There is no identical answer for how long the process of trying to conceive should take, as the path for each of us is different.
Statistics show that approximately one in seven couples may have difficulty trying to conceive. Whether it’s a question of blocked tubes, polycystic ovaries, a bad sperm test result, endometriosis, or an unexplained infertility factor, the struggles every couple goes through are something that’s still rarely talked about. Although there may be a number of reasons why they keep their experiences secret, knowing what to expect can help patients in the overall process of choosing a clinic, doctor and the most appropriate treatment method.
Fertility evaluation is essential to determine the cause of infertility and choose the best course of treatment and assisted reproduction technique. In the following lines, we will pay attention to the main reasons related to the male and female factor of infertility, as well as when we should contact a reproductive specialist.
About a 1/3 of infertility cases are related to the so-called female factor. The reasons why a woman cannot conceive spontaneously are numerous, as the treatment is different depending on the specific case.
Some of them are:
DISORDERS IN OVULATION
Ovulation disorders are observed in nearly 40% of women suffering from infertility. Among them, polycystic ovary syndrome and prematurely exhausted ovarian reserve are the most common.
ENDOMETRIOSIS AND THE ACCESSORY OF FALLOPIAN TUBE
Obstruction of the fallopian tubes can be due to endometriosis, past sexually transmitted infections or surgical interventions. It prevents fertilization, as well as the movement of the embryo to the uterine cavity (implantation). One of the mandatory tests in the diagnosis of infertility is the hysterosalpingography – a procedure assessing the patency of the fallopian tubes. Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial tissue (i.e. the lining) in places outside the uterine cavity (uterine musculature, ovaries, tubes, internal sex organs, fallopian tubes and other organs). In the case where the endometriosis is in the tubes, this leads to the formation of adhesions that can block the fallopian tubes and prevent the sperm from reaching the egg and fertilization from taking place. Endometriosis is estimated to occur in 8-15% of the female population of childbearing age.
STRUCTURAL ABNORMALITIES
A large part of the congenital structural anomalies is asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally, when searching for the cause of an irregular cycle, prophylactic examination, infertility or spontaneous abortion. This group includes various congenital anomalies in the shape of the uterus – unicornuate, bicornuate uterus, double uterus, septum (partial or complete partition in the uterine cavity), etc. This includes adhesions that are the result of infections, trauma or surgical interventions that can disrupt implantation, leading to reproductive problems.
CAUSES OF FAILURE OF GETTING PREGNANT ARE NOT JUST A WOMAN’S PROBLEM
Male factor of infertility, which is about 50% of cases of infertility in a couple, can be due to a number of causes that include genetic factors, past illnesses, trauma, medications, and general aspects of health and lifestyle. These factors can contribute to problems related to spermatogenesis or sperm release. Regardless of the reasons, their diagnosis begins with an examination by a urologist. After taking a detailed history of past illnesses, infections, especially in childhood, operations, etc., as well as the current objective condition, the necessary tests and laboratory tests are prescribed.
A basic and indicative study is the SPERMOGRAM, which in most cases can give the diagnosis of male infertility. In the standard sperm analysis, four main parameters are examined – volume, concentration (of spermatozoa in seminal fluid in mil/ml), motility (of spermatozoa in percentage), morphology (of spermatozoa in percentage). The reference values of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Kruger criterion for morphology are used in determining the conclusion. The extended spermogram differs from the ordinary one in that it includes an additional more detailed analysis and evaluation of the morphology of the spermatozoa. In order for the spermogram to be accurate, the man must have 3-5 days of sexual abstinence, no alcohol during these days and no antibiotics in the last month.
REPRODUCTIVE SPECIALIST – WHEN?
With regular sexual intercourse, without protection, if pregnancy does not occur:
For women under 36 years old – up to 1 year
For women over 36 years old – up to 6 months
The path of one dream to become a reality is always different, but you should never lose faith in achieving it!
Source : Apteki Zapad