What is infertility?
Infertility refers to the biological inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to full term after having regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for at least a year. It affects an estimated 1 in 8 couples, making it a common issue.
There are two main categories of infertility:
Primary infertility
When a woman has never been able to become pregnant after trying for at least a year, it is called primary infertility. Common causes include:
- Ovulation disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Damage or abnormalities in the fallopian tubes
- Issues with the cervix
- Problems with the uterus
- Poor egg quality
Secondary infertility
When a woman is unable to get pregnant or carry a baby to term after previously giving birth, it is termed secondary infertility. Contributing factors can include:
- Complications from past pregnancies or deliveries
- Hormonal changes
- Damage to reproductive organs
- Advanced maternal age (over 35)
In some cases, the root cause cannot be easily identified. Unexplained infertility accounts for 30-40% of cases.
Diagnosis and Treatment
An infertility workup typically begins with an examination of the woman’s menstrual cycle and ovulation patterns. Further testing like hormone tests, imaging scans and laparoscopy may be needed to pinpoint issues.
Once the problem area is identified, treatments can include:
- Ovulation induction medications
- Surgery to repair damaged or blocked areas
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART) like IVF
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
The specialists at Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic have over 15 years of experience successfully diagnosing and treating all forms of infertility. With advanced ART lab facilities and innovative protocols personalized to your needs, we can help make your dream of building a family come true.
I hope this overview gives you a good understanding of what infertility means. Let me know if you have any other questions! Wishing you lots of baby dust. ??