Understanding infertility
Infertility is usually caused by one or more factors that is affecting any of the partners. Male infertility is responsible for about 33% of all infertility cases, female infertility is responsible for another 33% while the rest are usually due to certain factors that are yet to be identified.
Fertility doctors diagnose a couple as infertile if they are unable to get pregnant after trying to conceive for one year. The amount of time for diagnosis of infertility reduces to six months if the woman is over 35 years old. Once the woman is over 40, she needs to be examined immediately.
Female infertility
Infertility in women can be quite difficult to diagnose. It is important to correctly determine the cause of the infertility because female infertility treatments depend on the cause.
Symptoms
Infertility is tested for when a couple is unable to get pregnant. Having a menstrual cycle that is longer than 35 days, less than 21 days, or irregular can be signs that you are not ovulating.
As a woman, your age plays a very important role in how long it takes before you are diagnosed as infertile.
Causes
Some of the common causes of infertility in females include the following:
- Ovulation disorders
- Fallopian tube damage
- Endometriosis
- Uterine or cervical issues
Male infertility
Infertility in men can be caused by a low amount of sperm produced, abnormal sperm function, or sperm delivery blockages, lifestyle choices, illnesses, serious health problems, amongst others.
Symptoms
There are no obvious symptoms of male infertility apart from the inability to get pregnant. However, there are certain signs that, when observed, should prompt you to see your doctor. They include lumps in the testicle area, difficulty in ejaculating, recurring respiratory infections and low sperm count.
Causes
Infertility in men is caused by some health issues as well as certain treatments for illness that you have undergone in the past. Some of them include:
Cancers and other non-malignant tumors
- Undescended testicles
- Imbalanced hormones
- Chromosome defects
- Prior surgeries
Fertility tests
Fertility tests are very important for the examination and treatment of infertility. Testing can help reveal the cause of infertility in both men and women. Fertility tests must be done on both partners because it takes both for conception to occur.
Fertility tests for women
There are different female fertility tests. These include HSG (hysterosalpingogram), endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy, ultrasound, or a simple gynecological examination. Diagnostic laparoscopy is the most invasive fertility test and is used for unexplained infertility.
Fertility tests for men
The major test for infertility in men is semen analysis. This test should be performed twice for optimum results.
In rare cases, other tests can be performed. Examples are testicular biopsy, vasography, ultrasound, as well as a general examination undertaken by an urologist.
Fertility tests for couples
Since it is a well-known fact that both partners are equally able to be the cause of the infertility. There are some tests that have to be taken by both partners. These tests will be decided by your examining Physician.