In many cultures, weddings are a grand affair.
Days, weeks, and months of meticulous planning and deliberations go into making it a memorable event.
It’s a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate. But as time passes, the focus shifts from celebration to expectation, especially if there’s a delay in conceiving.
People start murmuring questions, and concerns grow.
“When will they have children?” they ask.
Infertility is often misunderstood and stigmatised, with women frequently bearing the brunt of blame.
Despite the prevalence of infertility among both genders, societal expectations often place the burden of responsibility on women.
Infertility: What Does It Mean?
Infertility is a medical condition that affects the reproductive system, making it difficult to conceive.
According to experts, a couple is considered infertile if they’ve had regular, unprotected sex for 12 months or more without achieving a pregnancy. Surprisingly, 1 in 6 people worldwide struggle with infertility, making it a concern that’s too common to ignore.
There are two types of infertility: primary and secondary.
Primary infertility refers to individuals who have never been able to conceive, while secondary infertility affects those who have had a previous pregnancy but struggle to conceive again.
Causes Of Infertility
In women, infertility can be caused by:
- Blocked Fallopian tubes: The Fallopian tubes are the pathways that allow the egg to travel between the uterus and the ovaries. They are essential for the egg to meet sperm for fertilization and for the fertilized egg to reach the uterus. Infertility can happen when the tubes are damaged or scarred, often due to untreated STIs or complications from abortion or surgery. If the tubes are blocked, the egg cannot travel through them to meet the sperm, making fertilization impossible (or difficult).
- Abortion: Abortion can increase the risk of infertility. A potential complication of abortion is Asherman syndrome, a condition where scarring develops in the uterus. This scarring can damage the uterine lining, making it harder to get pregnant. However, if you must have an abortion, ensure that it is done in a clean and safe medical environment under professional supervision to minimise the risks of complications.
- Uterine Disorders: Conditions like endometriosis – where tissues similar to the ones that line the uterus grow outside the uterus. Fibroids – the presence of abnormal growth around the uterus or a misshapen uterus can affect implantation and fertility. For example, endometriosis can cause inflammation and scarring in the uterus, making it difficult for an egg to implant.
- Ovarian Disorders: Ovarian disorders are also a common cause of infertility in women. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation and hormone production. Women with PCOS may experience irregular periods, which can contribute to difficulties in conceiving.
- Hormonal Imbalances: This happens when you have too much or too little of hormones – the chemical messengers that our body uses to communicate. Hormonal imbalances can also affect fertility. The thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands all play a crucial role in regulating hormones. When these glands are out of balance, it can affect ovulation, hormone production, and fertility.
- Cervical Issues: During sex, when there is ejaculation into the vagina, the sperm travels through the cervix to reach the fallopian tubes. Abnormalities in the cervix, such as a narrow cervix or abnormal mucus production, can make it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
Lifestyle Factors
Our lifestyle choices can also cause infertility. These include:
- Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage reproductive organs and affect hormone production. The more you smoke, the lower your chances of being pregnant because smoking can damage the ovaries and reduce egg quality, while excessive alcohol consumption can affect sperm production and quality.
- Obesity And Poor Diet: Being overweight or underweight can make it hard to conceive. It can disrupt hormone production and ovulation. This also affects how insulin works in the body and can lead to decreased sperm production in men. A poor diet can worsen these issues.
- Stress And Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can also affect fertility. High stress levels can disrupt hormone production, ovulation, and sperm production, making it difficult to conceive.
- Environmental Toxins: Environmental toxins can harm reproductive organs and lower fertility. Chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors can damage the ovaries, testicles, and reproductive tract. This damage can make it hard to conceive.
Prevention Of Infertility
- Age And Infertility: Understanding The Biological Clock: A woman’s fertility decreases with increasing age, making it harder to get pregnant after 35. One-third of couples with a female partner over 35 will have trouble conceiving. By 40, half of women may struggle to get pregnant on their own. While age affects fertility, younger women can also face challenges and may require medical treatment. Lifestyle changes can also improve reproductive health and boost fertility naturally.
- Cutting Back On Smoking And Alcohol: A woman is strongly advised against taking alcohol during pregnancy because, aside from the fact that smoking and alcohol reduce your chances of getting pregnant, it also affects the baby.
- Maintaining healthy weight and diet: Both men and women can boost their fertility by maintaining a healthy weight and diet. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help regulate menstrual cycles, improve sperm quality, and reduce stress levels.
- Safe Sex: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause infertility in both men and women. Practising safe sex by using condoms can help prevent STIs, which can lead to fertility problems like blocked fallopian tubes and prostatitis.
- Early Intervention: Don’t wait until you’re ready to conceive to think about your fertility. Understand what can affect your ability to get pregnant and take steps to maintain a healthy reproductive lifestyle. Consult your OB/GYN or primary care physician regularly to monitor your reproductive health. If you’re trying to conceive and are under 35, seek medical help after 12 months. If you’re 35 or older, seek help after 6 months. Early intervention can make a significant difference in addressing fertility issues.
CONCLUSION
Infertility is a common issue that many people face. It can result from the choices we make in our lives.
The leading causes include age, lifestyle, medical conditions, and environmental factors.
To help prevent infertility, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight and diet, practice safe sex, and seek medical help early.
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