Infertility Defined

Infertility is the term generally used to indicate the inability of a couple having normal, unprotected sex for over a year to conceive.

Becoming pregnant is not that easy, even for couples who do not have fertility problems. A fact not many are aware of, is that humans are one of the least fertile creatures on the planet. Because conception is possible only during a fairly short period within the menstrual cycle, the chances of successfully conceiving is only around 25% each month among fertile couples.

Infertility is a very common problem. The World Health Organisation (WHO) believes there are approximately 60 to 80 million infertile couples in the world. According to WHO, about 15% of couples wishing to have children seek help with infertility at some point in their reproductive lives, usually after having tried for two years to conceive.

Infertility is not restricted to women alone. It can be due to both male and / or female factors. There are many things that can go wrong with an individual’s reproductive system at any time preventing them from conceiving. Generally speaking, it has been found that the source of infertility in couples is:

• in 30-40% of the cases, exclusively due to the female;
• in 10-30% of the cases, exclusively due to the male;
• in 15-30% of the cases, due to both the partners having detectable abnormalities.
• in 5-10% of the cases, the cause of infertility remains unexplained.

Being unable to conceive comes as a surprise to most couples. Many would have spent years working at not getting pregnant. With no previous medical history to suggest fertility problems, many couples assume that once they discontinue practicing birth control, conception will take place easily. While for some couples this may be true, others learn to their dismay, that getting pregnant is not as simple as they assumed it would be.

There are a number of causes leading to infertility. Common causes among women are related to problems with the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and aging. Men generally have infertility problems relating to sperm production and ejaculation. Poorly timed intercourse could also contribute towards infertility.

Feeling robbed of their virility; some men find it difficult to deal with their infertility while women suffer feelings of inadequacy and depression. Whatever the cause, infertility can lead to loss of self-esteem and confidence. These responses are normal and can be overcome through mutual support within the relationship.

While treating infertility is not a health need, many couples wishing to have a baby can choose to go in for infertility treatment. Infertility treatment has been the subject of scientific research for over 200 years and there a number of options available today to combat specific infertility-related problems. For instance, if ovulation is the problem, then tablets or injections may be prescribed to stimulate better egg production and if it is a case of blocked fallopian tubes, IVF (in vitro fertilization) or even tubal microsurgery may be recommended. Problems in the womb like fibroids or scarring can be removed through surgery. If it is a case of low sperm count then IVF (creating test tube babies) or IVF with ICSI (Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection - where individual sperm are directly injected into the female egg with a very fine glass needle), allows fertilization of the female egg to take place that would normally not have been possible.

Before opting for infertility treatment, it is absolutely essential to undergo investigations by qualified and experienced infertility treatment specialists. Tests should be conducted on both the male and the female. There are a number of tests that can be performed but the basic ones include hormone tests, ultrasound and sometimes an x-ray called HSG (hysterosalpingogram) that checks the womb and the tubes. The results of these tests could lead to further investigations being called for.

Most couples wishing to have a baby now no longer need to worry about conceiving. Under the guidance of a qualified health provider, they can go ahead and realize their dream of having a baby.