Infertility is more common than many people realize, with one out of every six couples experiencing difficulty getting pregnant. Additionally, it’s important to understand that infertility is a catch-all term for the inability of a male-female couple to become pregnant after a year of unprotected sex when the female is under the age of 35 years. If the female is 35 years of age or older, the inability to get pregnant after 6 months of unprotected intercourse results in an infertility diagnosis.
There are several issues that can cause infertility, so it’s vital to have a clear diagnosis of the reasons behind it in your specific case. That way you can get the right medical care for your needs. Here are five of the most common diagnoses when it comes to infertility.
- Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, and can grow on the pelvic muscles, fallopian tubes, ovaries and other areas. It often causes pelvic pain and inflammation, though it is important to note that some endometriosis patients report no pain. Frequent symptoms of endo are painful periods, heavy bleeding and pain during intercourse. Endometriosis can be a big factor in infertility so getting an early diagnosis can make it easier to get the right treatment.
- Ovulatory Dysfunction
Problems with ovulation make up about 25% of infertility cases. A lack of ovulation means eggs aren’t available or aren’t forming properly, and it can be caused by hormonal imbalances, excessive exercise, a low BMI, or PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). If you are having irregular periods (defined as more than 35 days from the first day of one period to the first day of the subsequent period), you should seek help sooner.
- Tubal Factor Infertility
If the fallopian tubes are blocked due to disease, scarring, or damage, this can lead to infertility, and around 25% to 35% of infertility cases are caused by problems with fallopian tubes.
- Male Factor Infertility
Men can experience infertility issues with low sperm count or abnormal sperm, making it harder to conceive. Testing will look for these issues, to determine whether a man’s sperm count and sperm quality are within normal limits.
- Unexplained Infertility
This non-diagnosis is given to couples who don’t have any of the other four causes of infertility, or another obvious cause such as a specific type of illness or injury that would create fertility problems. Between 15 and 30 percent of couples dealing with infertility will receive this answer to the question of why they’re having trouble conceiving.
The best thing couples can do if they’re experiencing infertility is see their doctor and look for a cause. Many causes of infertility are treatable, and couples that know their diagnosis and options can more easily make informed decisions about their healthcare.
If you have any questions about your infertility diagnosis or are seeking additional guidance, the team at the Fertility Institute of San Diego, can give you the support you need. We are a boutique San Diego fertility center that firmly believes that total wellness is an essential component to maximize your success rates. Whether you want to get a fertility testing or get support about fertility nutrition, Dr. Hosseinzadeh and her dedicated team of fertility specialists are here to help you on your fertility journey. Book your complimentary virtual consultation with Dr. Hosseinzadeh today!
