Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system that prevents pregnancy. It can affect anyone and has various causes. The process of conception involves several steps:
Types of infertility include:
Primary infertility: When you’ve never been pregnant and can’t conceive after one year (or six months if you’re 35 or older) of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.
Secondary infertility: When you’re unable to get pregnant again after having at least one successful pregnancy.
Unexplained infertility: When fertility testing fails to identify a specific reason why a person or couple is unable to conceive.
The primary indicator of infertility is the inability to conceive after six months to one year of regular, unprotected sex. While some individuals may not experience any other symptoms, others may notice:
Treating infertility depends largely on its cause and individual goals. Factors such as age, duration of attempts to conceive, and personal preferences influence treatment decisions. Sometimes, treatment is necessary for one partner, while in other cases, both partners may need interventions.
Most individuals and couples facing infertility have a good chance of achieving pregnancy. Treatments may involve medications, surgical procedures, or assisted reproductive technology (ART). Lifestyle adjustments and optimizing the timing and frequency of intercourse can also enhance pregnancy prospects. Often, a combination of approaches is used to maximize effectiveness.