INFERTILITY

Infertility is a common problem in partners. Fortunately, major advances have been made in recent decades, and the problem of infertility can be solved in many cases. Problems of infertility can include problems with the sperm, problems with egg, or difficulties encountered in their union. Abnormal function of the fallopian tube or uterus, infections, and immunologic and other factors may also cause infertility. Infertility problems also can result from sexual dysfunction.

To physicians, the term infertility usually means the inability to become pregnant after 1 year of frequent sexual intercourse without using any contraception.

Ten to 15 percent of couples are infertile. Of these couples, the man is the infertile partner in about 30 percent of cases and contributes to the infertility problem in an additional 20 percent of cases; the woman is infertile 50-70 percent of the time. In both men and women, various factors can account for infertility. Forty percent of infertile couples have more than one cause of their infertility. Thus, the physician will begin a comprehensive infertility examination of both partners.

The most cause of infertility in men is a slow sperm cell count. Normal sperm counts range from 75,000,000 to 400,000,000 sperm cells. If the sperm cell count drops to 20,000,000 sperm cells per milliliter, the male is usually sterile. Decreased sperm cell count can occur because of damage to the testes (e.g., because of mumps, radiation, or trauma), obstruction of the duct system, or inadequate hormone production.

In women, the failure to release an egg, is responsible for infertility problems in up to 15 percent of cases. It can be caused by various factors. We know of uterine’s and immunologic factors’ being a cause of infertility.

In some cases the physicians don’t know exactly the reasons of infertility’s occurring.

The numerous treatments for infertility depend on the cause. Recent developments in therapy have increased the number of once-infertile couples who can achieve pregnancy. Various means of insemination or embryo transfer may be possible so that the woman can still become pregnant.