Infertility
Infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive despite regular sexual intercourse for a year. Infertility can occur due to both female and male factors.
Female Infertility: Female infertility is caused by problems with the female reproductive system. These problems may include hormonal imbalances, decreased number of ovaries, blockages in the tubes, and endometriosis.
Male Infertility: Male infertility is usually associated with problems in sperm production or sperm transportation. Factors such as sperm quality, sperm quantity, sperm transportation, and sperm morphology can cause male infertility. Vascular dilations in the testicles such as varicocele, hormonal imbalances, and infections are also common causes of male infertility.
Both female and male infertility are conditions that couples should see Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra ÖZBAŞLI to evaluate. Various tests and examinations can be performed to determine the underlying causes of infertility and recommend the appropriate treatment. Treatment options may vary depending on the cause of infertility, the couple’s age, health status and other factors.
Factors Causing Infertility in Women
Age Factor: Women’s fertility capacity decreases as they age. The decline in fertility begins especially after the age of 35, and this situation is more pronounced after the age of 40.
Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, especially polycystic ovary syndrome, can cause infertility problems.
Tube Obstruction: Blockages in the fallopian tubes can prevent the egg and sperm from meeting, leading to infertility.
Endometriosis: Tissue growing outside the inner layer of the uterus can cause a condition called endometriosis, and can have negative effects on fertility by preventing the embryo from attaching to the uterine wall, reducing the number of eggs, or causing blockage in the tubes.
Decrease in Ovarian Reserve (number): Women’s fertility capacity decreases as they age, especially as menopause approaches.
Being Overweight or Underweight: Women whose body mass index (BMI) is not within the normal range may be at risk of infertility.
Causes of Male Infertility
Sperm Quality and Quantity: Factors affecting the quality and quantity of sperm production in men can be various factors such as genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet), medications and environmental toxins.
Varicocele: Varicocele, which is the enlargement and varicose veins in the veins in the testicles, can affect sperm production and cause infertility.
Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, especially hypogonadism, can affect sperm production and cause infertility.
Reproductive System Infections: Sexually transmitted infections or other infections can affect sperm production or sperm transportation and cause infertility.
Sperm Transportation Problems: Blockages or disorders in the ejaculatory ducts can prevent normal sperm transportation and cause infertility.
Can a woman who has regular periods be infertile?
Fertility Status of Women with Regular Menstruation: Women with regular menstruation generally have a healthy reproductive system. However, a woman with regular menstruation may also experience infertility problems.
Causes of Infertility in Women with Regular Menstruation: Causes of infertility in women with regular menstruation may include hormonal imbalances, decreased ovarian reserve, and blockages in the tubes.
Fertility Assessment of Women with Regular Menstruation: In a couple with infertility problems, the woman’s regular menstruation does not provide complete information about her fertility status. The fertility status of a woman with regular menstruation can be better understood by examining her ovarian reserve, hormone levels, and intrauterine structure.
How to Tell If a Woman is Fertile?
Regular Menstrual Cycle: A woman’s regular menstrual cycle is usually a positive sign of fertility. Having regular periods indicates that ovulation is regular and generally indicates a healthy reproductive system.
Ovulation Symptoms: Some women may experience symptoms during ovulation. These may include increased vaginal discharge, mild abdominal pain in some women, or changes in the cervix. These symptoms may indicate that the woman is ovulating regularly.
Fertility Tests: Some fertility tests can be used to evaluate a woman’s fertility. These tests include ovarian reserve tests, hormone tests, and tests that evaluate the structure of the uterus.
History and Family History: A woman’s past use of birth control, previous pregnancy history, and family history of fertility can provide clues about her fertility potential.
Health Status: Factors such as a woman’s general health, body mass index (BMI), and smoking habits can have significant effects on fertility.
Fertility Assessment
Health History and Family History: Health history and family history can provide important information about fertility for couples. Factors such as previous pregnancies, birth control methods, and family fertility history can help determine potential infertility risk.
Sexual Health Checkups: Sexual health checkups can assess the reproductive health of both partners. These checkups can evaluate hormone levels, ovarian reserve, sperm quality, and the structural condition of the reproductive organs.
Fertility Tests: Couples can have fertility tests. These tests may include ultrasounds to evaluate ovarian reserve for women, hormonal tests, and semen analyses to evaluate sperm quality for men.
Assessing Risk Factors: Couples should also consider factors that may increase their risk of infertility. These factors may include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, unhealthy eating habits, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins.