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From generation to generation infertility has been a condition
that plagues couples worldwide. It is a condition that transcends
race and color. Medically speaking, infertility is a disease
of the reproductive system. A couple can be diagnosed with
infertility if conception is not achieved after one year of
unprotected and well timed sexual intercourse. Infertility
could also be diagnosed if a woman had suffered several miscarriages
(recurrent pregnancy loss).
Who is at Risk? What you should know about infertility is
that, it is a major heartache and life crisis. It involves
losses for both the individual and society at large. Being
a medical situation, both male and female, husband and wife
are at risk of infertility. The problems leading to infertility
could predominantly be from one of the partners, in which
case it is called either the male factor (if the problem is
with the male) or the female factor (if the female reproductive
system is diseased), or it could be a combination of problems
with both partners. In some other cases, the cause could be
rightly described as unexplained.
Infertility is therefore not a 'woman's problem' as is believed
in some cultures. In fact, approximately 40% of cases of infertility
are due to the male factor, 40% due to the female factor,
while in the other cases it is either a combined factor or
unexplained The cause of infertility is said to be unexplained,
if after medical examination, nothing medically serious could
be found to be wrong with either of the couple and they still
cannot achieve conception after several efforts.
Generally, most physicians advise couples not to worry yet
about infertility unless they fall into any of these categories:
- They are under 35 years old and have tried to conceive
without success for over 12months.
- They are over 35 and have tried to conceive without success
for over 6months
- They are over 30 and have a previous history of pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID), painful menstrual periods, recurrent
pregnancy loss, irregular menstrual cycles or a partner suffers
from low sperm count.
If you fall in any of these categories, it would be wise
to consult your ob/gyn or an infertility specialist.
Can Infertility be Prevented? In every medical situation,
prevention is tied to the knowledge of the underlying cause
of the particular condition. In some cases, steps may be taken
to prevent some types of infertility, especially with respect
to some established risk factors i.e. factors that induce
some types of infertility. Except in cases like this, infertility
is in most cases, unpreventable. You will understand this
better, if you remember that there are still several "unexplained"
infertility problems. There isn't so much you can do to prevent
what you do not know. Some of the known risk factors that
may contribute to infertility include:
Weight problems Age Tubal diseases Sexually Transmitted
Diseases (STDs) Endometriosis Smoking Alcohol
It is known that smoking and alcohol are very bad for fertility.
Cutting down on caffeine would also do you a lot of good.
Fertility and healthy pregnancy (when it does occur) requires
you to maintain a healthy body and the best physical shape
possible.
Treatment Options - A variety of medication and options
exist for tackling infertility. As with other medical conditions,
it is always better to research your options, understand the
medication involved and its purpose. With more knowledge,
you can better discuss with your physician the setting up
of aspecific treatment plan that addresses your particular
problem.
Treatment options available for infertility include, ovulation
inducers, artificial insemination, invitro fertilization (IVF),
surrogacy and surgery (in some cases).
Always remember that infertility has no major signs or symptoms
associated with it. Paying attention to your body and getting
regular checkups will be vital for your fertility.
About the Author
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Infertility
Fertility
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