Table of contents
If pregnancy does not occur after a year of regular attempts, it is a significant reason to consult a reproductive specialist. Today, infertility is one of the main topics in medicine, and modern methods of assistance allow many couples to fulfill their dream of having a healthy child.
How Common Is Infertility?
According to international statistics, about 17.5% of the adult population worldwide—nearly one in six people—experience difficulties with conception. This rate varies by country and age group, with urban areas often having a higher prevalence due to increased stress, environmental pollution, and other factors.
Probability of Conception Based on the Duration of Attempts:
- 11–15% chance of conceiving within one menstrual cycle
- 60% of couples will conceive within the first six months of trying
- 84% within the first year
- 92% within the second year of trying.
For couples over the age of 35, it is important to consult a reproductive specialist after six months of unsuccessful attempts to conceive, as fertility declines with age, reducing the chances of having a healthy child.
Factors Affecting Infertility
The condition of both the female and male bodies can influence the ability to conceive. According to statistics:
- 33% of infertility cases are due to female factors
- 20% are due to male factors
- 39% are combined factors (both partners have fertility issues)
- 8% of cases have no clearly established cause (modern diagnostic technologies increasingly provide answers to better understand unexplained infertility)
Main Causes of Female Infertility
Female infertility can result from various factors affecting the ability to conceive. The most common causes include:
- Endocrine Disorders
Endocrine dysfunctions are one of the leading causes of infertility in women, disrupting normal hormonal system function, menstrual cycles, ovulation, and embryo implantation (attachment of the embryo to the uterine lining).
- Anovulation (absence of ovulation): A condition where the egg does not mature or is not released from the ovary, preventing conception.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): One of the most common endocrine disorders, causing irregular ovulation, irregular menstrual cycles, and elevated androgen (male hormone) levels in women.
- Hyperprolactinemia: Elevated prolactin levels in the blood, which can interfere with normal menstrual cycles and conception. Normally, prolactin levels rise during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism: Thyroid dysfunction that can affect hormonal balance and lead to infertility.
- Other hormonal imbalances: Disruptions in key hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estrogen can significantly reduce the chances of pregnancy.
- Fallopian Tube Dysfunction
The fallopian tubes are the primary channel for transporting the fertilized egg to the uterus after ovulation. If the tubes are blocked or damaged, the embryo cannot reach the uterus, complicating or preventing conception.
- Pelvic inflammatory diseases: Infections such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or other sexually transmitted infections can lead to inflammation of the tubes, the formation of adhesions, and blockages.
- Endometriosis: A condition where the endometrium (the uterine lining) grows outside the uterus, including in the fallopian tubes, potentially causing blockages.
- Reduced Ovarian Reserve
Ovarian reserve determines the quantity and quality of eggs in the ovaries. With age and due to certain diseases or factors (smoking, genetic disorders), the number of healthy eggs decreases, significantly reducing the chances of conception.
- Premature Ovarian Reserve Depletion: In some women under 40, complete depletion of egg reserves may occur, making conception more difficult.
- Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue normally located inside the uterus grows outside its boundaries. This can cause adhesions, infections, and even organ damage, reducing the chances of conception.
- Ovarian Endometriosis: Formation of endometrioid cysts on the ovaries.
- Tubal Endometriosis: Formation of adhesions and blockage of the fallopian tubes, hindering the movement of the fertilized egg.
- Uterine Fibroids and Endometrial Polyps
- Uterine Fibroids: Benign tumors that can alter the shape or position of the uterus, exert pressure on its cavity, and interfere with normal conception or embryo implantation.
- Endometrial Polyps: Growths on the uterine lining that may prevent proper embryo attachment.
- Immunological Disorders
Sometimes, a woman’s immune system may attack sperm or even embryos, preventing successful conception or implantation.
- Antisperm Antibodies: Antibodies produced by the woman’s body that attack sperm, reducing their ability to fertilize an egg.
- Advanced Reproductive Age
With age (especially after 35), natural fertility declines. This occurs due to a decrease in the number of eggs, deterioration in their quality, and changes in hormonal balance. After 40, the chances of natural conception drop significantly.
Main Causes of Male Infertility
Male infertility is also a significant concern. The causes can be diverse:
- Sperm Quality Issues
Sperm quality is one of the most important components of male fertility. Issues may include:
- Low sperm concentration (oligospermia)
- Reduced sperm motility (asthenozoospermia)
- Abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia)
- Azoospermia: Absence of sperm in semen
- Hormonal Disorders
Low testosterone levels or other hormonal imbalances can affect sperm production. - Infectious Diseases
Sexually transmitted infections (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea) can disrupt the structure or function of sperm, reducing their ability to fertilize an egg. - Varicocele
Varicose veins in the testicular area can lower sperm quality by increasing the temperature in this region. - Genetic Disorders
Certain genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome, can impact sperm production. - Harmful Habits and Environmental Factors
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, prolonged stress, or working in high-temperature environments (e.g., industrial heat) can reduce fertility.
Diagnosing Infertility Causes
To accurately identify the cause of infertility, thorough testing is necessary, which may include:
- Hormonal Tests
- Pelvic Ultrasound
- Semen Analysis
- Genetic Testing
- Hysteroscopy or Laparoscopy to examine the condition of the fallopian tubes and uterus.
Each case of infertility is unique, so it is crucial to consult a specialist to properly diagnose the issue and select effective treatment.
Most Common Infertility Treatment Methods
Modern reproductive medicine offers a wide range of treatments for infertility. Each method is tailored to the specific cause of infertility and the health characteristics of the couple.
- Endocrine Correction: Balancing hormones to normalize cycles and stimulate ovulation.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Hysteroscopy and laparoscopy to remove polyps, fibroids, or tubal blockages.
- Ovulation Induction: Stimulating the ovaries to support egg maturation.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Inserting sperm directly into the uterus before/during ovulation to increase chances of conception.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Fertilizing eggs outside the woman’s body and transferring the embryo into the uterus.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): Injecting a single sperm directly into an egg.
- Egg or Sperm Donation: For couples with issues in egg or sperm quality.
- Surrogacy: For cases where the woman cannot carry a child due to medical reasons.
Are Success Rates Promising?
Statistics show that modern reproductive medicine achieves high success rates:
- IVF: International data suggests about a 50–54% chance of pregnancy for women under 35, decreasing to 20–30% for women over 40.
- ICSI: Often achieves a success rate of 60–70% for young couples.
- IUI with Controlled Ovarian Stimulation: Has a success rate of up to 20% per cycle.
It’s Never Too Late to Seek Help
It’s crucial not to delay a visit to a reproductive specialist. Modern infertility treatments offer high effectiveness in achieving successful conception. The earlier a couple seeks help, the higher the chances of achieving their desired outcome.
Medicine continues to evolve, and each year brings new advancements in reproductive technologies. At Reprolife Clinic, we are always ready to offer our patients the most modern and safe methods of infertility treatment, helping make your dream of motherhood a reality.
In upcoming posts, we will explore each treatment method in detail and answer your questions!
