infertility Is

Despite the countless discussions in television and print media, many people are still unaware of the subject of infertility. Generally, infertility is the failure to get pregnant for a period of one year or more despite efforts of conception. It can also describe a woman's inability to carry a fetus to term without miscarrying.

Going back to the basics of human conception, a sequence of biological processes must take place. First, the female discharges an ovum or egg from one of her ovaries. Then the ovum must make its way down the fallopian tube and head for the uterus. During this journey, a sperm cell from a male must swim up the female's reproductive tract in order to penetrate and fertilize the ovum. After which, the fertilized ovum must then implant itself into the lining of the female's uterus. A difficulty with any of the stages in this sequence could spell infertility since an embryo would not be conceived.

Causes of Infertility

Infertility is an issue of both sexes, and is caused by issues of either or both the male or female. There are several factors that can cause female infertility including her weight, age, diet, lifestyle and general level of health. It is fairly easy for a woman to get pregnant before the age of thirty, but as one ages it becomes increasingly difficult. Conception is also easier for a woman who has a normal weight, eats healthily, exercises and avoids toxins such as tobacco, drugs and alcohol. Another cause of infertility among women is the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, as these ailments trigger hormonal imbalance.

On the other hand, infertility in males is also caused by factors such as age and lifestyle choices. However, some medications, medical treatments and even exposure to certain industrial chemicals can also have an impact on a man's fertility. As with women, men with healthy and active lifestyles are less likely to have fertility problems.

Getting Tested

Fortunately because of medical advances, help is often at hand for those couples who have difficulty conceiving. Knowing the root of the problem is the first step in alleviating the likelihood of infertility and aids in the selection of fertility treatment to undergo. If you and your partner fail to conceive within the span of six months to a year despite repeated efforts, both of you should make an appointment with your doctor so that he or she can arrange a series of tests. There are various tests that can be carried out in order to determine the cause of infertility. For example, a man's semen can be tested to see how many spermatozoa he produces and to examine the health of the cells. Tests can also be conducted to find out if the woman is ovulating every month. Once the cause of infertility has been identified, then the doctor can establish the best course of treatment to cure the problem of infertility.