Infertility is defined as inability to conceive despite have regular unprotected intercourse for at least 12 months or for at least six months for a woman over the age of 35. Infertility can also refer to a female who can not carry a pregnancy to full term
What causes infertility?
There is no one thing that causes infertility. Infertility can be caused by complications with the body such as ovulation disorders, premature ovarian failure, poor egg quality,overactive or underactive thyroid gland,etc. Other factors that affect infertility include age,smoking,heavy drinking, being overweight or obese, over or under exercising, eating disorders, sexually transmitted infections and even being stressed.
Are only women infertile?
No,about 20% of cases of infertility are due to a problem with the man. Just as women can have complications with their reproductive organs men can experience this as well. Complications include sperm abnormalities like low sperm count, abnormal sperm shape, poor sperm motility. Other problems include structural abnormalities and problems with ejaculation.
Are there other options?
Although infertility affects about 15% of couples, the research and treatment has come a long way. weather its the male, female, or both are experiencing fertility problems there are options. There are many different ways that assisted conception can be done these include IUI, IVF, ICSI, and sperm or egg donation. IUI (intrauterine insemination) commonly done when men have a low sperm count. it is the insertion of sperm directly into the uterus during the time of ovulation. IVF (in vitro fertilization) is when sperm and eggs are combined in a petri dish and then the embryo is placed in the uterus. ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is when a single sperm is injected into and egg and then placed directly into the uterus. Sperm or egg donation is when there is either no sperm or egg in one if the partners, its possible to receive
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