Determining The Cause Of Infertility
Affecting 1 in every 6 individuals worldwide, infertility is a much more common problem than most people realize. Despite these high figures, doctors and couples alike still struggle to find the root causes of infertility. While some women get pregnant easily, other individuals continue to struggle. With an in-depth understanding of individual circumstances and possible causes of conception difficulties, couples will be able to explore the most suitable fertility treatment options available.
Stating the obvious
After 1 year of trying to conceive without success, couples are often encouraged to seek medical advice. Through a series of tests and evaluations, doctors can uncover the potential issues contributing to infertility. Age and frequency of timed intercourse play a role in conceiving. Older men and women over the age of 35 can experience diminished fertility. Additionally, some of the more common causes of infertility include hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities in the reproductive organs, and sperm or egg quality issues. Such problems are often revealed with blood tests, sperm analysis, or ultrasound examination. These tests serve to find the root cause of fertility problems or eliminate enough possibilities until a diagnosis of unexplained infertility can be made.
It’s all in the genes
In some cases, further investigations may unveil the hidden reasons for infertility. A recent technique gaining popularity is genetic testing, which can identify any genetic abnormalities or mutations affecting fertility. Conditions, such as chromosomal disorders and gene mutations, can go unnoticed. However, these slight changes in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) may significantly impact a couple's ability to conceive. Another underlying issue is related to the immune system. For instance, the body may see sperm as a threat and create more antibodies than the average person. These anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) can attack and damage sperm, making natural conception near impossible.
Your lifestyle choices
Aside from genetic factors, lifestyle choices and environmental factors can also play a role in infertility. Unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a poor diet can negatively affect fertility. Chronic exposure to toxins and pollutants, such as pesticides, plastics, and chemicals, can also interfere with reproductive health. Positive lifestyle changes and creating a healthier environment can help over time. By addressing all possible factors contributing to infertility, couples can increase the chances of successfully conceiving and starting a family.
How IVF can help
If infertility is diagnosed, there are a range of fertility treatments available which can help. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an excellent option for couples who cannot get pregnant naturally and still fail to conceive through other treatment methods. IVF involves retrieving eggs from the female partner to fertilize with sperm in a laboratory from a male partner or donor. The fertility team then transfers the resulting embryo back into the female partner's uterus. This procedure bypasses potential obstacles to fertilization or implantation and increases the chances of successful conception. IVF has a high success rate and can be further enhanced with additional techniques that improve efficacy.
Don’t lose hope
Couples struggling with infertility should not lose hope. There are various options and treatments available that can help overcome fertility challenges. By seeking professional help and exploring all possible factors, couples can take appropriate steps to start a family. Sometimes, lifestyle changes and making healthy choices can significantly improve fertility. However, there are cases when a specialized treatment like IVF is necessary to achieve pregnancy. With advancements in reproductive technology, couples can still have hope for starting a family and realizing the dream of parenthood.
