Symptoms
The primary symptom of infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of trying. Other symptoms can be subtle and may indicate underlying issues.
In women: Irregular menstrual cycles, painful periods, absence of menstruation, known hormonal imbalances, pain during intercourse.
In men: Problems with ejaculation, small firm testicles, erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, known hormonal imbalances.
Causes
Infertility can be caused by a wide range of factors that affect either the male or female reproductive system, or both.
In women: Ovulation disorders (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS), fallopian tube blockage, endometriosis, uterine problems (e.g., fibroids or polyps), primary ovarian insufficiency (early menopause), thyroid problems.
In men: Low sperm count, poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology, varicocele, infection, ejaculation problems, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, genetic defects.
In both: Certain genetic conditions, advanced age, lifestyle factors (smoking, excessive alcohol use, obesity), exposure to certain toxins, chronic diseases.
Medicine Used
Medications for infertility vary widely depending on the underlying cause.
In women: Clomiphene citrate (to induce ovulation), letrozole (to induce ovulation), gonadotropins (FSH and LH, to stimulate ovulation), metformin (for PCOS related infertility), bromocriptine (for hyperprolactinemia), antibiotics (for infections).
In men: Clomiphene citrate (to increase testosterone and sperm production), gonadotropins (HCG and FSH, to stimulate sperm production), antibiotics (for infections).
Is Communicable
? Infertility itself is not a communicable disease. However, some underlying causes of infertility, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea, can be communicable and lead to infertility if left untreated.
Precautions
While not all infertility can be prevented, certain precautions can improve overall reproductive health.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Limit caffeine intake.
Manage stress.
Avoid exposure to toxins and environmental pollutants.
Practice safe sex to prevent STIs.
Consult a doctor about medications that might affect fertility.
For women, consider the impact of age on fertility.
How long does an outbreak last?
Infertility is not an outbreak and does not "last" a specific duration. It is a condition that persists until conception occurs (naturally or with intervention) or a person stops actively trying to conceive. The underlying causes may require ongoing management and treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and various tests.
In women: Blood tests to check hormone levels (FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones), ovulation tracking, hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to check fallopian tube patency, pelvic ultrasound to assess the uterus and ovaries, laparoscopy (in some cases).
In men: Semen analysis to assess sperm count, motility, and morphology, blood tests to check hormone levels (testosterone, FSH, LH), physical examination to check for varicocele, genetic testing (in some cases), transrectal ultrasound.
Timeline of Symptoms
Infertility doesn't have a specific symptom timeline like an infectious disease. The key indicator is failure to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse (or 6 months for women over 35). Symptoms related to underlying causes may develop over time, such as menstrual irregularities or pain.
Important Considerations
Seek medical advice from a fertility specialist (reproductive endocrinologist) if conception does not occur within the recommended timeframe.
Infertility can be emotionally challenging. Seek support from family, friends, or a therapist.
There are various treatment options available, and the best approach depends on the underlying cause.
Age is a significant factor, especially for women. Fertility declines with age.
Early diagnosis and treatment can increase the chances of successful conception.