Infertility for men and women comes from different conditions, diseases, or inherited problems. It is estimated that one in six couples faces infertility problems and that they differ equally from both men and women. Also, the vast majority of infertility causes have treatments available. The first step would be to consult with your GP and begin research on local infertility clinics.
Feminine infertility
35 to 40% of all infertility cases involve women. Almost 11% of all women have fertility problems. 1.5 million women are unable to conceive after twelve months of trying. 7.4 million women in the US have used infertility services to aid in conception. With important statistics like these, you can be sure of getting an infertility consultation, knowing you are not alone.
Endometriosis – where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus is one of the main causes of infertility in women. Symptoms include painful menstrual periods, heavy or irregular bleeding, and possibly miscarriage. Solutions include surgery to remove the abnormal material and fertility treatments.
Ovulation problems
The underlying conditions are varied, but all result in the prevention of the release of a mature egg from an ovary. Symptoms include absent or irregular menstrual periods and excessively light or heavy bleeding. IVF and ovulation stimulating medications with these medications help solve the problem.
Poor quality egg
Eggs that are damaged or have developed abnormalities that cannot sustain a pregnancy produce no known symptoms and the only solutions are egg donation, surrogacy, or adoption.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
This syndrome is the result of ovarian cysts that create hormonal imbalances and result in poor, irregular or non-existent ovulation. Acne, weight gain, excessive hair growth, and irregular menstrual periods are common symptoms and require ovulation medications, follicle-stimulating hormones, and IVF.
Female tube obstructions
Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes prevent eggs from traveling to the uterus and sperm from reaching the egg. The main causes of blockage include pelvic inflammatory disease, sterilization surgery, and sexually transmitted diseases. With no known side effects, it only becomes apparent after evaluation. Laparoscopic surgery opens the fallopian tubes, but IVF may also be a considered option.
Unexplained infertility
Unfortunately, some cases defy all known medical causes and treatments and fall under this umbrella term from medical professionals. When all other causes have been ruled out, this diagnosis is given. Leading experts suppose that the causes could be related to problems of excess or insufficient weight, excessive exercise and even environmental toxins. With no symptoms and no solutions, this can be one of the most frustrating diagnoses to receive. Some couples still try infertility treatments in the hope that something will work.
Combined infertility
It is when both members of the couple have infertility problems or when one of the partners has more than one fertility problem that causes a combination of symptoms and possible solutions.
Realizing that infertility is a common problem faced by millions of Americans and that a significant portion of people can overcome these problems by using an infertility clinic and fertility treatments helps alleviate confusion and frustration.