Couples who suffer from fertility issues may find it difficult to conceive naturally. Fertility issues have been on the rise in recent years. Several factors, including age, lifestyle and health conditions, affect men's and women's fertility. One of the most common doubts among couples with fertility disorders is, can you get pregnant if infertile? With the recent advancement in the medical field, couples with fertility issues can get pregnant. There are a wide range of fertility treatments available that help couples get pregnant. Assisted reproductive technologies offer a ray of hope for couples who wish to enter parenthood. Continue reading for a clear understanding of fertility issues and ways to get pregnant with fertility problems.
Infertility is a common medical condition where a couple cannot conceive naturally after unprotected sex for more than a year. Both men and women can suffer from fertility issues. Pregnancy occurs when a mature egg from the ovary travels through the fallopian tube and meets with the sperm that travels through the vagina. The sperm and ovary fertilise into an embryo, which travels through the fallopian tube and implants in the uterine lining, resulting in the growth of the fetus. Infertility is classified into three types:
● Primary infertility is a condition where couples cannot conceive after one year of regular unprotected sex.
● Secondary infertility is a condition where a couple cannot conceive after one successful pregnancy.
● Unexplained fertility is a condition where it is not possible to find out the exact cause of infertility.
One of the prominent signs of fertility problems is not getting pregnant. Other signs that can be due to fertility problems are:
● Change in the menstrual cycle and ovulation
● Irregular menstruation
● Period stops abruptly
● Severe cramps during periods
● Back pain, abdominal pain and pelvic pain
● Abnormal vaginal bleeding
● Ejaculation disorders
● Erectile dysfunction
● Testicular swelling
● Weight gain
● Nipple discharge
When you notice any of the above signs, it may be due to underlying fertility issues.
The following factors can affect the fertility of couples.
● Age: It is a crucial factor affecting men's and women's fertility. Ovarian health greatly depends on a woman's age. Egg quantity and quality decrease as women age, and sperm quality also deteriorates as men age.
● Obesity: Being overweight can affect your reproductive health
● Bad habits: Consumption of alcohol and smoking can cause fertility problems in both men and women.
Men and women can be affected by fertility issues. Here are the significant causes that result in fertility issues in women:
Hormonal Imbalance: This is the primary cause of fertility issues in women. It can disrupt the function of ovaries, resulting in irregular ovulation. This makes it challenging to produce a healthy egg for fertilisation. Hormonal imbalance fails to prepare the uterus for pregnancy and also disrupts implantation.
Chronic Health Conditions: Women suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes, thyroid disorders, pelvic inflammatory disease, and others decrease the chance of conceiving.
Uterine Disorders: Uterine disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, fibroids, polyps, and scarring interfere with implantation.
Poor Egg Quality: Poor egg quality inhibits conception, resulting in fertility problems in women
Some of the causes of fertility issues in men are:
Exposure To Excessive Heat: Men exposed to excessive heat for a prolonged period can suffer from fertility issues.
Chronic Diseases: Men suffer from certain chronic disorders, including cryptorchidism, a condition in which the testicles are not connected to the scrotum, varicocele, inflammation of veins present in the scrotum, and testicle swelling.
Genetic and chromosomal Disorders: Cystic fibroids are genetic diseases, and Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic disorder that can affect fertility in men.
Low Sperm Count and Mobility: Low sperm count and reduced sperm mobility can interfere with fertility in men.
Blocked Sperm Ducts: The blockage in sperm ducts results in the absence of sperm in the ejaculate, leading to infertility.
Sexual Dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation make the men less fertile.
Couples who try conceiving with infertility must treat the fertility issue to get pregnant. When you suffer from fertility issues, consult your gynecologist to evaluate the exact cause. Based on the diagnosis and tests, your healthcare provider can recommend specific lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery to resolve the issues related to fertility.
Getting Pregnant through Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Pregnancy with infertility is possible by opting for any of the following assisted reproductive technologies.
In-vitro Fertilization(IVF): IVF is a popular fertility treatment where quality eggs and sperm are retrieved and fertilized under a controlled environment. The resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus for implantation.
Intrauterine Insemination(IUI): In this procedure, the sperm is directly inserted into the uterus via a long, thin tube that increases the chance of conception.
IVF using Donor Eggs and Sperm: In case of low-quality eggs or sperm, couples can opt to use donor eggs or sperm of high quality for the IVF procedure.
You can very well get pregnant with fertility issues. Consult a fertility specialist when you face difficulty in conceiving naturally. Seeking professional advice can help you assess the exact cause of fertility issues. This enables you to opt for the proper fertility treatment based on the advice of the fertility specialist. Thanks to assisted reproductive fertility treatments that help increase the chance of conceiving even when couples suffer from fertility issues.
With recent advancements in the medical industry, the following treatments can help you treat fertility issues in both men and women:
● Fertility medicines
● Hysteroscopy to restore fertility
● Intrauterine insemination
● Surgery to reverse sperm blockage
Age is a crucial factor that affects your fertility. As you age, the egg quantity and quality deteriorate in women, reducing the chance of conception. It is the same with men, where the sperm count and quality decrease with age. You can opt for assisted reproductive technologies; egg and sperm freezing can help you get pregnant as you age.
Lifestyle plays a significant role in improving the fertility of both men and women. Eating a balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding smoking and alcohol can help couples to reverse their fertility issues and conceive on their own.
