other hormone testing, imaging tests, hysteroscopy, and laparoscopy.
- Treatment For Men: These include making lifestyle modifications, surgery, medications, and sperm retrieval.
- Treatment For Women: These include stimulating ovulation with fertility drugs, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and surgery to restore fertility to name a few procedures.