Summary about Disease
Subfertility, also known as reduced fertility, is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It affects both men and women and can be caused by a variety of factors related to reproductive health. It differs from infertility which refers to the complete inability to conceive.
Symptoms
Symptoms of subfertility are not always obvious, as the primary sign is simply the inability to conceive. However, associated symptoms in women may include:
Irregular menstrual cycles (too long, too short, absent)
Painful periods
Hormonal imbalances manifesting as acne, hair growth in unusual places, or weight changes. In men, potential symptoms include:
Problems with sexual function (e.g., erectile dysfunction, low libido)
Pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicles
Changes in hair growth
Causes
Subfertility has numerous potential causes affecting either the male or female reproductive systems, or both. Female Causes:
Ovulation disorders (e.g., Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [PCOS], premature ovarian failure)
Fallopian tube blockage or damage
Endometriosis
Uterine problems (e.g., fibroids, polyps)
Hormonal imbalances
Age-related decline in egg quality Male Causes:
Low sperm count or poor sperm quality (motility, morphology)
Varicocele (enlargement of veins in the scrotum)
Ejaculation problems (e.g., retrograde ejaculation)
Hormonal imbalances
Genetic factors
Infections Shared/Other Causes:
Lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, stress)
Certain medications
Exposure to environmental toxins
Medicine Used
Medications used to treat subfertility vary widely depending on the underlying cause. Common examples include: For Women:
Clomiphene citrate: Stimulates ovulation.
Letrozole: Another ovulation-inducing drug.
Gonadotropins (FSH, LH): Injectable hormones that stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
Metformin: Used in women with PCOS to improve insulin sensitivity and ovulation. For Men:
Clomiphene citrate or other anti-estrogens: Can help increase testosterone and sperm production.
Gonadotropins (HCG, FSH): Stimulate sperm production.
Antibiotics: To treat infections affecting sperm quality. Important Note: These medications must be prescribed and monitored by a physician specializing in reproductive endocrinology or urology.
Is Communicable
Subfertility itself is not a communicable disease. It is not infectious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. However, some underlying causes of subfertility, such as certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), *are* communicable.
Precautions
While you cannot prevent all causes of subfertility, some precautions can improve reproductive health:
Maintain a healthy weight.
Eat a balanced diet.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Manage stress.
Limit exposure to environmental toxins.
Practice safe sex to prevent STIs.
For women, consider earlier family planning if there is a family history of early menopause or fertility problems.
For men, avoid overheating the testicles (e.g., hot tubs, tight clothing).
How long does an outbreak last?
Subfertility is not an outbreak related ailment. It is an underlying long term condition and may require medical intervention.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of subfertility involves a comprehensive evaluation of both partners: For Women:
Medical history and physical exam
Ovulation testing (e.g., basal body temperature charting, ovulation predictor kits, blood tests to measure hormone levels)
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): X-ray to check for blockages in the fallopian tubes.
Ultrasound: To assess the ovaries and uterus.
Laparoscopy: Surgical procedure to directly visualize the reproductive organs. For Men:
Medical history and physical exam
Semen analysis: To evaluate sperm count, motility, and morphology.
Hormone testing
Ultrasound: To assess the testicles and prostate.
Genetic testing
Timeline of Symptoms
The "timeline" of subfertility symptoms is variable and depends on the underlying cause. Some people may experience subtle symptoms for years before realizing they have difficulty conceiving. Others may not have any noticeable symptoms until they actively try to conceive without success for a prolonged period (typically one year).
Important Considerations
Subfertility is a common problem, and many treatment options are available.
Early evaluation and treatment can improve the chances of conception.
Both partners should be evaluated, as subfertility can affect either or both individuals.
Treatment success rates vary depending on the underlying cause and individual factors.
The emotional and psychological impact of subfertility can be significant; seeking support from family, friends, or a therapist can be beneficial.
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be considered if other treatments are unsuccessful.