Description

Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse for women under 35, and after six months for women over 35. Types of Infertility 1. Primary Infertility: Couples who have never conceived. 2. Secondary Infertility: Couples who have conceived before but are unable to conceive again. 3. Male Infertility: Infertility caused by male factors, such as low sperm count or poor sperm quality. 4. Female Infertility: Infertility caused by female factors, such as ovulation disorders or blocked fallopian tubes. Causes of Infertility Male Factors 1. Low Sperm Count: Insufficient sperm production. 2. Poor Sperm Quality: Abnormal sperm shape, size, or motility. 3. Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum. 4. Infections: Epididymitis, orchitis, or prostatitis. Female Factors 1. Ovulation Disorders: Irregular ovulation or anovulation. 2. Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Damage or blockage of the fallopian tubes. 3. Endometriosis: Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. 4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal disorder affecting ovulation. Unexplained Infertility 1. Unknown Causes: Infertility with no identifiable cause. Diagnosis of Infertility 1. Medical History: Review of medical history and lifestyle factors. 2. Physical Exam: Physical examination of the reproductive organs. 3. Semen Analysis: Analysis of sperm count, quality, and motility. 4. Ovulation Testing: Testing for ovulation using basal body temperature, ovulation predictor kits, or blood tests. 5. Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, hysterosalpingogram (HSG), or laparoscopy to evaluate the reproductive organs. Treatment of Infertility 1. Medications: Fertility medications to stimulate ovulation or improve sperm quality. 2. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Placement of sperm directly into the uterus. 3. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Fertilization of eggs with sperm outside the body. 4. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): Injection of a single sperm into an egg. 5. Surgery: Surgical procedures to repair or remove damaged reproductive organs. Alternative and Complementary Therapies 1. Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese medicine technique to improve fertility. 2. Herbal Supplements: Herbal supplements to improve fertility, such as maca or tribulus terrestris. 3. Yoga and Meditation: Mind-body therapies to reduce stress and improve fertility. Emotional Support and Counseling 1. Individual Counseling: One-on-one counseling to cope with infertility emotions. 2. Support Groups: Group therapy to connect with others experiencing infertility. 3. Online Resources: Online forums, blogs, and websites to connect with others and access infertility information.