The True Meaning Of Infertility
Infertility is a condition that affects both the male and female reproductive systems. Infertility can be challenging to navigate because most people are unaware of any issues until trying to conceive. Doctors diagnose a person with infertility after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse and the failure to achieve pregnancy. Infertility affects men and women in different ways and is caused by a plethora of different issues. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical intervention that helps patients struggling with infertility to conceive. Patients dealing with infertility may want to consider IVF options.
How does infertility affect women?
In women, infertility issues affect the fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and endocrine system. Women may have tubal blockages that prevent the fallopian tubes from releasing eggs or interfere with sperm moving through the reproductive tract. Uterine issues include abnormally shaped uteruses that cannot carry a pregnancy to term. Ovarian diseases like polycystic ovary system can overwhelm the ovaries with immature eggs and stop egg release. Issues with the endocrine system can cause hormone imbalances that affect the menstrual cycle and ovulation, which directly impacts pregnancy.
What do male reproductive issues look like?
Male infertility is caused by testicular issues, hormone imbalances, abnormal sperm shape or function, and blockages within the reproductive tract. Abnormally shaped sperm cannot properly fertilize an egg. This is also the case when sperm motility or movement is slow. Testicular issues such as varicocele, which is inflammation in the veins surrounding the testes, affect sperm quality. Blockages within the reproductive tract can prevent ejaculation, which is an essential part of conception.
Identifying infertility issues and root causes
To understand the root causes of infertility, patients must undergo an examination. Doctors will evaluate the patient and perform a series of tests before diagnosing a patient and discussing treatment options. For women, these tests look like ovarian reserve testing, blood tests, thyroid testing, pelvic ultrasounds, X-rays, and hormone examinations. Male infertility tests include a scrotum ultrasound, semen sample and analysis, testicular biopsy, blood test, hormone testing, and genetic testing.
How in vitro fertilization makes pregnancy a possibility
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment with several steps. The cycle begins with fertility testing for both parties to evaluate the quantity and quality of the eggs and sperm. Then, the female is given fertility drugs to help the body produce mature eggs. The eggs are extracted through egg retrieval, and the viable eggs are stored away. In a laboratory, doctors fertilize the eggs using a semen sample to create an embryo. Finally, the embryo is placed into the uterus to attach to the uterine lining and start a pregnancy. This process can take several weeks, and patients may go through multiple cycles.
Working with a physician to address fertility issues
IVF is a lengthy process that requires time, patience, and understanding between the couple and the physician. The right doctors and fertility specialists make all the difference and will act as resources while the couple goes through the IVF journey. Couples interested in fertility testing and treatments should consult a physician.
