Fertility is the ability to conceive and give birth to a healthy baby. It concerns both males and females.
For women, fertility involves releasing an egg from the ovaries as a rule. If the egg meets a sperm as a result of having sex, it can lead to pregnancy. Women have a uterus (or womb) where a baby grows.
For men, fertility means producing healthy and active sperm which are needed to fertilise an egg and start a pregnancy. Sperm is produced in the testes.
Many things can affect fertility. Age, genes (inherited traits), health, and lifestyle choices can all play a role. Some medical conditions can make it harder to get pregnant or father a child. Things like stress, being overweight or underweight, smoking, drinking alcohol, or exposure to harmful substances can also impact fertility.
If someone is having trouble conceiving, there are medical treatments available to help. These treatments can assist in having a baby when it’s challenging to do it through sex.
It’s important for you to know about fertility because it helps you understand how your body works and the potential challenges you might face if and when you want to have children in the future.
What is infertility?
Infertility is when a couple can’t conceive after trying for a year without using any birth control (contraception). It affects 1 in 6 couples and it indicates fertility problems. Both men and women can have infertility issues. Sometimes, both partners can have infertility problems and sometimes doctors cannot find the cause of infertility.
You need to know about infertility because it affects so many people. This knowledge can also help you if at some point in life you experience difficulties in getting pregnant.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP FOR INFERTILITY?
Balanced and healthy diet, moderate exercise, and enough sleep can maximise fertility. If you are concerned about your fertility, you can get tested. It does not matter if you are actively trying for a pregnancy or not. Infertility can also be diagnosed without trying for a baby if there are specific medical conditions. However, most infertility tests start when a couple can’t get pregnant after trying for a year without using any birth control. The specialist to contact depends on the country you live in. Most often, you can simply contact your doctor in order to receive more information.
WHAT CAN CAUSE INFERTILITY?
Infertility can be caused by issues of the female, of the male, and of both partners. In some cases, doctors cannot identify the cause of infertility. This is called unexplained infertility.
IS INFERTILITY A DISEASE?
Infertility is a disease! It is a medical condition that makes it hard for some people to have children. It affects both men and women and can be caused by various health issues. While it can be challenging, there are treatments and support available to help those affected.
PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF INFERTILITY
Infertility can cause feelings of intense sorrow and frustration. It may lead to stress and anxiety, and can negatively affect mental health and relationships. Dealing with infertility can make people feel isolated or different from their peers.
People experiencing infertility can get support from medical professionals and other people with infertility or infertility associations and their peer support groups. They will also feel less stressed and lonely if their condition is met with sympathy and understanding.