Infertility refers to the inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. It affects an estimated 1 in 8 couples in the US.
The causes of infertility are complex and can involve both partners. In roughly 1/3 of cases, infertility arises from female factor issues like:
In another 1/3 of cases, male factor issues are the primary cause, such as:
The final 1/3 of infertility cases are unexplained or caused by a combination of factors.
Age also plays a crucial role - fertility begins to drop more sharply in a woman's mid-30s. Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use, stress levels, and maintaining a healthy BMI also impact fertility for both partners.
What are the options for treating infertility?
The good news is there are many advanced reproductive technologies today that can help couples overcome infertility, including:
Newer technologies like preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can also reduce miscarriage risk and help with conditions like recurrent pregnancy loss.
If you suspect infertility issues or have been trying unsuccessfully for 6 months if under 35 or sooner if over 35, schedule an evaluation with a reproductive endocrinologist. They can help determine the cause and outline a customized treatment plan.
At Hormone Health Clinic, our board-certified fertility specialists have 30 years' experience helping patients overcome infertility with innovative protocols and breakthrough technologies. Schedule a free consultation today to learn about all your family building options.
Some key questions on infertility:
What percentage of infertility cases are caused by male factor issues?
Roughly 1/3 of infertility cases stem from predominantly male factor causes like low sperm count or quality.
What is the difference between IUI and IVF?
IUI involves placing washed, concentrated sperm directly into the uterus to facilitate fertilization. IVF involves fertilizing the egg with sperm in a lab dish and then transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus. IVF has higher success rates but is also more invasive and expensive.
I hope this gives a helpful overview on the key aspects of infertility. The most important takeaway is that there are many advanced treatment options available today that can help couples successfully conceive. Schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist to explore your options. Hormone Health Clinic would be happy to develop a customized plan for your family building goals.