Some couples have trouble getting pregnant because of several issues in their reproductive health. Fertility becomes a concern when you do not get pregnant after 12 months of regular, adequate, unprotected vaginal sex. In other words, you must have had sex for more than three days on different days every week within a year before saying you have fertility problems.

What is normal?

There are many myths about conception and pregnancy. Therefore, it’s important to start with what is considered normal. What you have been hearing from that friend or family member might not be correct. You need the right information to have a successful fertility journey. Below are a few truths about what is normal:

• Pregnancy is not always easy: Up to six million couples struggle to give birth every year, and there is no way to know who will face such trouble.
• Regular periods do not translate to quick pregnancy. Since regular periods suggest ovulation, it is tempting to think that’s all there is to get pregnant. Yet, other factors affect conception. If your flow is off or you do not see your period at all, something is wrong. Using a ovulation calculator can help you time your cycle to increase your odds of conception.
• Fertility naturally decreases with age: This happens because of a reduction in the number and quality of eggs. Women less than 35 years old have a 20% chance of getting pregnant every month, but this value drops to 5% in those over 40 years old.
• Weight affects fertility: A healthy fat storage correlates with estrogen production but obese, overweight, and underweight women may experience menstrual cycles that are not regular. This affects ovulation and could also pose a threat to the pregnancy. Weight loss can improve your chances of a successful conception.
• Fertility problems affect both sexes alike: There is a widespread myth that pregnancy troubles happen because of women, but studies have shown otherwise. Both men and women have equal chances of being the cause of infertility.
• Annual Ob/Gyn exams are not enough: Thorough exams check your breasts, vagina, uterus, ovaries and screen for cervical cancer, yet they do not replace testing. You need to visit a fertility clinic for proper testing and treatment if you have a hard time getting pregnant.

Am I infertile?

You can only get answers to this question after taking several tests to find the problem’s cause. In many instances, it is simply a matter of not trying enough. There are two types of infertility to note:

• Primary: Couples that have never conceived have a primary fertility problem.
• Secondary: If you have conceived in the past regardless of the outcome, then the problem is secondary.

You might have spent time and money for several years trying to avoid getting pregnant only to find out that it’s much tougher to conceive. You are not alone.

Many couples experience anger, frustration, and depression because of the stress of being seen as infertile. If you experience anything different from the normal we have discussed, you should get tested as soon as possible.

Testing

Fertility is a problem of couples, so testing involves both partners within a menstrual cycle. While baseline tests cover both genders, there are certain tests for males and females.

Male

Semen analysis is the mainstay for testing in males. Your doctor will collect your sample three to four days after abstinence. The results are most accurate within an hour of sample collection. Semen testing involves checking for sperm count, semen movement, form, volume, white blood cell count, and pH. According to WHO or ACOG, all factors must fulfill certain minimum criteria for a man to be cleared of any issue. Other tests for men include blood tests, ultrasound of the vas deferens, urine tests, and the testes’ biopsy.

Female

Women undergo tubal patency tests such as HSG and via a laparoscope (this involves putting in a small camera through the skin to look at the organs). These methods also help to reveal pelvic adhesions and tubal problems better. 

Also, different tests reveal a woman’s ovulatory state. They include LH urine strips and hormone assay. Other tests for women include blood tests, ultrasound, x-ray, and cervical factor tests.

Treatment

Both partners should go for treatment at a specialist clinic. The treatments address both the male and female factors involved in a pregnancy. Sometimes, the problem might be from a spouse or both. In rare cases, tracing the problem might be hard. Still, there are various treatment options for you to explore:

• Ovulation induction agents: These drugs aim to help the ovaries to release more eggs. They also improve the quality of eggs. A great example of such a drug is clomiphene citrate. Other drugs like letrozole improve gonad function.
• IVF: This treatment helps both parties with fertility problems. It is also a great choice for same-sex couples and single parents. The health expert fertilizes the sperm and egg in a lab before implanting them in the mother’s uterus. IVF addresses low sperm count and damaged tubes.
• IUI: This process requires a sperm donor, and it involves injecting prepared sperm into the uterus at the time of ovulation. It is also a great choice for people with low sperm count and cervix problems.
• Egg or sperm donation: Sometimes, couples might not provide eggs or sperm, as seen in same-sex marriages. Also, older women finding it hard to conceive may require donations.
• Surrogacy: This treatment option is useful in cases where pregnancy is too risky. It also helps in cases with an abnormal uterus, failed IVF treatment, and chronic health problems.

Other treatment options include different types of surgeries to treat certain causes in men and women.

Take charge of your fertility today

Whether you are just starting your fertility journey or already into treatment, it is important to know the basics. Knowing what is normal and visiting a clinic for exams and tests will most likely address your condition. Do not give up!

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