Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. It can affect both men and women and can be caused by a variety of factors.
There are two main types of infertility: primary infertility, which refers to couples who have never been able to conceive a child, and secondary infertility, which refers to couples who have previously conceived a child but are now unable to do so.
Treatment for infertility depends on the underlying cause and may include:
1. Medications to stimulate ovulation in women or improve sperm production in men 2. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) to place sperm directly into the uterus 3. In vitro fertilization (IVF) to fertilize an egg outside the body and then implant it into the uterus 4. Surgery to correct anatomical issues such as blocked fallopian tubes or varicoceles 5. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption
It is important for couples struggling with infertility to seek help from a fertility specialist to determine the cause of their infertility and develop a personalized treatment plan.