COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT INFERTILITY

Is infertility a common condition?

Is infertility more commonly seen in females than males?

What risk factors have been known to be associated with infertility?

There are multiple factors which can be causing increased risks of infertility. These include:

• Smoking
• Excessive drinking
• Drug use
• Radiation treatment
• Certain medication
• Excessive exercise
• Overweight/ underweight
• Pelvic infections

What are some common causes of infertility in women?

• Blockage in fallopian tubes
• Irregular menstrual cycles or not ovulating
• Advanced age of the female partner, or  poor egg quality or low egg count
• Endometriosis

Factors that increase infertility in women include excessive exercise (that cause cycle irregularities), sexually transmitted diseases, aging, stress, poor nutrition, underweight, overweight, obesity, alcohol, tobacco smoking, and drug use

As a woman’s age increases, her quality of eggs declines and so does her production of eggs. There are general health problems that may interfere with ability to conceive and carry a baby to full-term. Miscarriages increase when the maternal age is over 35 years.

When considering problems with conception, if a woman under the age of 35 has not been able to conceive for a year, consulting a doctor is important. After a similar period of no success conceiving, men too must consider a fertility evaluation. Past age 35, after 6 months of not being able to conceive, women are advised to consult a clinician for fertility evaluation.  Other factors requiring immediate attention include:

• No menstruation or period irregularity
• Endometriosis
• Painful periods
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Multiple miscarriages (more than one)

How do doctors determine the cause of infertility in a couple?

Doctors generally determine possible reasons for infertility through a detailed fertility examination. Questions about the lifestyle of the couple (do you smoke, drink, do recreational drugs etc.) are also investigated.

Poorly timed sex and mismatch with time of ovulation may also be factors, in which case, using an ovulation kit will help. Sometimes, there may be problems that aren’t detected easily and quickly, the process can be long and an emotional one, as you get to the root of the problem with your clinician and your partner. If something makes you uncomfortable, consider getting multiple opinions from doctors.

What examinations can I expect?

Some common examinations include:

• Blood tests for ovarian reserve.
• Ultrasound examinations.
• Sono HSG or Hysterosalpingography, which is a process of examining blockages in the uterus and fallopian tubes.
• Semen analysis on the male partner
• Physical exam

How is infertility treated?

In fertility is treated using a combination of regular monitoring along with medication, surgery, artificial insemination or artificial reproduction techniques.