Infertility is a medical condition characterized by the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for individuals under 35 years old, or six months for those over 35. It can affect both men and women and may result from various factors, including physiological, genetic, hormonal, environmental, or lifestyle-related issues.
Causes of infertility in women may include ovulation disorders, fallopian tube blockages, uterine abnormalities, or age-related decline in fertility. In men, infertility can be due to low sperm count, poor sperm motility, structural abnormalities in the reproductive organs, or hormonal imbalances.
Infertility can have significant emotional, psychological, and social impacts on individuals and couples, leading to stress, anxiety, depression, and strain on relationships. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, counselors, or support groups can be beneficial for coping with the challenges of infertility.
Treatment options for infertility depend on the underlying cause and may include lifestyle modifications, medication to stimulate ovulation or improve sperm quality, surgical interventions to correct anatomical issues, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), or donor sperm or eggs.
