Infertility is the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse for women under 35, or after 6 months for women over 35. It can also refer to the inability to carry a pregnancy to term.

Common causes include:

• Hormonal disorders: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid imbalances.
• Structural issues: Uterine fibroids, polyps, blocked fallopian tubes.
• Ovulation problems: Irregular or absent ovulation.
• Age: Fertility declines significantly after age 35.

Common causes include:

• Low sperm count or poor motility.
• Hormonal imbalances.
• Structural issues: Blockages in reproductive organs.
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol, obesity, stress.

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
• Painful periods or intercourse.
• Hormonal symptoms: Weight gain, hair loss, or acne.
• No pregnancy after 12 months of trying.

• For women: Blood tests for hormones, ultrasound for reproductive organs, hysterosalpingography (HSG) to check fallopian tubes.
• For men: Semen analysis, hormone tests, and physical exams.

Yes! Healthy habits such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising, reducing stress, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and managing weight can enhance fertility.

• Medications: To stimulate ovulation (e.g., Clomiphene, Letrozole).
• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): Intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF).
• Surgery: To treat structural issues like fibroids or blocked tubes.
• Lifestyle changes: Improving overall health can also help.

Not always. Many couples conceive with medical treatments, lifestyle changes, or alternative methods like donor eggs/sperm or surrogacy.

Some causes, like genetic factors, are unavoidable. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and seeking early treatment for reproductive issues can help preserve fertility.

• If under 35 and trying unsuccessfully for 12 months.
• If over 35 and trying unsuccessfully for 6 months.
• If you have irregular cycles, painful periods, or known reproductive issues.

Would you like more details on specific treatments or coping strategies for infertility?

Stress alone doesn’t cause infertility, but it can affect hormone levels and ovulation. High stress may lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, like poor diet or smoking, which can impact fertility.

Yes. Being overweight or underweight can disrupt hormone levels, leading to irregular ovulation or poor sperm quality. Achieving a healthy weight improves chances of conception.

Some causes, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or genetic conditions affecting sperm production, can have a hereditary component. A family history of fertility issues may increase the risk.

Yes. Untreated STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause scarring or blockages in the fallopian tubes (in women) or damage the reproductive organs (in men), leading to infertility.

• Women: Fertility declines after age 30, with a sharp drop after 35. Egg quality and quantity decrease, and the risk of miscarriage or complications increases.
• Men: Sperm quality decreases with age, affecting motility and DNA integrity.

About 85% of healthy couples conceive within 12 months of trying. If conception doesn’t occur within this timeframe, medical evaluation is recommended.

Yes, this is called secondary infertility. It can be caused by age, hormonal changes, new health conditions, or complications from previous pregnancies.

No. Birth control temporarily prevents pregnancy but doesn’t cause infertility. Normal fertility usually returns shortly after stopping contraceptives.

Yes, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins can boost fertility. Foods high in trans fats, processed sugar, and caffeine may negatively affect it.

No. Other options include medications to stimulate ovulation, intrauterine insemination (IUI), surgery to correct structural problems, and natural methods if conditions are mild.

Yes. Exposure to toxins like pesticides, heavy metals, radiation, or chemicals can affect egg and sperm quality, leading to infertility.

No. Infertility affects men and women equally. About 30% of infertility cases are due to female factors, 30% due to male factors, 20% due to both, and 20% remain unexplained.

Unexplained infertility occurs when all standard tests fail to identify a cause. It accounts for about 15-20% of infertility cases.

Yes. Temporary factors like stress, infections, or hormonal imbalances can cause infertility. Treating the underlying cause can restore fertility.

Infertility can cause stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship strain. Seeking support through counseling or support groups can help manage these emotions.

Yes. Smoking damages eggs and sperm, while excessive alcohol can disrupt hormone levels and affect fertility. Quitting these habits can improve reproductive health.

Some couples find acupuncture, yoga, or herbal remedies helpful, but these should be used alongside medical treatments and under professional guidance.

Success rates depend on the cause of infertility, the type of treatment, and age. For example, IVF success rates are around 40% for women under 35 but lower for older women.