Infertility refers to the biological inability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to full term after 1 year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse or after 6 months for women over 35 years old. It affects an estimated 15% of couples globally.
The causes behind infertility are complex and can involve one or both partners. The key contributors include:
In women specifically, the most common causes are:
In men, low sperm count (oligospermia) or poor sperm motility are frequent contributors. Other factors like varicoceles, prior infections, medications, toxins, or radiation exposure can also impair fertility.
Diagnosing the root cause requires examination of both partners and can involve ultrasounds, blood tests to check hormones, imaging, semen analysis, and laparoscopy or hysteroscopy procedures if needed.
Once identified, many causes of infertility can be addressed through medical treatments or assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF). Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and fertility medications may also be options. Adoption or using donor eggs/sperm provide other paths to parenthood for some.