Infertility is a problem of the reproductive system leading to the inability to reproduce. It is defined as the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. It can affect men and women. Infertility is the result of a disease of the male or female reproductive tract that prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. Millions of people in the world who are of reproductive age suffer from infertility. Globally, it is estimated that 48 million couples to 186 million people struggle with infertility. Ten percent to 15% of couples struggle with infertility. As a result, it is among the most prevalent illnesses among persons between the ages of 20 and 45. You can have primary or secondary infertility. Primary infertility is when a pregnancy has never been achieved whereas secondary infertility is when at least one previous pregnancy has been accomplished. Infertility in men is typically caused by issues with semen ejection, a lack of sperm or low sperm counts, or irregular sperm shape and motility. Infertility in women can result from a variety of conditions that affect the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and endocrine system.
The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant.
Visit a General Practice doctor (General Practitioner) if you have not conceived after a year of trying.
Several factors may cause infertility.
Females may suffer from infertility because of :
Tubal disorders (such as blocked fallopian tubes)
Uterine disorders which could be inflammatory in nature (such as endometriosis)
Disorders of the ovaries (such as polycystic ovarian syndrome)
Disorders of the endocrine system causing imbalances of reproductive hormones
Males also may suffer from infertility due to :
Obstruction of the reproductive tract causing dysfunctionalities in the ejection of semen
Hormonal disorders
Testicular failure to produce sperm (such as varicocele)
Abnormal sperm function
There are some risk factors that might increase the risk of being infertile :
Fertility declines with age
Being overweight or obese
Sexually transmitted infections
Smoking
Alcohol abuse
Stress
To diagnose infertility, both the woman and the man are assessed.
Female :
Physical examination
Evaluation of the ovulation
Hormonal testing
Ultrasound
X-rays
Male :
Semen sample to detect the sperm count, test sperm motility, examine the sperm shape
Hormonal testing
Sperm’s ability to penetrate the egg testing
The infertility treatment will depend on what's causing the fertility problems :
Medications for lack of regular ovulation or to adjust the hormonal imbalance
Surgical procedures such as treatment for endometriosis, repair of the fallopian tubes, or removal of adhesions within the womb or abdominal cavity in women and for repairing anatomical problems or varicocele in men
Assisted conception such as intrauterine insemination or IVF
Get the answers you need, all in one place. Explore expert-written blogs, browse our extensive FAQs for quick answers to common concerns, or use our Symptom Checker for preliminary insights.
Need in-depth details? Our Disease Directory provides comprehensive information to help you understand conditions better.
Whatever you're looking for, we’re here to support your health journey, seamlessly and effortlessly.
Reviewed Blogs & Medical Guidelines
and Diseases Explained