Male and Female Infertility
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Infertility in refers to inability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to full term in women while in men, it refers to inability to contribute to a conception after a full year of unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility has a myriad of courses ranging from genetic problems to environmental factors. Infertility affects both those who have conceived before and those who have never conceived. Some infertility cases have medical solutions while some couples will live their lives without ever managing a conception. Etiology Marc and Leon writes that causes of infertility include ovulatory dysfunction, pelvic or tubal pathology, age related factors, uterine problems and some are as a result of unexplained causes (Marc & Leon, 2010). Ovulation dysfunction is the major cause of infertility in most women, a small percentage of cases are caused by anatomic abnormalities and cervical factors. Female infertility may also be caused by; Clotting disorders, uterus and cervix defects (fibroids, polyps), exposure to certain medications or toxins, excessive use of alcohol, hormone imbalances, chronic diseases and obesity. In men some of the most common sources of infertility include; low sperm count, Sperm blockage, environmental pollutants, prolonged exposure to high heat, excess alcohol consumption, marijuana and cocaine usage, hormone deficiency and testes or epididymis infections. Old age, chemotherapy, radiation exposure can also cause infertility in men. Signs and Symptoms Barbara says that understanding one’s infertility status is not a complex undertaking; failure to conceive after unprotected intercourse for a year is a major sign(Barbara, 1988). Signs may differ from individual to individual, even to people with healthy lifestyles. Symptoms also vary some are physical while others are not. Some of
References: Barbara E. M. (1988). Infertility: A Guide for the Childless Couple. New York: Cambridge University Press. Gordon, M. D. (2010). 100 questions and Answers about Infertility. New York: Cambridge University Press. Marc A. F. & Leon S. (2010). Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility. New York: Cambridge University Press.