What is Infertility?
Infertility refers to the inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term after 1 year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It affects an estimated 1 in 8 couples in the United States.
There are two main categories of infertility:
- Primary infertility refers to couples who have never been able to conceive.
- Secondary infertility refers to couples who have had at least one previous pregnancy, but are unable to conceive again.
Some key facts about infertility:
- It is often caused by problems in either the man or the woman, but in 1/3 of cases, a cause is not identified.
- Common causes in women include ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, polyps, or fibroids.
- Common causes in men include low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or varicoceles.
- Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use, stress, and obesity can also impact fertility.
- Treatment options depend on the cause but may include fertility drugs, surgery, artificial insemination, or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF.
- ART has made great strides in helping many couples conceive when natural conception fails. Live birth rates from ART cycles are generally around 30-40% on average.
The emotional toll of struggling with infertility should not be underestimated. It can deeply impact one's mental health, relationships, and finances. Support groups and counseling are often helpful to cope throughout the diagnosis and treatment process.
The good news is that thanks to expanding treatment options, most couples who persist are eventually able to have a baby. Continuing to educate yourself, prioritizing self-care, leaning on your support system, and maintaining hope can go a long way on the road to building a family.