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What to know about infertility
If you’re struggling with infertility, you’re not alone – it’s a common experience in the US and around the world.
General HealthClinically Speaking
5 min read
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Trying to conceive can be complicated. For some, getting pregnant is straightforward, but for others, the path to conception isn’t so simple. If you’re struggling with obstacles in fertility, you’re not alone – it’s a common experience in the US and around the world. Fortunately, there are many effective ways that can boost your chances of pregnancy.
What is infertility?
Infertility, which is defined as not being able to get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive, affects roughly 1 in 8 couples in the US.
Infertility impacts people of all gender identities. In fact:
A sperm cell must join the egg on its journey from the ovary to the uterus (they meet in the fallopian tubes).
The fertilized egg (egg and sperm cell) travels through the fallopian tubes towards the uterus.
The fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus.
Basically, there are many factors that need to go exactly right for a pregnancy to occur. Infertility can result from an issue with one, or multiple steps in the process.
Common causes of female infertility include:
Ovulation disorders. Ovulation is the release of eggs from the ovaries. There are many health conditions that can impact this process, such as hormonal disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinemia (a condition in which you have too much prolactin, the hormone that stimulates breast milk production), and thyroid disorders. Health conditions such as tumors and eating disorders can also interfere with ovulation.
Uterine or cervical abnormalities. These can block the sperm cells from meeting the egg or stopping a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. Examples of these are abnormalities with the cervix, polyps in the uterus, an abnormal uterus shape, uterine fibroids (non-cancerous tumors in the uterine wall).
Fallopian tube damage or blockage. This can occur as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or adhesions.
Early menopause. This is when menstruation ends before the age of 40.
Cancer and its treatment. Certain cancers, as well as radiation and chemotherapy, may affect fertility.
Here are some common causes of male infertility:
Issues with sperm production or function. Factors such as genetic defects, health conditions, or infections can impact the quality and quantity of sperm produced.
Problems with the delivery of sperm. This includes structural problems such as blockage of the testicle, damage or injury to reproductive organs, genetic diseases such as cystic fibroids, and sexual problems.
Overexposure to certain environmental factors. Pesticides, radiation, and other chemicals can impact fertility.
Cancer and its treatment. This can impair sperm production.
Solutions and treatments
It can be overwhelming to read about everything that can cause fertility issues. The good news is, there have been significant medical advancements over the years that can support pregnancy.
Lifestyle adjustments
The first step to ensuring a healthy pregnancy is working on a healthier you. For starters, it’s important to be at a healthy weight, and exercise regularly. Try yoga, jogging, or walking three or four times a week. It’s also essential to eat a healthy, balanced diet full or diverse nutrients. This will give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to perform its functions, which includes reproductive systems. It may also be beneficial to chat with your healthcare provider about supplements or prenatal vitamins. Reducing your stress levels can also be helpful when trying to conceive (we know, it's easier said than done). If you’re under stress, taking time for yourself to do things that make you happy and relaxed can go a long way. Even if it’s just half an hour a day, focusing on stress relief can make a big difference in your overall health and wellness. All of these things can support you in living a healthy lifestyle, which can help you feel your best and support fertility.
Fertility treatments
If lifestyle adjustments don’t make a difference for you, it may be time to visit a fertility specialist. Here are some treatments they may suggest:
Medications that stimulate ovulation. For people with ovulation disorders, medications can help to regulate or induce ovulation.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI). During IUI, sperm are placed directly in the uterus around the time that the ovary releases an egg. Some people use fertility medications with IUI, to induce the release of the egg or eggs.
Surgery. For people with uterine problems such as endometrial polyps or fibroids, surgery may be helpful to remove them.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART).The most common ART is in vitro fertilization (IVF), which involves stimulating ovulation to retrieve multiple mature eggs, fertilizing them with sperm in a dish in a lab, and implanting the embryos in the uterus after they’ve been fertilized.
Most fertility treatments are done using a couple’s egg and sperm. However, it’s also possible to use donor eggs or sperm, or a donor embryo, to achieve pregnancy. This is helpful for LGBTQ+ couples, or those who have issues with either their eggs or sperm. People who do not have a functional uterus, or are at risk of health problems related to pregnancy, may use a gestational carrier. In this case, the embryo is implanted in the surrogate’s uterus.
Takeaways
Infertility can be an overwhelming diagnosis to hear. It’s not something that many people expect to go through, and the experience can be disheartening. While infertility is stressful, it doesn’t always mean that you can’t reach your fertility goals. In fact, 85-90% (opens in new tab) of infertility cases are treatable with medical interventions. Everyone’s journey is different, and it's about finding what works for you.
