Fast facts:
Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after a year or more of regular, unprotected sex. It affects both men and women.
Common causes of female infertility include disruption of ovarian function, uterine or cervical abnormalities, and fallopian tube obstruction.
Male infertility often stems from issues with sperm production.
Consult a reproductive specialist if you are 35 or older and have tried unsuccessfully to conceive for six months. Or, if you are younger than 35 and tried unsuccessfully to conceive for a year.
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Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after a year or more of regular, unprotected sex.
A variety of factors may contribute to male and female infertility. Here’s a closer look at common fertility issues, including answers to frequently asked questions.
For an overview of infertility warning signs and treatment options, read What to Know About Infertility.
Female infertility often stems from a complication with the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus.
Cancer of reproductive organs and their treatment may also affect a woman’s fertility.
Most cases of male infertility relate to issues with sperm production, including sperm quantity and quality. A low sperm count is typically defined as less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
There are multiple causes of abnormal sperm production or function.
Cancer treatment including radiation and chemotherapy can also affect sperm production.
The length of a menstrual period varies from one woman to another. It can also fluctuate from one month to another as a result of travel, stress, illness, or other factors. A cycle is considered irregular if it is shorter than 21 days or longer than 35.
Many women with irregular menstrual periods can become pregnant. However, an irregular period may be the result of a condition or health factor related to ovulation issues.
These can include PCOS, perimenopause, thyroid disease, high stress, or being severely overweight or underweight. There are fertility treatments designed to specifically target irregular ovulation.
An irregular period can also make it more difficult to track your cycle and pinpoint key fertile days. This can delay the timeline for conception.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection that occurs when bacteria spread from the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.
PID symptoms are often mild, and many women only discover that they have it after experiencing difficulty conceiving. Since PID can damage the female reproductive organs, it can lead to female infertility.
Your risk for PID-related infertility increases with the number of times you develop the infection. Delaying treatment can also intensify the impact of PID on your fertility.
The most effective way to prevent PID is to get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections. Also, use condoms if you are unsure about a partner’s sexual history and health.
A uterine fibroid is a noncancerous growth of the uterus that most commonly develops during your reproductive years. While fibroids almost never develop into cancer, they can potentially increase your risk for infertility and/or pregnancy loss.
Fibroids are not a leading factor in female infertility. Many women who have had a uterine fibroid are able to conceive naturally — but 10% of all women affected by infertility have a fibroid. In some cases, they may be the only cause of female infertility.
The size and location of a fibroid can determine its impact on fertility. Fibroids inside the uterine cavity or within the wall of the uterus and more than 6 centimeters in diameter are likely to have the greatest effect.
About 2-12% of pregnant women have a fibroid. Having a fibroid during pregnancy will not necessarily lead to complications or pregnancy loss.
It depends significantly on whether a fibroid becomes larger. This makes it more likely to affect a baby’s position in the uterus. Fibroids that grow usually do so within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
The quality and quantity of a woman’s eggs steadily decline beginning around the age of 32. These changes increase more rapidly from about 37 onwards.
Age also plays a role in the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Despite the correlation between infertility and age, women can become pregnant after 35, or even 40. In fact, it’s become increasingly common to start your family-building journey at a later age. Many women try to conceive after 35.
It is recommended to seek fertility treatment after six months of trying unsuccessfully to conceive naturally if you are 35 or older. For those under 35, it’s recommended to seek treatment after a year of trying to conceive.
If you are over 40, you may consider scheduling an evaluation of your fertility before trying to conceive.
Age can also factor into male infertility. Couples in which the male partner is 40 or older are more likely to experience difficulty getting pregnant.
Ruth Health is here to provide you with expert, evidence-based maternal care and advice. Interested in learning more about a particular topic? Send us an email at hello@ruthhealth.com.
If you have additional questions regarding infertility, consult your physician or trusted healthcare professional to discuss diagnosis and treatment options.
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