April 19th to April 25th is observed as Infertility Awareness Week, a week dedicated to breaking the stigma around infertility, amplifying the stories of those who have and are experiencing infertility, and advocating for equitable access to care to help treat it.
Infertility is the condition that causes the inability to get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that roughly one in six people worldwide is affected by infertility.
Infertility may happen because of a health issue with either you or your partner, or a mix of factors that prevent pregnancy. However, many safe and effective treatments can boost your chances of getting pregnant.
The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant. There may be no other clear symptoms. Some women with infertility may have irregular menstrual periods or no periods. Some men may have some symptoms of hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth or sexual function.
Many couples will conceive eventually with or without treatment.
Women should talk with a healthcare professional about infertility if they have been trying to get pregnant for at least a year. Sooner if they:
- Are 35 years or older and have tried to conceive for six months or longer
- Are over the age of 40
- Have had no periods or irregular or very painful periods
- Have known fertility problems
- Have endometriosis or a history of pelvic inflammatory diseases
- Have had one or more miscarriages
- Have received cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation
Men should talk to a healthcare professional if they have:
- A low number of sperm or other problems with sperm
- A history of testicular, prostate, or sexual conditions
- Had treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy
- Had hernia surgery
- Testicles that are smaller than the typical adult size, or swollen veins in the scrotum
- Had infertility with a partner in the past
- Relatives with infertility problems
Sometimes, the issues that cause infertility in couples are present at birth. Other times, they develop in life.
Infertility can affect one or both partners. In some cases, no cause can be found. Some causes of male infertility can include:
- Conditions that can affect how much sperm is made or sperm quality
- Problems with sperm reaching the female reproductive tract
- Certain environmental factors
- Damage related to cancer and its treatment
Some causes of female infertility can include:
- Ovulation disorders
- Uterine conditions
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage
- Endometriosis
- Primary ovarian insufficiency
- Pelvic adhesions
- Cancer and its treatments
Many risk factors for both male and female infertility are the same. They include:
- Age
- Tobacco use
- Marijuana use
- Alcohol use
- Being overweight or underweight
- Exercise issues
Some types of infertility cannot be prevented. However, the following tips may boost your chances of pregnancy:
- Couples should have sex often and soon after menstrual bleeding stops. One of the ovaries usually releases an egg in the middle of the cycle, which is midway between menstrual periods, for most people with menstrual cycles, that is about 28 days apart. It is ideal to have sex every day, starting five to seven days before an egg is released. Continue until two days after ovulation.
- Before you are tested for infertility, your healthcare team or clinic will work to understand your sexual habits. They might make recommendations to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Unfortunately, for some couples, no cause for infertility is found. This is called unexplained fertility.
Men’s treatment for infertility may include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medicines
- Surgery
- Sperm retrieval procedures
Some women need only one or two treatments to improve infertility. Others may need a few types of therapies to become pregnant, including:
- Fertility medicines
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- Surgery to restore fertility
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is also used. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common ART technique.
At Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Women’s Health Services, we are passionate about meeting the various needs of women in our community. We proudly treat women from all walks of life and provide a warm and welcoming environment. To learn more about our OB/GYN services or to make an appointment, contact us at 718-291-3276.
FollowAll content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.