Women's health
Infertility
Starting the testing and the conversation, without a long wait for a specialist.
What is Infertility?
Infertility is medically defined as the inability to conceive a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It is a common medical condition that affects millions of individuals and couples worldwide. Infertility can be primary, meaning a person has never achieved a pregnancy, or secondary, meaning someone struggles to conceive after having previously achieved one or more pregnancies. It is important to understand that infertility is a shared disease of the reproductive system, not a personal failure or a reflection of lifestyle alone. Medical research emphasizes that factors contributing to infertility are roughly equally split: roughly one-third of cases relate to female factors, one-third to male factors, and the remaining third stem from a combination of both partners or remain unexplained despite testing.
Why Does Infertility Happen?
Infertility happens when a physical, hormonal, or structural issue interrupts any stage of the conception process—such as egg release, sperm movement, fertilization, or embryo implantation. In biological females, common causes include ovulation disorders (like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS), blocked fallopian tubes caused by infections or endometriosis, uterine abnormalities, or age-related declines in egg quantity and quality. In biological males, infertility is most often related to problems with sperm production, quality, or delivery. Conditions such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility (movement), abnormal sperm shape, or physical blockages (like a varicocele, or enlarged vein in the testicles) can prevent sperm from reaching or fertilizing an egg. Lifestyle elements, genetic factors, environmental exposures, and underlying conditions like diabetes can also play a significant role for both partners.
When Should Someone Consult a Specialist?
Medical guidelines from organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend seeking evaluation based primarily on age and health history: - Under age 35: Consult a reproductive specialist or gynecologist after 12 months of trying to conceive without success. - Age 35 to 39: Seek evaluation after 6 months of unsuccessful attempts, as female egg reserve declines more rapidly in the mid-to-late 30s. Additionally, individuals should consult a physician earlier—regardless of age—if they have known medical risk factors. These include irregular or absent menstrual periods, a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, known endometriosis, prior cancer treatments (like chemotherapy or radiation), known low sperm counts, or a history of multiple miscarriages.
This page is for general information, if you have questions or wondering about possible treatment. feel free to connect, book appointment at WELL Health Medical Centre — Regent