Infertility refers to the inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It affects an estimated 1 in 8 couples in the US.
There are two main categories of infertility:
Ovulation disorders - Irregular or absent ovulation accounts for about 25% of infertility in women. Conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can cause ovulation issues.
Blocked fallopian tubes - Damaged or blocked tubes prevent the egg from moving down to the uterus. This accounts for around 25-35% of female infertility cases.
Sperm disorders - Low sperm count, poor sperm quality, and motility issues can contribute to about 25% of infertility in couples.
Endometriosis - When tissue that normally lines the utuerus grows outside the uterus, it can cause scar tissue and inflammation that interferes with fertility.
Age - For women, fertility starts declining after age 32-35 as egg quantity and quality diminish.
If you have been trying to conceive for over a year with no success, make an appointment with a fertility specialist. They can run tests, diagnose any underlying problems, and outline the best treatment options for your situation.
Advanced fertility treatments like IVF and IUI can help many couples successfully get pregnant. Our clinic, Hormone Harmony Clinic, has helped hundreds of patients of all ages battle infertility and start their families. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your family planning goals with our caring medical team.
I hope this overview on infertility and some of its leading causes gives you a helpful starting point for understanding fertility issues. Let me know if you have any other questions! Wishing you both personal and reproductive health in the New Year.