Infertility Does Not Know Gender
Infertility is a complex medical condition that can disrupt the hopes and dreams of having a child. Doctors define infertility as the inability to conceive naturally after at least 12 months of consistent sexual intercourse. Statistics show that 12-15% of couples are infertile. Furthermore, men and women both struggle with infertility at equal rates. Female and male-factor infertility have distinct characteristics, each presenting unique physiological challenges. Understanding these differences ensures the appropriate treatment that increases the chances of pregnancy.
Breaking down male-factor infertility
Male-factor infertility refers to the specific conditions that impact a man's ability to conceive. Men need healthy sperm to travel through the fallopian tubes and fertilize eggs for pregnancy. Infertility, therefore, occurs when sperm is impacted in some way. For instance, low sperm count means that there are insufficient sperm to fertilize the egg. Poor sperm quality, such as motility and morphology, means the sperm in the appropriate shape cannot travel effectively. Hormone imbalances can impact sperm production and quality, while blockages in the reproductive tract can prevent sperm from combining with the ejaculate.
The many faces of female-factor infertility
Female-factor infertility is more complex as a combination of issues can prevent pregnancy. Female-factor fertility can occur due to ovulation disorders such as irregular ovulation or failure to release an egg. Conditions like a diminished ovarian reserve or polycystic ovarian syndrome can lead to egg production issues. Fallopian tube damage or blockages can prevent sperm from meeting the egg. Uterine abnormalities like fibroids, endometriosis, or uterine lining issues can prevent embryo development. Women at an advanced reproductive age will experience declining fertility. A combination of these issues, even minor cases, can lead to infertility.
Differing diagnostic approaches
Doctors recommend couples struggling with pregnancy to work with a fertility specialist as soon as possible. Men require sperm analysis, hormone tests, and physical examinations to determine the root cause of infertility. For pregnancy, women require a healthy ovulation cycle, and the released egg must pass through the fallopian tube. The woman's uterus must also be capable of carrying the pregnancy to term. A series of tests, including blood tests and ultrasounds, can pinpoint the possible reasons for infertility. After a complete diagnosis, the fertility team can recommend the best treatment for improved pregnancy.
Differences in treatment
The treatment for male and female-factor infertility depends on the underlying cause. Factors like age, genetics, and lifestyle can determine the effectiveness of treatment. Men and women can consider lifestyle changes such as weight management, exercise, quitting smoking, and relieving stress can turn the tide on fertility. For men, medication or surgery may be necessary to improve hormones or prevent blockages. Women can also benefit from procedures to clear the fallopian tubes. Hormone medication can regulate ovulation, increasing pregnancy rates.
A common goal in IVF
While there are different underlying causes, both men and women can benefit from assisted reproductive technology (ART) and advanced forms of treatment. ART handles egg and sperm outside of the body and is ideal when initial treatments fail. Intrauterine insemination (IUI), for instance, is performed when a doctor medically inserts a sperm sample into a woman's uterus during ovulation. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the gold standard of ART treatments that improve the chances of pregnancy. The fertility team combines sperm and egg to create embryos. A single embryo is then transferred to the woman's uterus. Multiple IVF cycles are sometimes necessary, but the success rate can improve over time.
Learn about infertility to take action
Men and women struggle with infertility. The underlying cause can be similar in some respects, but most reasons are noticeably different. Some cases are more complex, especially in cases involving women. Infertility can be assessed and confirmed using multiple tests. The appropriate treatment can increase the chances of pregnancy. Speaking with specialists who understand male or female fertility can help couples achieve the joys of parenthood.