Having a baby of your own is considered one of the most valuable gifts in life. Childbirth brings a fulfillment in which a couple’s love for each other and their baby is greatly fortified. Unfortunately, not all individuals are blessed with the gift of childbirth. There are circumstances when a married couple is unable to become pregnant after six months to a year, and many have been trying for many years without success. Some miscarry early and are not able to maintain their pregnancy. Approximately 15% of all couples suffer from infertility.
Much research has been completed to provide greater insight into many of the specific causes of infertility among couples. A little over half the time issues involving the female anatomy or physiology are the cause, the remainder of the time the male is the sole cause or at least a significant contributing factor. The female may be suffering from ovulation issues. It is important for a female to have her regular periods but even that doesn’t guarantee ovulation has occurred or is occurring. Other factors which also contribute to infertility include problems within the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, in the pelvic cavity and even the immune system.
Female infertility can also be attributed to the age of a woman. Women were engineered to have children in their younger years, because as they get older, their eggs have been subject to their lifetime of environmental and natural aging damage. This damage to eggs significantly reduces their chances of conception in their mid to late 30’s and into their 40’s. They also begin to have much higher risks of miscarriages from chromosomal damage as well increase their risks of down’s syndrome and other malformations. On the other hand, fertility problems in men are associated with their sperm count, progression, viability and as they age, there is also an increase risk of genetic abnormalities. Generally, sperm disorders or complications make a man infertile. This is why tracking sperm through semen analysis, acrosome reaction test, kreuger strict criteria, sperm viability testing, etc. are important.
Conditions such as Endometriosis and Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) also result in fertility problems. These conditions are significant medical concerns which need to be addresses to improve your fertility as well as your general health. Conception can be accomplished if a married couple is eager to undertake a procedure called IVF (in vitro fertilization). In vitro fertilization is a very well-known process of fertilization or reproduction in which the egg cell is inseminated by a sperm outside the womb of a woman. This type of procedure has been proven and tested effective but it can be expensive.
In many cases, fertility problems can be linked solely on lifestyle. Many may not consider that their current or past habits including the use of illegal drugs, drinking, smoking, weight-related diseases, and sexual promiscuity can have significant impact on their ability to conceive.
One of the most important things you can do as a couple is to recognize and understand your infertility issues so you can create a plan to overcome your infertility and realize the blessing of having children of your own. If you think you have infertility issues contact our office to set up a consultation and we will help diagnose your infertility and help you develop a plan.