Most couple with infertility issue find it difficult to fit into most settings of their life due to judgement by family, friends or the society. Infertility issues does not make one less of a person than the other. Sensitization programs should be carried out to further make everyone understand that infertility issues does not make a fellow human less of a human, therefore respect and love should be accorded such people irrespective of whom or what the situation is. Some traditions label especially the woman a "witch" or "a man" due to her incapability, this that is totally wrong and unacceptable. Infertility should not be seen as a dreaded disease or a curse but as a challenge, and those having this challenge should be loved and encouraged.
WHAT REALLY IS INFERTILITY.
Infertility is when a couple can not conceive despite having regular unprotected sex. About 1 in 7 couples may have such problems and about 83% of couples will conceive naturally within a year. Most people with infertility issues find it rather difficult to describe or discuss the issue because they feel unwanted by their peers or family. This is due to the society we find ourselves in. The possibility of couples who have been trying to conceive for more than 3 years without success being able to conceive within the next year is 25% or maybe less and this percentage may keep reducing if medical help/advice is not sought for.
Infertility is when a couple can not conceive despite having regular unprotected sex. About 1 in 7 couples may have such problems and about 83% of couples will conceive naturally within a year. Most people with infertility issues find it rather difficult to describe or discuss the issue because they feel unwanted by their peers or family. This is due to the society we find ourselves in. The possibility of couples who have been trying to conceive for more than 3 years without success being able to conceive within the next year is 25% or maybe less and this percentage may keep reducing if medical help/advice is not sought for.
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF INFERTILITY;
Primary infertility is where there has never been conception by the female in the past or ever before or a male has never impregnated a woman in the past or ever before.
Secondary infertility is when there has been one or more conceptions in the past however there is difficulty conceiving/impregnating again.
CAUSES OF INFERTILITY
There are different and many factors which affect fertility in both men and women, however not all probable causes have been identified.
In women the likely causes of infertility are;
A. Lack of ovulation.
B. Damaged/Blocked Fallopian tubes.
C. Endometriosis which is where tissue that behaves like the lining of the womb (the endometrium) is found outside the womb environment.
D. Birth defects.
E. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance which is mainly identified by growth of many small cysts on the ovaries. The cause of this has not been fully identified but early diagnosis and treatment can help control and prevent a long term problem.
In men, the likely causes of infertility is a poor semen quality.
In both men and women, the likely causes are;
1. Age: Fertility decreases as one gets older, this affects women more as their biggest decrease in fertility begins their mid 30's.
2. Weight: Being overweight or underweight reduces fertility.
3. STI / STD: Untreated or partially treated STI/STD also affects fertility, therefore it is always advised that proper medical treatments and checks be done to avoid such occurrence.
4. Antibody problems that harm sperm or eggs.
5. Environmental factors such as exposure to solvents, pesticides, metals, radiation, poisonous substances and gases, as this has been proven to affect fertility particularly in men due to job preferences.
6. Sperm inability to penetrate or survive in the cervical mucus and fertilize the female egg.
7. Excessive Alcohol.
8. Smoking.
9. Drug abuse/Self medication.
In women the likely causes of infertility are;
A. Lack of ovulation.
B. Damaged/Blocked Fallopian tubes.
C. Endometriosis which is where tissue that behaves like the lining of the womb (the endometrium) is found outside the womb environment.
D. Birth defects.
E. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance which is mainly identified by growth of many small cysts on the ovaries. The cause of this has not been fully identified but early diagnosis and treatment can help control and prevent a long term problem.
In men, the likely causes of infertility is a poor semen quality.
In both men and women, the likely causes are;
1. Age: Fertility decreases as one gets older, this affects women more as their biggest decrease in fertility begins their mid 30's.
2. Weight: Being overweight or underweight reduces fertility.
3. STI / STD: Untreated or partially treated STI/STD also affects fertility, therefore it is always advised that proper medical treatments and checks be done to avoid such occurrence.
4. Antibody problems that harm sperm or eggs.
5. Environmental factors such as exposure to solvents, pesticides, metals, radiation, poisonous substances and gases, as this has been proven to affect fertility particularly in men due to job preferences.
6. Sperm inability to penetrate or survive in the cervical mucus and fertilize the female egg.
7. Excessive Alcohol.
8. Smoking.
9. Drug abuse/Self medication.
HOW CAN INFERTILITY BE TREATED.
Clinical treatments are the best options. Most people sort for herbal medicines and supplements for a cure to infertility, in as much as I can not say how effective herbal medicine could be, it is debatable as appropriate tests are not run prior to prescription/subscription to herbal remedy. However, medical treatment runs a procedure of pinpointing the main issue through a series of tests and diagnosis before recommending a treatment best suitable for the situation at hand. It is advised that clinical treatments should be the only option to subscribe to and self medication or herbal treatment should be avoided.
MODES OF TREATMENT.
Clinical treatments are the best options. Most people sort for herbal medicines and supplements for a cure to infertility, in as much as I can not say how effective herbal medicine could be, it is debatable as appropriate tests are not run prior to prescription/subscription to herbal remedy. However, medical treatment runs a procedure of pinpointing the main issue through a series of tests and diagnosis before recommending a treatment best suitable for the situation at hand. It is advised that clinical treatments should be the only option to subscribe to and self medication or herbal treatment should be avoided.
MODES OF TREATMENT.
1. Medications in the form of pills or injections as prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner.
2. Surgical procedures usually where there is a case of endometriosis, repair to the Fallopian tubes or removal of scarring within the womb or abdominal cavity.
3. Assisted conception usually when medical pills/injections or surgical procedure can not be used to correct or cure the problem, and an option for Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Surrogate are the best options for conception (Assisted Conception will be explained in the next Post).
The mode of treatment offered is dependent on the cause of the individual's infertility status.
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