Understanding Fertility and Infertility

Fertility is the natural capability to conceive or induce conception. If you have been trying for more than a year and are struggling to become pregnant, it is crucial to discover the root cause. Remember, you are not alone and there is help available. 

Infertility

Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system that prevents the conception of children. In the United States, among married women aged 15 to 49 years old with no prior births, about 1 in 5 (19%) are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying. Women are often kept in the dark about their fertility health and misconceptions believed about fertility are common. 

First and foremost, it’s important to understand the process of pregnancy. To get pregnant:

  • A female’s body releases a mature egg from one of her ovaries 
  • The egg is picked up by the fallopian tube
  • A male’s sperm most join with the egg
  • The fertilized egg must go through a fallopian toward the uterus
  • The embryo must attach to the inside of the uterus and grow

Infertility may result from a problem with any or several of these steps. Searching the internet late at night for your answer about why you can’t get pregnant is not the best solution. Here are the most common misconceptions about infertility, and the information you need to know. 

Infertility Myths

Myth 1: Fertility is Always Related to the Woman

It is not uncommon for a woman, or even their partner, to blame themselves if they are unable to conceive. This assumption almost always causes a feeling of shame and guilt, but infertility is not always a woman’s problem. Both men and women can contribute to infertility. When a couple is unable to conceive, the issue can be traced back to the woman about one-third of the time. Men contribute to infertility about 35% of the time, while 20% of the time both partners are part of the issue. The cause is unknown in the other 10% of cases.

Myth 2: Woman Can’t Get Pregnant After 35

Most have heard that getting pregnant over the age of 35 is nearly impossible and unsafe. While pregnancy after 35 can have a higher risk of complications, most will have smooth pregnancies and healthy babies. Age is not a ticking time bomb that takes away your hopes of having children. Taking care of yourself is the best way to take care of your body and seeking regular prenatal care, eating a healthy diet, and staying active will help to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Myth 3: Relax and You’ll Get Pregnant

Trying to get pregnant for years with no success can lead to feelings of defeat and disappointment. Friends and family may advise you to relax to increase your chances of getting pregnant, which may even convince you that stress is the cause of your infertility. Studies show that women with infertility have the same anxiety and depression levels as women with cancer, heart disease and HIV. Infertility is a disease, and it is not as simple as “chill out and it will happen.” Reducing your stress may improve fertility, but managing stress on the rate of fertility has not been well-studied.

Myth 4: Smoking Doesn’t Affect Pregnancy

Some believe that smoking will not have an effect on pregnancy, as long as they stop once they are trying to get pregnant. Quitting smoking can improve fertility, but the decrease of the egg supply cannot be reversed. Not only does smoking have a negative impact on overall health, but the risk of infertility increased by 41.8% among current smokers compared to those who have never smoked in both men and women. Additionally, fertility treatments may not counteract smoking’s effect on fertility as female smokers need more ovary stimulation medication and still have fewer eggs at retrieval time, resulting in 30% lower pregnancy rates. 

Myth 5: Being on Birth Control Leads to Infertility

Many women fear that they will be unable to conceive after stopping their birth control methods. Alternately, using birth control does not affect your ability to have a baby. Studies show that 65% to 85% of women are able to conceive after one year of discontinuation. Being on birth control may hide health problems that affect fertility such as irregular periods, symptoms of PCOS and endometriosis, but is not the cause of these symptoms. When you are ready to have a baby and stop using your birth control, your fertility should return to normal within two weeks after ending most birth control methods. 

Infertility Causes and Symptoms

Infertility in women may be difficult to determine and treat. Female infertility can be caused by one or more of the following:

  • Hormone problems which prevent ovulation or the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus
  • Physical problems such as scarring of the tubes due to pelvic infections, STDs, or endometriosis
  • Being overweight or underweight, which can prevent normal ovulation
  • Excessive exercise
  • Age-related decline in ovarian reserve
  • Birth defects of the uterus or cervix
  • Genetic disorders, history of cancer treatment
  • Smoking, alcohol, or marijuana use
  • Thyroid disease, diabetes, or other medical causes

Women may experience infertility without symptoms, but if symptoms are present, they may include:

  • Irregular menstrual cycles or no menstrual cycle at all
  • Menstrual cycles that are longer than 35 days or less than 21 days
  • History of endometriosis, pain during menstruation, or pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Obesity
  • Recurrent Miscarriages

How We Can Help

Fortunately, there are tests and resources we offer to determine the root cause of your infertility, including:

  • Ovulation Predictor Kits: Can determine your most fertile days and have an accuracy rate of up to 99%, depending on your menstrual cycle
  • Semen analysis: Also called seminogram or spermiogram, evaluates certain characteristics of a male’s semen and the sperm contained in place
  • Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): An X-ray test that outlines the internal shape of the uterus and shows whether the fallopian tubes are blocked. In HSG, a thin tube is threaded through the vagina and cervix and a substance known as contrast material is injected into the uterus
  • Lab work to identify hormonal or medical problems: Your doctor may advise you to get blood work taken to give them a better understanding of your ovarian function and egg reserve

If it is determined that you or your partner are infertile, two of the most common fertility treatments are:

  • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Healthy sperm is collected and inserted directly into your uterus when ovulating
  • In vitro fertilization (IVF): Eggs are taken from your ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab, where they develop into embryos. A doctor then puts the embryos into your uterus. 

Reproductive health is crucial to overall wellness. Talking with a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and infertility can help in determining the causes and best treatment option for you. 

Infertility is a global health issue affecting millions. You don’t have to struggle alone and there are treatments for improving infertility. If you want more information to determine if infertility treatment is right for you, or wish to schedule a consultation, call CT Coastal OB/GYN at 203.562.5181 and we’ll help you determine the best course of action.