What is Infertility?
Infertility is a condition where a couple faces difficulty conceiving a child despite engaging in regular unprotected sexual intercourse. It involves the inability to achieve pregnancy naturally within a specific period, usually a year, of trying to conceive.
Infertility can be a profoundly emotional journey for individuals and couples, marked by feelings of longing, frustration, and hopelessness. The prevalence of infertility varies, but it affects a significant percentage of the global population, with rates remaining relatively consistent across different income countries.
Seeking support and understanding during the challenges of infertility can be crucial in navigating this complex and sensitive issue.
What are the causes?
Infertility can affect both men and women, and it's not a single diagnosis but a complex condition with various underlying causes. Understanding these causes is key to offering empathetic support and guidance.
For women, infertility may arise due to ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, uterine issues, or the natural decline in fertility as age progresses.
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Similarly, for men, infertility may result from low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm shape.
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Moreover, in some cases, infertility can be attributed to combined factors, involving both male and female factors contributing to the challenges of conception.
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It's crucial to acknowledge that about 15 percent of infertile couples face the challenging diagnosis of unexplained infertility, also known as idiopathic infertility. This enigmatic condition often involves complexities related to egg or sperm quality, or issues with the uterus or fallopian tubes, which may not be identifiable through standard fertility testing.