Infertility

Last Updated: October 13, 2024

Infertility is usually defined as the inability to have a pregnancy that does not result in stillbirth or miscarriage after trying for at least one year.

Infertility falls under thePregnancy & Childrencategory.

What is infertility?

Infertility is the inability to become pregnant after a year of unprotected and frequent sexual intercourse. Treatments are available for both men and women, and approximately 50% of couples who undergo treatment successfully have children.

How is infertility diagnosed?

Infertility is typically diagnosed after 12 months of unprotected intercourse without pregnancy, although individuals with a history of infertility or women over age 35 may seek evaluation sooner. The diagnostic process includes a review of medical history, physical examinations, imaging of reproductive organs, and laboratory tests such as semen analysis and hormone level assessments.

What are some of the main medical treatments for infertility?

Medical treatments for unexplained infertility may include ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, injectable hormones, in vitro fertilization, and surgery to address anatomical issues. These treatments are tailored to the specific causes of infertility for each individual.

Have any supplements been studied for infertility?

Some dietary supplements — such as zinc, vitamin E, and L-carnitine — have shown potential benefits for male infertility, particularly in improving sperm motility and success with assisted reproductive technologies.

Are there any other treatments for infertility?

Couples with unexplained infertility may improve their chances of conception by modifying their lifestyle, such as engaging in timed intercourse during the woman's peak fertility days and avoiding smoking, alcohol, and substance use. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important because obesity is associated with a higher risk of infertility.

What causes infertility?

Infertility can result from male factors, female factors, or unexplained causes. Common male issues include primary hypogonadism and sperm transport problems, and female infertility often stems from ovulation disorders and fallopian tube obstructions. Approximately 40% of male infertility cases have no identifiable cause, and ovulation disorders account for 40% of female infertility cases.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by various factors, including deficits in nitric oxide release, nerve signaling issues, vascular diseases, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications. Psychological factors such as stress and anxiety can also contribute to ED, making it a multifaceted condition.

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References
  1. ^The content of this page was partially adapted from MedlinePlus of the National Library of Medicine
  2. ^Tammy J Lindsay, Kristen R VitrikasEvaluation and treatment of infertilityAm Fam Physician.(2015 Mar 1)
  3. ^Michael P Rimmer, Ruth A Howie, Venkatesh Subramanian, Richard A Anderson, Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla, Yusuf Beebeejaun, Pietro Bortoletto, Sesh K Sunkara, Rod T Mitchell, Allan Pacey, Madelon van Wely, Cindy M Farquhar, James M N Duffy, Craig NiederbergerOutcome reporting across randomized controlled trials evaluating potential treatments for male infertility: a systematic reviewHum Reprod Open.(2022 Mar 4)
  4. ^Yafi et alErectile dysfunctionNature Reviews Disease Primers.(February 2016)
Examine Database References
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