Infertility is the inability to get pregnant despite having regular, unprotected sex for at least 12 months. If you and your partner have been unsuccessful in having a baby, you are not alone; 10 to 15% of the population in the United States struggle with infertility. Infertility may stem from an issue with you or your partner or a combination of factors that prevent pregnancy. The good news is that there are safe and effective therapies for infertility Buckhead to improve your chances of getting pregnant.

Symptoms of infertility

The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant despite multiple attempts. There usually are no other apparent symptoms, but sometimes infertile women may have irregular or absent menstrual periods. Infertility in men may occasionally manifest as hormonal problems, causing changes in sexual function or hair growth. Most of the time, couples can conceive with or without medical intervention.

You may not need to see your healthcare provider about infertility unless you have been unsuccessful at getting pregnant for at least a year. However, consider consulting your healthcare provider if you:

• Are above 35 years and have been trying to conceive for six months or longer
• Have painful menstrual periods
• Have irregular or no periods
• Are above 40 years
• Have undergone cancer treatment, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy
• Have diagnosed fertility issues
• Have been diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis
• Have had multiple miscarriages

If you are a man, onside talking to your care provider if you have:

• Undergone cancer treatment
• Infertility problems in your family
• Sperm problems like low sperm count
• Swelling in the scrotum or shrinking of testicles

Causes of infertility in women

• Uterine or cervical abnormalities

Uterine fibroids – noncancerous tumors in the uterine walls can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. Cervix abnormalities and irregularities in the uterus shape can also cause infertility.

• Ovulation disorders

Hormonal disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome affect the release of eggs from ovaries and can cause infertility. Excess prolactin in the body also interferes with ovulation, known as hyperprolactinemia. Other problems that interfere with your menstrual cycle, including hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, can cause infertility.

• Endometriosis

This painful gynecological disorder occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows outside of the uterus. The presence of this tissue in the ovaries and fallopian tube affects their function, causing infertility.

Other causes of female infertility include primary ovarian insufficiency, fallopian tube damage or blockage, pelvic adhesions, and cancer and its treatments.

Causes of infertility in men

Problems with sperm delivery due to sexual issues like premature ejaculation cause male infertility. Other possible causes that affect sperm delivery include blockage in the testicle and injury to reproductive organs.

Infertility may also be due to abnormal sperm production or function. This may be due to genetic defects, undescended testicles, diabetes, chlamydia, HIV, mumps, and gonorrhea. Varicocele or enlarged veins in the testicles can also affect sperm quality.

Cancer and cancer treatment like radiation therapy can impair sperm production. Male infertility may also be due to environmental factors such as pesticides and other chemicals. Depression, smoking, high blood pressure, and alcohol can cause infertility.

If you have been unsuccessful at getting pregnant, consult your doctor at Ideal Gynecology, LLC to determine the proper fertility treatment.