First things first:
First things first: diagnoses don't define people. But who, how and when does infertility diagnose? There are two possible scenarios: when you fail to conceive and when you fail to carry the pregnancy to term on two or more consecutive occasions. In this article, we tell you everything about the first scenario and, in this one, about the second.
A couple is considered to be experiencing infertility when they have spent a period of time constantly having unprotected sex. If the woman is under 35 years old, the period is one year; and if she is over 35 years old, the period is six months.
In truth, difficulties in conceiving are much more common than you think: 1 in 8 heterosexual couples experiences them. And the fact is that there are many factors that have to coincide in order to achieve a pregnancy. Here we explain them to you.
The eggs
People with ovaries usually release one egg each menstrual cycle. But, in addition to quantity, quality is important. An egg that isn't genetically healthy usually doesn't get fertilized. And, if it becomes fertilized, pregnancy is at greater risk.
Ovulation
When the egg is released, it travels to the uterus through the fallopian tubes. This process is called ovulation and lasts approximately 3 days of each menstrual cycle, it is the moment when the egg has been released and is ready for fertilization. This is why it is not possible to conceive every day. In addition, ovulation can be affected by age and hormonal imbalances. In This post we explain to you which are the fertile days in your cycle.
The sperm
Not all sperm are suitable for fertilization, the quantity, mobility, morphology and genetic conditions of each sperm cell matter. Age is also a factor that determines sperm quality, but it is less relevant than in the case of eggs. Sperm health depends to a greater extent on diseases, lifestyle, genetics, and medical history.
The environment
The uterus and fallopian tubes also influence the ability to conceive. If the tubes are blocked or unhealthy, this can prevent pregnancy. And, with regard to the uterus, there are people who have uterine polyps or fibroids caused by abnormal growth of benign cells. More than 80% of people with a uterus have them before the age of 50!
In short...
Healthy eggs, healthy ovulation, healthy sperm and a healthy environment are needed to conceive. When one of these variables is not met, it does not mean that the couple is doomed, usually, with the right medical assistance, they will be able to conceive. The diagnosis of infertility is a diagnosis that, with a few exceptions, is not made until the couple begins to experience difficulties that may come from eggs, ovulation, sperm or the environment. But remember that there are no faults in fertility and infertility, and that people are not infertile, but are going through an infertility diagnosis that does not define them.
When to go to the specialists
If a woman is over 35 years old and if she has been trying to conceive for more than 6 months or is under 35 and has been trying to conceive for more than a year, it is time to go with fertility specialists. But there are also some other scenarios in which it is advisable to seek an expert:
- If a woman has no period for 3 months.
- If there is a history of pregnancy loss
- If you have been through chemotherapy
- If a woman has had surgery on her uterus or ovaries.
- If there is a family history of infertility
- If a woman has endometriosis.
Well, I know what infertility is. What's next?
Treatments are available for both male and female infertility. The first step will be for both of them to go to specialists who carry out studies to determine what is causing the difficulties in conceiving. We know that the diagnosis is accompanied by many feelings, at FI we are with you at all times.
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