Infertility affects about 7.2 million U.S. men and women each year
And is a condition of the reproductive system that makes it harder, and often impossible, to get pregnant without medical assistance. About 40% of fertility problems are female-factor, about 40% are male-factor and about 20% are either both or unknown.
Infertility causes
There are numerous causes of infertility, ranging from medical problems that people are born with to age-related health problems for women. Some women and men have unexplained infertility, and no cause may ever be found.
Here are 5 of the most common causes of infertility.
1. Age (Fertility declines starting in a woman’s 20s)
2. Weight (Being severely under- or overweight)
3. Issues with the reproductive organs
4. Sexually transmitted disease (STDs)
5. Issues with sperm
Know when it’s time to seek treatment
Over 30% of patients wait more than 2 years before seeing a fertility specialist, which is too long. If a woman is under 35 and has been trying for more than 12 months without success, or 35+ and has been trying for more than 6 months, she meets the clinical definition of being infertile and should see a specialist. Men and women who have a medical condition or family history of infertility should see a specialist right away.
Infertility treatments
While many people most commonly associate fertility treatment with IVF, in fact only about 5% of fertility patients ever need IVF. Some Infertility treatments may be as simple as taking fertility drugs or undergoing a simple medical procedure.
Infertility prevention
While some cases of infertility are not preventable, steps can be taken to protect fertility health.
Here are 5 things that boost fertility:
1. Stop smoking.
2. Exercise regularly.
3. Eat a healthy diet.
4. Get tested for STDs.
5. Avoid drugs and alcohol.