Infertility refers to the inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term after 1 year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It affects an estimated 1 in 8 couples globally.
Some key facts about infertility:
- It can be caused by issues in either the male or female partner. Contributing factors include:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Problems with ovulation in women
- Low sperm count or quality in men
- Damage to reproductive organs
- Chronic health conditions
- Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use, stress, etc.
- There are two main types:
- Primary infertility refers to couples who have never been able to conceive.
- Secondary infertility is when couples conceive once but are unable to again.
- Treatments depend on the cause but may include:
- Fertility drugs to improve ovulation/sperm production
- Surgery to repair reproductive organs
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART) like IVF
- Infertility often causes significant emotional stress and anxiety. Support groups and counseling help many couples.
I tried to cover the key basics around what infertility entails, including definition, prevalence, causes, types, treatments, and psycho-emotional aspects. If you need any clarification or have additional questions, please visit Restore Wellness Clinic for more information.