Infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. It can be classified into primary infertility, where conception has never occurred, and secondary infertility, where there is an inability to conceive after a prior successful pregnancy. The prevalence of infertility in India is estimated to be between 3.9% and 16.8%
Infertility affects both men and women. It is estimated that 15-20% of couples in India suffer from infertility, and of these, male infertility contributes to 40-50% of all cases. Infertility in men can result from disorders of sperm production, motility issues, obstructive problems, or sexual dysfunction. Common conditions include low sperm count, abnormal sperm shape, and varicocele.
Infertility in women has several causes:
Tubal factors: Blockage or damage to fallopian tubes due to infections like chlamydia or conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease.
Uterine factors: Developmental abnormalities, fibroids, or uterine infections like tuberculosis.
Ovarian factors: Conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or ovarian cysts leading to ovulation issues.
Peritoneal factors: Adhesions, endometriosis, or pelvic infections.
Hormonal imbalances: Conditions like anovulation or hyperinsulinemia.
Diagnosis involves clinical examination and tests like hormonal profiling, ultrasonography, ovulation tracking, and diagnostic procedures such as HSG and laparoscopy.
Treatment of infertility in women depends on the underlying cause. For tubal issues, IVF or surgical canalization is recommended. Uterine factors may require laparoscopy, while ovarian dysfunctions are treated with medications or laparoscopy.
Infertility in Men has several causes:
Infertility in men has several causes that impact sperm production, quality, or delivery. Common issues include:
- Sperm production disorders: Low sperm count, poor sperm morphology, or reduced motility caused by hormonal imbalances, infections, or genetic conditions.
- Obstructive disorders: Blockages in the reproductive tract, such as vas deferens obstructions, preventing sperm from being released.
- Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum, which can reduce sperm quality and quantity.
- Sexual dysfunction: Conditions like erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, hindering successful conception.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins, which negatively affect sperm health.
Timely diagnosis of infertility in men through semen analysis, hormone testing, and ultrasound can guide effective treatments like medications, surgery, or advanced fertility techniques like IUI, IVF, or ICSI.