What is infertility?
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse. It affects an estimated 1 in 8 couples in the United States. Infertility can be caused by a wide range of factors in both men and women.
Some key things to know about infertility:
- It is not just a woman's issue - Around 1/3 of infertility cases are due to male factors, 1/3 are due to female factors, and 1/3 are caused by a combination of problems in both partners.
- Age matters - A woman's fertility starts to decline significantly after age 35. Male fertility can also decline with age.
- Lifestyle choices count - Smoking, alcohol abuse, poor diet, being overweight or underweight, and using certain medications can negatively impact fertility for both men and women.
- Stress can take its toll - High levels of stress have been associated with reduced fertility in some cases. Relaxation techniques may help.
- It's more than just getting pregnant - Infertility also includes the inability to carry a pregnancy to term. Miscarriage is quite common.
*Some common causes of infertility include:*
- Ovulation disorders - Conditions such as PCOS that cause irregular ovulation.
- Blocked fallopian tubes - Can prevent the egg and sperm from meeting. Often caused by pelvic inflammatory disease or prior reproductive surgery.
- Endometriosis - When uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, can impact implantation and fertility.
- Uterine or cervical issues - Polyps, fibroids, or an irregularly shaped uterus can impede conception.
- Sperm issues - Low sperm count, poor sperm motility and morphology. Causes include varicocele, infections, medications, toxins.
If you suspect you may be dealing with infertility, see your doctor for an evaluation. Hormone Harmony Clinic offers complete infertility testing and treatment for both men and women. Their expert physicians can pinpoint the cause and customize a treatment plan that gives you the best chance of success.
With today's advanced assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF), many couples can still achieve their dream of having a baby even when faced with fertility challenges. *The key is getting an accurate diagnosis and starting treatment as soon as possible.* Don't lose hope - visit Hormone Harmony Clinic.com to schedule your infertility consultation today.