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Causes
Symptoms
Exams and Tests
Diagnosis
Treatment
Managing Infertility
Self-Care for Infertility Patients
Caring for those with Infertility
Causes of Infertility
Difficulty getting pregnant can be caused by lots of different things.
In women, infertility is most commonly caused by problems with ovulation (the monthly release of an egg). Some of these problems stop women releasing eggs at all, and some cause an egg to be released in some months and not others. This can happen as a result of:
- Early menopause;
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome;
- Hormone problems (making too much or too little of certain hormones);
- Being very underweight or overweight (ovulation often stops in women with anorexia);
- Exercising too much;
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea;
- Side-effects of some medicines, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers, chemotherapy and radiation treatment (often used to treat cancer);
- Ovarian cysts;
- Certain genetic problems; and
- Certain chemicals in the environment.
Fertility problems in women can also be caused by conditions affecting the Fallopian tubes or urinary system, including:
- Endometriosis (a condition in which womb lining appears in other parts of the body, including the reproductive organs);
- Infection of the uterus (womb) and Fallopian tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease);
- Surgery to the Fallopian tubes or uterus (womb); and
- Large fibroids or cysts.
Infertility in women is also linked to age. Women in their early twenties are about twice as fertile (likely to get pregnant) as women in their late thirties. The biggest decrease in fertility appears to happen around the mid thirties.
In men, infertility is usually caused by a problem with the sperm. Some men don’t make any sperm, very few sperm or poor quality sperm. This can be caused by:
- Hormone problems;
- Infections of the testicles;
- Tumors of the testes (testicles);
- Side-effects of some medicines, including chemotherapy, radiation and illegal drugs;
- Spending a lot of time in hot environments – ie – saunas and hot baths;
- Environmental factors – ie - a lot of exposure to chemicals, X-rays, or heavy metals ; and
- Varicocele (similar to a 'varicose vein' in the scrotum). Sometimes doctors can’t find a cause for infertility. This happens in three out of ten cases.
Source: National Health Service – United Kingdom
Symptoms of Infertility
Any couple that is having problems conceiving over typically a 12 month period of time should see a physician for further evaluation.
Exams and Tests For Infertility
Testing for infertility includes a physical exam, blood tests and other diagnostic tests as indicated.
Infertility Diagnosis
If you’re young and healthy, there’s usually no need to see your doctor until you’ve been trying for a baby for 18 months – two years. You should see your doctor sooner if you’re over 35, because fertility decreases with age, and it can take quite a long time to find out what’s causing the problem. You should also see your doctor sooner if you have or think you may have any of the problems described in the causes section.
When you see your doctor, it’s important that you and your partner go together. This is because infertility can be caused by a male or female problem, or both. Your doctor will discuss your general health with you; it’s important to tell them about any past illnesses. Your doctor will also talk to you both about sex to check there are no difficulties there. Although you may find this embarrassing, it’s important to be honest, as the real problem can sometimes be difficulty with sex, which can be more easily overcome.
Source: Adapted from National Health Service – United Kingdom
Infertility Treatment
If you need help to get pregnant, this is called assisted conception. There are lots of different options including: fertility medications, surgery, intrauterine insemination, egg donation, in vitro fertilization, along with other techniques.
Source: Adapted from National Health Service – United Kingdom
Managing Infertility
Some alternative or complementary approaches may help the patient cope or reduce some of the stress associated with living with a chronic illness. As with any therapy, patients should discuss the benefits and drawbacks with their doctors before beginning an alternative or new type of therapy. If the doctor feels the approach has value and will not be harmful, it can be incorporated into a patient's treatment plan. However, it is important not to neglect regular healthcare.
Source: National Institutes of Health
Self-Care For Infertility Patients
Infertility can be very stressful and put a lot of strain on relationships. It can be helpful to join a support group where you can talk through your feelings and experiences with other people experiencing similar problems. Finding out that you have a fertility problem can be traumatic, and many couples also find it helpful to talk to a counselor. The counselor can discuss treatment options with you, how they may affect you, and the emotional implications.
Source: National Health Service – United Kingdom
Caring For Those With Infertility
Friends and family members can help a patient with infertility by learning about the condition and understanding how it affects the patient's life. Friends and family can provide emotional and physical assistance. Their support can make it easier to cope.
Source: Adapted from National Institutes of Health
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