Infertility
Infertility
Infertility is a condition where you can’t get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive. Causes of infertility can include ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, low sperm count or low testosterone. The risk of infertility increases as you age. Many treatment options are available for people with infertility.
Infertility is a condition of your reproductive system that causes people to be unable to get pregnant (conceive). Infertility can affect anyone and has many causes. Getting pregnant involves several steps:
- Your brain must produce reproductive hormones that control ovarian function.
- An egg must mature in your ovary.
- Your ovary must release an egg (ovulation).
- Your fallopian tube must pick up the egg.
- Sperm must travel up your vagina and through the uterus to your fallopian tube.
- The sperm fertilizes the egg to create an embryo.
- The embryo travels through your fallopian tube to the uterus where it implants.
A pregnancy can’t occur if anything in this process doesn’t happen. If you’re younger than 35, your healthcare provider may diagnose infertility after one year (12 months) of trying to conceive. Trying to conceive is defined as having regular, unprotected sex. If you’re 35 or older, your provider may diagnose infertility after six months of regular, unprotected sex. Infertility is more common than you might think. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for people who wish to begin or expand their family.
Symptoms and Causes
The main sign of infertility is being unable to get pregnant after six months or one year of regular, unprotected sex. You may not have any other symptoms. But some people may show physical symptoms such as:
- Pelvic or abdominal pain.
- Irregular vaginal bleeding, irregular periods or no periods.
- Penile disorders or issues with ejaculation.