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What is infertility?
Infertility is defined as a couple's inability to become pregnant after 1 year
of sex without using birth control. When considering whether you may have an
infertility problem, however, bear in mind that "normal fertility" is defined as
the ability to naturally conceive within 2 years' time. Sometimes it's a matter
of determining when you are most fertile. If you are not sure when you ovulate,
use this interactive tool to calculate your peak fertility.
Women’s body is much more sophisticated than
any other fertility / ovulation calculators, estimation. Fertility, pregnancy,
ovulation calendar is not viewed by scientists as substantial method for
detecting fertile days. Please use only scientifically proven, effective means
of tracking fertility, ovulation period, for the sake of preserving your health and saving
your time. Only the tester for saliva activated ovulation detection,
has the most proven accuracy, and substitutes a number of different calendars
and calculators, as well as devices of peculiar quality and other unsafe
techniques.
Of all couples who have not conceived after 1 year, about half will go on to
conceive naturally in the following year. 1 If you are a younger couple, this is
encouraging news. However, if you are 35 or older, another year may be too long
to wait before seeking testing and treatment.
A woman's fertility declines from her mid-30s into her 40s, as her egg supply
ages. At the same time, her risk of miscarriage increases. Although a man's
sperm count decreases with age, male fertility is not known to be greatly
affected by age. 2
What causes infertility?
Infertility can be caused by problems with either the man's or woman's
reproductive system, or both. Some conditions are hormonal in nature, and others
are structural problems in the reproductive organs that require surgical repair.
Half of all couples tested for a cause of infertility are affected by a problem
with the woman's fallopian tubes or uterus or her ability to ovulate. About
one-third find that their infertility is caused by problems in the male
reproductive tract. Some couples find that both partners have problems that are
contributing to their infertility. 1 See illustrations of the female
reproductive system and the male reproductive system.
In 10% of infertile couples, no cause is found despite thorough testing. 1
Should I be tested?
Experts usually recommend that fertility testing begin at home. By using
fertility awareness and basal body temperature readings, a woman can identify
her fertile period. Some couples find that they simply have been missing their
most fertile days when trying to conceive.
Consider medical testing for a cause of infertility if you:
Have noticed a physical problem (such as an absence of ejaculation or ovulation,
or menstruation irregularities) or have a history of repeat miscarriages or
pelvic inflammatory disease.
Are in your mid-30s or older and have been unable to conceive after 6 months of
regular sex.
Are in your 20s to early 30s and have been unable to conceive after a year or
more of regular sex.
Initial testing for a couple's cause of infertility evaluates both partners'
lifestyle habits and health. Among other general health factors, your health
professional will focus on sperm and egg production, checking sperm counts and
ability to ovulate. If no cause is found, you can decide whether to proceed with
further testing.
What kind of treatment is available?
Infertility treatment ranges from simple home treatment to specialized surgical,
hormonal, and assisted reproductive technology treatments. Some of these can
have high financial, physical, and emotional costs.
Before trying treatment for infertility, discuss your financial and emotional
limits ahead of time and start out with a sense of how far you are willing to go
with testing and treatment.
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