INFERTILITY
Guide To: Fertility And Conceiving A Baby
INFERTILITY |
Fertility ProblemsContents • What Is Infertility? |
In This Section: Types Of Treatments Related Topics |
What Is Infertility?
Is it our imagination or used it be easier to become pregnant in the past? Our grandmothers seemed to pop out 3 or 4 children (before breakfast) and spent their 30s desperately doing everything they could to avoid having yet another mouth to feed, wash and clothe. Yet today, every second couple seems to be attending infertility counseling or seeking medical treatment in order to start their family. Well according to statistics, it is not all in our head. Turns out, it is more difficult to have a baby these days. Infertility is a major crisis for many couples in the United States and the amount of infertile couples is rising. This increase is largely attributed to the epidemic increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and associated pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Another factor is the rising age of the average mother. A woman aged between 35 and 44 is twice as likely to be infertile as a woman aged between 30 and 34.
Statistics According to the National Center for Health Statistic's National Survey of Family Growth (2002): What Are The Symptoms Of Infertility? There are no symptoms as such, except the inability to conceive. However, some women may suffer irregular periods where bleeding lasts longer than 7 days or bleeding occurs sooner than 28 days or after 35 days from the last period. Or severe menstrual cramps can be an indication of gynecologic problems like cysts, fibroids or endometriosis. Female infertility accounts for 40 percent of infertile couples. Male infertility accounts for 40 percent and the reasons in the remaining 20 percent of cases are never known. The causes of infertility vary greatly.
Related Questions It is recommended that women under the age of 30 wait a year before seeking fertility tests. Women over 30 should seek a diagnosis after 6 months (the clock is ticking faster). Both the man and woman can be tested for infertility, but some couples choose to start with the woman and only check the man if no problems are detected on her side. There are 3 possible levels of tests for a woman. In many cases a doctor can reach a conclusion after level 1, but in other cases it may take 2 or all 3 levels. For more details see, how does a doctor test for infertility in women? Male fertility testing is generally more straight forward and involves a sperm count and semen analysis. See, how does a doctor test for infertility in men? Infertility treatment depends on the cause of the problem (if it is discovered). Treatment may involve: 1. Having intercourse on your most fertile days or trying different positions. See also, what is the best position for baby making? The good news is, about 90 percent of couples manage to conceive naturally. Of the couples who are diagnosed with infertility, as many as 1 in 5 eventually become pregnant without treatment. More than 50 percent of those who chose treatment (but not advanced expensive techniques like IVF or egg donation) go on to have a baby. No, it is not usually preventable. However there is a lot you can do to reduce your risks of becoming infertile. This includes:
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| Other Useful Guides
The Female Body: How it works, visual guide with pictures. Return to Homepage: Womens Health Advice |
WOMENS HEALTH ADVICE: ABOUT INFERTILITY |
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