Infertility Symptoms - Definitions
When a couple cannot have a baby after 12 months of regular and unprotected intercourse, they can be classified infertile. Infertility is the incapacity to reproduce.
Couples respond in different ways after being told they are infertile. Severe reactions occur more frequently among childless couples.
Infertility, in couples that have never had a child, is referred to as primary infertility.
On the other hand, secondary infertility describes the condition wherein couples who have successfully become pregnant once are having difficulties in getting pregnant again.
Masculinity - The Male Element
Various factors, both emotional and physical, can lead to infertility.
Around 30 to 40% of infertility cases in men are attributed to maleness factors like retrograde ejaculation, low sperm count, scarring from STDs, hormone problems, environmental pollutants, and others.
Sperm count is greatly affected by certain factors like frequent marijuana use or intake of prescription medicine such as nitrofurantoin, cimetidine and spironolactone.
Being Female
Ovulation dysfunction, fallopian tube abnormality, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, scarring from STDs, hormonal imbalances, pelvic infection, poor nutrition, and tumors are just some of these "female factors." These comprise 40 to 50 % of infertility cases among couples.
Factors contributed by both individuals and unidentifiable factors are responsible for 10 to 30% of all infertility cases.
It is projected that only 10 to 20% of couples won't be able to get pregnant after one year. It is very important for couples to try having a baby for at least 12 months.
Age-Related Factors
Healthy partners both below 30 years of age having intercourse regularly only have a 25 to 30% probability every month to become pregnant. Women in their 20s are at the peak of their fertility. The likelihood of pregnancy for women above 35 years old is less than 10% each month, even less for those beyond 40 years old.
More Non Age Related Causes
It is not just age or its related factors that causes infertility. The following are also considered major risks to infertility:
* Multiple sexual partners (higher possibility of getting STDs)
* Sexually transmitted diseases
* History of pelvic inflammatory disease
* Orchitis or epididymitis history in males
* Males who've had mumps
* Varicocele in males
* Health history citing DES exposure (both sexes)
* Eating disorders among women
* Anovulatory and irregular menstrual cycles
* Endometriosis
* Uterine problems or a blockage in the cervix
* Long-term disease like diabetes
Other Useful Information
Read this to find out more on how to increase your chances of pregnancy .
Check this out to learn more about insurance coverage for infertility .
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