Infertility – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Infertility – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  • 2021-10-11 03:09:41

Infertility Symptoms


There will be no obvious symptoms

Causes of Infertility

The cause of infertility is difficult to diagnose. But, many physical and emotional factors lead to infertility. Certain hormonal imbalances can also cause infertility. Infertility occurs due to the problem in both men and women.

Male Infertility – Causes:

  • Decreased sperm count
  • Birth defects
  • Impotency
  • Obesity
  • Older age
  • Chain-smoking
  • Surrounded by toxins like pesticides or heavy metals
  • Heavy use of alcohol
  • Overexposure to heat
  • Cancer treatments
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Sperm defects
  • Blockage of sperm
  • Genetic disorders
  • Chemotherapy and radiation therapy

Female Infertility – Causes:

  • Too much exercising
  • Birth defects
  • Thyroid
  • Obesity
  • Older age
  • Smoking
  • Eating disorder
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Being underweight
  • Cancer
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
  • Genetic disorders
  • Endometriosis
  • The problem in producing eggs
  • Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Ovulation disorder

Infertility Testing

Couples will consult with their doctor after one year of trying to conceive. Doctors will give some initial assessments. So, it is good to see the doctor along with their partner.

After getting knowledge about the couple's medical history and sexual habits, doctors recommend further tests.

Testing Male Infertility

Initially, doctors will enquire about the past medical history, surgeries, medications, and also the family history of male infertility and birth defects. The discussion also includes social history and professional hazards, like exposure to hazardous substances that may cause infertility.

Next, you will get a complete physical examination to check whether the pelvic organs are normal.

Then you will be involved in laboratory tests.

  • Urinalysis to check for the presence of any infections.
  • Semen Analysis to evaluate the volume of the ejaculation, sperm count, shape, and maturity.
  • Hormone Tests to analyze the levels of testosterone, FSH to check the hormonal balance.
  • Serum LH and Prolactin have been suggested if the initial hormone tests indicate the need.

When the initial tests are not enough to determine the exact cause, further tests such as Testicular Biopsy, Ultrasound, Special Sperm Function Tests, Genetic Tests, Post – Ejaculation Urinalysis, Vasography, etc., are needed.

Testing Female Infertility

Before suggesting for tests initially doctors will go for the proper evaluation of the past medical history of medications and surgeries, family history of female infertility and other reproductive issues, known problems with abdominal organs like cancer and endometriosis, history of the irregular menstrual cycle, and sexual habits of you, your partner and past pregnancy history, if present.

Tests include,

  • Ovulation Test using a kit to check for the LH that levels up before ovulation. It also includes blood tests to check the progesterone levels.
  • HSG (tubogram) is an X-Ray procedure to examine whether the fallopian tubes are open and whether the uterine cavity is normal.
  • Transvaginal Ultrasonography to check for the abnormalities in ovaries and uterus such as cysts, fibroids, etc.,
  • Hysteroscopy is a surgical procedure where a hysteroscope is inserted through the cervix to analyze the inside of the uterus. It helps to find the abnormalities in uterine cavity fibroids, adhesions, and polyps.
  • Laparoscopy is also the surgical procedure where a laparoscope is inserted into the pelvic cavity by making a small cut beneath the navel. It is to identify endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, blocks in fallopian tubes, and problems in the uterus and ovaries.
  • Pap smear – This is to detect any abdominal or reproductive cancers and sexually transmitted infections or diseases.
  • Blood tests to find the levels of FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) which helps for the release of an egg by ovaries. Higher levels of FSH can cause infertility.

Infertility Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of infertility. Infertility Treatment needs physical as well as psychological commitments.

Treatment for Men

  • Lifestyle Changes – Changes in lifestyle include healthy eating habits, regular exercising, increasing frequency and timing of intercourse, staying away from hazardous substances, avoiding certain medications can increase the chances of pregnancy.
  • Antibiotics – Antibiotics helps with infections in the reproductive organs.
  • Medications – It helps to increase the sperm count and quality. It enhances the testicular function.
  • Surgery – In some cases, there may be a need for surgery that helps to remove the blockage of sperms. Varicocele repairing may improve the chances of getting pregnant.
  • Hormonal Treatments – It helps with balancing certain hormone levels.

Treatment for Women

 

    • Fertility Drugs - This is the major treatment for women with infertility due to ovulation disorder. Fertility drugs help to stimulate the ovulation process.
    • Surgery – Surgery helps to open the fallopian tubes and to remove endometriosis or unwanted tissue growth that blocks fertility.
    • IUI – Intrauterine Insemination is the procedure where sperm is collected and placed on the uterus directly during ovulation time.
    • IVF – In Vitro Fertilization is the procedure where both the egg and sperm are collected and let the fertilized egg grow for 4 to 5 days in the lab. Later the embryo is placed on the uterus.