Table of contents:
- What is infertility?
- The difference between infertility and infertility
- Causes of infertility
- Causes of infertility in men
- Causes of infertility in women
- Other factors that increase the risk of infertility
- 1. Irregular menstrual cycle
- 2. Age over 35 years
- 3. Problems with sexual function
- 4. Being under or overweight
- 5. Having a sexually transmitted disease
- 6. Smoking or consuming alcohol
- Fertility tests that can be done
- Fertility tests conducted by men:
- Fertility tests conducted by women:
Having a baby is what most married couples want. But in reality, there are conditions such as reproductive system disorders that cause fertility problems or what is commonly referred to as infertility. Before you get discouraged, check out the full explanation of infertility in men and women and the things you can do below!
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What is infertility?
In general, infertility is a condition when a couple cannot get pregnant even though they have had sexual intercourse without regular safety devices.
This fertility problem can be categorized as infertility when you have tried to have children in a normal way for a period of one year.
Quoted from Medline Plus, infertility is a common thing.
This refers to research that about 15% of couples have not shown signs of pregnancy even though within one year they have routinely had sex without a condom.
If the initial public opinion of infertility only occurs in women, in fact it is not.
Please note that fertility problems and reproductive system disorders can occur not only in women, but also in men.
The difference between infertility and infertility
Often times, most people say that fertility problems or infertility means infertility. In fact, these two words have different meanings.
So, what is barren? Infertility is a condition that a man or woman cannot produce children.
The cause of infertility usually occurs when sperm in male or female eggs cannot be produced, so fertilization cannot occur.
Even so, your sexual function is still working normally. But unfortunately, you can't have children.
Yes, infertility cannot be treated in any way, it is different from infertility.
As explained above, infertility is a condition when it is difficult for you and your partner to conceive naturally.
Therefore, when you are declared infertile, you and your partner are still possible to have children with certain treatments.
So it can be concluded that infertility does not mean infertility, but infertility is definitely experiencing infertility.
Causes of infertility
In order for pregnancy to occur, fertilization must occur with the steps that should be.
For some couples, there are several causes that are signs of infertility. This can happen either from men, women, or even both.
Causes of infertility in men
Fertility problems or infertility in men can occur due to several causes which usually come from sperm.
This can occur due to sperm abnormalities as seen from the number, movement, and shape.
Of course, this examination cannot be seen with the naked eye by a medical professional.
In some cases, infertility can also occur from birth due to health problems affecting sperm.
Here are some other things that can also cause infertility in men, such as:
- Sperm abnormalities or disorders. The number, movement, and abnormal shape of sperm can be a cause of infertility in men.
- Ejaculation problems. This includes premature ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, dry orgasm, blockage and damage to the testicles.
- Genetic abnormalities can make it impossible for a man to produce sperm or make only a small amount of sperm produced.
- Hormonal disturbances. Too much prolactin from the pituitary gland can result in decreased sperm production.
- Cancer and its treatment can also interfere with male fertility.
Causes of infertility in women
Most of the causes of infertility in women are due to ovulation problems. This is because without ovulation, the egg cannot be fertilized.
These signs or symptoms of infertility may originate from menstrual periods that are irregular or do not occur at all.
Here are some of the causes of fertility problems in women that can occur:
- Ovulation disorders such as PCOS.
- Uterine or cervical abnormalities. This is related to blocked fallopian tubes that block the egg.
- Damage or blockage of the fallopian tubes due to inflammation. Furthermore, pelvic inflammatory disease can occur.
- Endometriosis, when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, affecting ovarian function.
- Early menopause, when the ovaries stop working and menstruation ends before age 40.
- Adhesions occur or the tissue around the reproductive organs sticks together or binds together.
- Cancer and its treatment can also interfere with fertility in women.
Other factors that increase the risk of infertility
Before knowing the causes of infertility, there are several factors that can increase the risk of infertility, namely:
1. Irregular menstrual cycle
You need to be aware that your menstrual cycle is too long (more than 35 days) or too fast (less than 21 days).
Likewise, if there are several months passed without menstruation. The reason is, this can increase the risk of fertility problems and become a sign of fertility problems.
2. Age over 35 years
Even though those aged 35 years and over still have the chance to get pregnant, the chances are getting smaller.
This is caused by the egg that is starting to be difficult to fertilize.
3. Problems with sexual function
Pay attention if you have problems with sexual function such as loss of sexual desire, difficulty with erections and ejaculation, to a low sperm count.
4. Being under or overweight
Too thin or too fat can cause infertility. In addition, excessive dietary habits or too much exercise can also bring problems for fertility.
How do you know if you are too thin or too fat? Check to see if your body mass index is on the right scale.
5. Having a sexually transmitted disease
Sexually transmitted diseases can cause reproductive system disorders.
Infection and inflammation due to chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause blockage of the fallopian tubes, failure to get pregnant, or even pregnancy complications such as the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
6. Smoking or consuming alcohol
Smoking can cause cervical and fallopian tube problems. In addition, smoking can also make you experience premature aging, which means it is not good for eggs.
Meanwhile, consuming excessive alcoholic beverages can cause infertility, both for men and women.
Fertility tests that can be done
It's not enough just to look at the factors that increase your risk of infertility, you need to check with the right doctor.
Some questions that you can discuss with your doctor about infertility, such as:
- What is the reason why I have not succeeded in having children?
- What tests and treatments can be done?
- Are there any side effects of the treatment for fertility problems?
- How long will the treatment need to be followed?
- Are there any long-term complications of fertility therapy?
- What is the success rate for pregnancy to occur?
In addition to consulting, it is possible that you and your partner will carry out a fertility test so that the pregnancy program that will be undertaken will run more smoothly.
Fertility tests conducted by men:
In men, the recommended fertility tests usually include:
- Sperm analysis
- Hormone test
- Genetic testing if needed
Fertility tests conducted by women:
Meanwhile, in women, doctors will usually perform several fertility tests such as:
- Ovulation check
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG) to determine the condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Hysteresis
- Laparoscopy
Doctors will usually recommend doing fertility tests if necessary while you are being consulted.
With a fertility test, the doctor can find out the cause and the right treatment for infertility experienced by you or your partner.