Υπογονιμότητα

Infertility is the reduced ability of a couple to conceive a child. More specifically, female infertility is the reduced ability or inability for a woman to become pregnant or give birth and is estimated to affect about 10% of women.

Infertility is a condition that equally affects both sexes. According to medical research, one-third of infertility causes are due to a male problem, one-third to a female problem, and one-third to a combination of problems from both partners or unknown reasons. For a woman to consult us about infertility, she must have tried to become pregnant without success, having unprotected sex for 12 months.

Causes of infertility: What causes reduced fertility in women?

For a pregnancy to occur, every stage of the reproductive process must proceed without problems. From the release of the egg from the ovaries, its transport to the fallopian tube, its fertilization by the sperm, and until its implantation in the uterus, it is essential that there be no interference or hindrance in the process. However, there are many different factors that can affect this process and cause infertility:

  • Ovulation problems
    Most cases of fertility problems are related to rare ovulation and menstrual disorders, which may be due to hormonal problems, primary ovarian insufficiency (premature menopause), stress and anxiety, eating disorders, and thyroid diseases. The most common hormonal cause of ovulation problems and infertility is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

  • Problems in the uterus or fallopian tubes
    There may be some damage or abnormalities in the uterus or fallopian tubes that prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or prevent the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus. These may be congenital, caused by diseases such as fibroids, endometriosis, polyps, and pelvic inflammatory disease, or may have been created by previous surgical interventions such as ectopic pregnancy.
  • Problems with the number and quality of eggs
    Women's fertility is directly related to their age, and unfortunately, this is often overlooked today. Women are born with all their eggs, resulting in the possibility that this "stock" may be depleted before menopause. Additionally, some eggs may be damaged and may not be able to be fertilized or produce a healthy embryo.

Causes of male infertility

Low sperm count and poor sperm motility are the most common causes of male infertility. Other causes may include genetic disorders and certain conditions, such as diabetes. Varicocele, a condition in which the veins in the testicles are enlarged, can also affect sperm quality.

Unexplained infertility

In some cases, about one-third of infertility cases in couples, infertility may be unexplained. This can happen because it may be impossible to accurately identify the causes or it may be multifactorial, meaning it may be due to more than one factor and affect both partners.

Υπογονιμότητα

Necessary Examination for Infertile Couples

When a couple is investigating the causes of infertility, useful tests include:

  • Hysterosalpingography (HSG)

It is essentially an X-ray used to assess the interior of the uterus and fallopian tubes. A special radiographic substance is injected through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. As this substance moves through the tubes, an X-ray is performed to check for any blockages or abnormalities.

  • Hormones

The Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test measures the levels of AMH in a woman's blood. AMH is a hormone produced by the ovarian cells and provides information about the number of remaining eggs in a woman and her ovarian reserve. Other hormonal tests measure the levels of various hormones in the body, such as FSH, LH, and estradiol. These hormones play a significant role in ovulation and fertility.

  • Ultrasound

It is used to check the size and shape of the uterus, as well as the thickness of the endometrium. It can also detect fibroids and polyps in the uterus or cysts in the ovaries.

  • Sperm Analysis

It is a test performed on a man's sperm to check the quantity and quality of the sperm. The test measures the number of sperm, their shape, and their movement, as well as the overall volume of the sperm.

It is important to note that these tests may not provide a definitive diagnosis and further examination may be needed to determine the cause of infertility in the couple.

Can Female Infertility Be Prevented?

Most forms of female infertility cannot be predicted or prevented. However, risk factors that may reduce fertility, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can, in some cases, be controlled. Incorporating exercise into daily life has a beneficial role in controlling body weight and reducing stress and anxiety.

How Can We Help You?

Infertility is a stressful issue for every individual, woman, and couple, even as an idea, let alone as a reality. For this reason, if 12 months of sexual intercourse have passed without success (or 6 months if you are over 35), it is important to visit us to investigate together if there is a reason for reduced fertility. We will take your medical history, discuss your concerns, and proceed with examinations, wherever needed.

In every case of investigating the causes of reduced fertility in a couple, we recommend that couples be examined and both female and male infertility factors be sought.

The treatment and further management will depend on the underlying causes of infertility. In cases where there are congenital problems and serious diseases, they can be treated with surgical intervention through laparoscopy or hysteroscopy, while sometimes hormonal drug therapy may suffice. Assisted reproduction techniques, such as in vitro fertilization, are now at such a stage of development that they can help even in the most difficult cases.