Facts You Should Know When Dealing with Fertility Problems
Fertility problems can vary greatly between the genders. For those hoping to conceive, they can cause a great strain on a relationship. For this reason, it is important to realize the common fertility problems that both men and women face, as well as effective treatments to help a couple dealing with an issue to have a child.
Common Fertility Problems for Men
Blockages - A blockage in vas deferens or epididymis tubes is among the common fertility problems that can cause a reduction, or perhaps elimination, of sperm in the ejaculatory fluids. This prohibits sperm from leaving the male organ and entering the female. Surgery to repair the obstruction is often necessary to correct this problem, and over 40% of males get their partner pregnant within the first year of the procedure.
Sperm Irregularities - Low sperm count, poor sperm mobility, and atypically shaped sperm can all contribute to fertility problems. Having an abnormality makes it difficult for the sperm to reach and fertilize the egg without assistance. Drugs, artificial insemination, and sperm injections may help relieve these problems. Fertility drugs used in conjunction with artificial insemination have a success rate of approximately 10-15% per cycle. Injections have a higher note of success, being at about 30% per cycle.
Sperm Allergies - Few men experience an allergic reaction to their own sperm, which triggers an antibody to kill the sperm. These fertility problems commonly occur after a vasectomy or trauma to the area. As with sperm abnormalities, the treatments for allergies include artificial insemination and sperm injections. Each have the same success rate when used as treatment for either issue.
Common Fertility Problems for Women
Endometriosis - Possibly the leader in fertility problems for women, endometriosis happens when uterine tissue begins to grow outside the uterus. Removing the excess tissue is generally the preferred treatment, as 30-50% of women later conceive. If surgery fails, fertility drugs coupled with artificial insemination have proven to work, though they have a much lower success rate.
Ovulation Issues - These may greatly vary in severity, but are classified as any condition that prohibits the normal release of an egg from the ovaries each cycle. Symptoms of these fertility problems include irregular or missing menstrual periods. Medication tends to be the most common form of treatment, as many women can regulate their periods and ovulation with drugs. These medicines are backed by a 80-90% success rate in having the user ovulate, and a 30-60% chance of her getting pregnant.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - PCOS is characterized by the under average maturation of follicles in the ovaries. It can be known for causing hormonal imbalances and irregular ovulation. Symptoms of PCOS include abnormal periods, acne, and obesity.
Treatments for these fertility problems include weight loss, medications, and in vitro fertilization. Most overweight PCOS sufferers who lose 10% of their body weight will begin to ovulate on a regular schedule, which is sometimes all that is needed to become pregnant. Fertility drugs can also help stabilize ovulation, helping 40-60% of users to alleviate fertility problems and get pregnant.
There are a number of reasons that can cause fertility problems among couples wishing to conceive. Depending on the exact issue, the male or the female in the relationship can be affected with the various fertility problems. Educating yourself on the different fertility problems and their treatments is necessary in order to find the best solution for you and your partner.
