The dream of starting a family can be impacted by infertility for many, stemming from different causes. The NHS site reports that 1 in 7 couples struggle with fertility issues, while many have already begun treatment. Although medical reports indicate that some infertility causes cannot be scientifically explained, it’s important to know about the few that can be traced beyond fertility myths. Here are three infertility issues and effective ways to resolve them to have the family you have always dreamed of.
- Hormonal imbalances
Hormonal imbalance is a leading cause of infertility in males and females. Many couples unknowingly live with these imbalances and only discover them when they try to conceive with their partners. Fertility experts say irregularities in the production or regulation of reproductive hormones can disrupt ovulation and egg quality or impair sperm production. For many women, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a common hormonal condition contributing to infertility. Thyroid disorders, a major problem for women in the UK, closely follow it. The potential solution for these imbalances is medication and sometimes hormonal therapy. Medication plays a significant role in regulating hormone levels in PCOS or thyroid-related infertility. It may help restore ovulation and increase the chances of conception. Fertility experts also say adopting a healthy lifestyle can help stabilise hormonal imbalances and improve fertility.
- Abnormalities within the reproductive system
Structural abnormalities within the reproductive system can hinder conception. In women, conditions such as blocked fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis can prevent the fertilisation and implantation of the egg. In men, issues like a varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum) or blockages in the sperm ducts can impair sperm release and viability. However, with surgical intervention, depending on the specific condition, surgical procedures can be performed to remove these obstructions. Surgical procedures can also repair damaged tissues or correct existing abnormalities in the reproductive organs. Another medical procedure helping out with reproductive system abnormalities is Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). In cases where surgical solutions are not feasible, IVF treatment or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can help overcome structural barriers to conception.
- Age-related factors
As individuals age, fertility naturally declines due to a decrease in the quantity and quality of eggs in women and a decline in sperm count and motility in men. Advancing age can significantly reduce the chances of successful conception and increase the risk of miscarriage. Some potential solutions include fertility preservation. Individuals who wish to delay starting a family can opt for fertility preservation techniques, such as egg or sperm freezing, to preserve reproductive cells at a younger age when they are more viable.
For couples facing age-related fertility challenges, techniques like IVF or using donor eggs or sperm can help increase the chances of successful conception. While these procedures have been successful in just one round for several couples, some have not been too fortunate. Others also try several rounds of IVF and other treatments but cannot conceive. In this case, surrogacy, egg or sperm donation may become helpful.
