What is Infertility?
Today, one out of every 7 couples who want to have a child is faced with the problem of infertility. Infertility, which is an extremely psychologically challenging problem, is known as infertility in medical language. For 1 year or more, infertility is called infertility when pregnancy does not occur despite unprotected sexual intercourse. Although it is usually understood from the woman's inability to conceive, infertility can be seen in both men and women, only in women or only in men. In today's conditions, different methods have been developed for infertility treatment. For this reason, it is recommended that couples contact a specialist doctor instead of despairing in cases such as inability to have children.
Causes of Infertility in Women
Infertility can be suspected if women in the 30-35 age range do not become pregnant despite having unprotected sexual intercourse for 1 year. This period is 6 months for a woman aged 35-40. For women over 40 years of age who want to get pregnant, regular examinations may be requested by the doctor. The process of pregnancy in women is the expulsion of the mature egg formed in the ovaries, the removal of this egg through the tube, the sperm from the man reaching the egg in this tube and the fertilised egg reaching the uterus and settling here. Any disruption in this process can cause infertility. Obstruction in the tubes, endometriosis, commonly known as chocolate cyst, polycystic ovary, early menopause and ovulation problems are among the most common causes of infertility in women.
Causes of Infertility in Men
It is more difficult to suspect the presence of infertility in men than in women. Although it does not cause any symptoms, some conditions may indicate infertility. It is useful to have necessary examinations for infertility in cases of decreased sperm amount, difficulty in semen release, erectile dysfunction, sexual reluctance, swelling and pain in the testicles, breast enlargement and hormonal disorders. Excessive consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine, stress, diabetes and undescended testicle during or after birth can be counted among the causes of male infertility.
What are the Symptoms of Infertility in Men and Women?
Although infertility usually does not give any symptoms, infertility can be suspected in the presence of some conditions. Symptoms of infertility in men and women differ from each other. In case of these symptoms, it is strongly recommended to consult a specialist doctor. The most common symptoms of infertility in men and women can be listed as follows:
- Failure to conceive despite unprotected sexual intercourse for an average of 1 year,
- Previous surgeries and oncological treatment,
- Irregular menstrual cycles and severe menstrual cramps,
- Hormonal or chromosomal disorders,
- Sexual aversion,
- Testicular pain, swelling or a palpable mass
What are the Types of Infertility?
Infertility includes the situation where couples do not have any children, as well as the inability to have children after having one or more children, although desired by the couples. The inability to have children in any way is called primary infertility, and the inability to have children later despite the desire is called secondary infertility. These two types of infertility can be caused by the same or different problems.
How is Infertility Diagnosed?
In case of infertility symptoms in women and / or men, different examinations may be requested by specialist doctors in order to make a complete diagnosis. Examinations such as uterine film, hormone tests, blood tests, sperm analysis, laparoscopy, ovulation control and hysteroscopy have a very important place in the diagnosis of infertility. These examinations, which can help to see the most common causes of infertility, can also shed light on the most appropriate treatment methods.
Infertility Treatment
Today, there are many different methods for the treatment of infertility. A suitable treatment method is decided according to the age of the person, whether the person has been pregnant before, the duration of the pregnancy without results and the condition of the tubes of women, egg quality, sperm quality and quantity of men. Although IVF method is known as the most common infertility treatment today, there are various treatment methods.
Pregnancy Medicines
Contraceptives can be in tablet or injection form. This treatment method is mostly used when infertility in women is caused by ovulation problems. Pregnancy drugs in tablet form ensure that the natural ovulation mechanism in the body is activated and functioning in a healthy way. Drugs in the form of infections, on the other hand, directly target and stimulate the ovaries. These contraceptives, which aim to increase the number of eggs, can sometimes cause multiple pregnancies.
Vaccination (Insemination) Treatment
In infertility, vaccination treatment is used in cases of infertility of unknown cause, although there is no problem in the follop tubes in women. During women's ovulation periods, their partner's sperm is inserted into the uterus using an easy method. The sperms used in this method are selected from the sperms that can move the most in the uterus and are more likely to fertilize. In cases where couples cannot have sexual intercourse due to reasons such as vaginismus, premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction, vaccination treatment is applied.
In Vitro Fertilization
Women who menstruate regularly every month can form a single egg. IVF treatment aims to increase the number of these eggs. The IVF method, which is supported by the supplementation of different hormone drugs, involves the parallel application of different treatments that prevent premature ovulation and ensure the development of the egg. After the embryos to be implanted in the uterus of women are decided, the necessary applications are usually performed without the need for any anesthesia.
There are also many surgical methods applied within the scope of infertility treatment. Depending on the results of the tests and detailed examinations performed on couples, surgical operations may be required if deemed necessary. Surgical operations applied within the scope of female and male infertility treatment are as follows:
- Robotic Surgery: It is a surgical operation applied in closed laparoscopy surgeries by taking a 3D image with the help of a robot called Vinci. It is based on the control of the arms of this robot by a specialist doctor. It is preferred in operations such as fibroid surgery, chocolate cyst and tubal surgery.
- Myomectomy (Fibroid Surgery): It is the removal of fibroids that may prevent pregnancy in the uterus. It can be performed in two different ways, open or closed.
- Hysteroscopy: A hysterectoscope machine with a camera at the tip is inserted into the vagina. With the hysterectoscope that extends to the uterus, possible problems in the uterus that cause infertility can be detected.
- Laparoscopy: Holes about 3-5 mm in size are made in the lower abdomen of the person. With surgical instruments inserted into these holes, it can be determined whether the problem causing infertility originates from the tubes, ovaries or uterus. It is used in the treatment of chocolate cysts, fibroid surgery, adhesions in the abdomen, opening of closed tubes and removal of damaged tubes.
The search for a solution to male infertility with stem transplantation continues. With the development of technology day by day, there are many promising studies on infertility treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Infertility
Is Infertility Congenital?
Infertility is a problem that can be congenital, but it can also occur later in life. Infertility can be seen for many reasons such as excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, obesity, hormonal problems, ovulation problems in women or decreased sperm count in men.
Can Infertility be Prevented?
Infertility can be prevented as long as it is not caused by genetics and disease. Reducing stress, alcohol, smoking and caffeine consumption, as well as a healthy diet and regular exercise can significantly reduce the likelihood of problems such as infertility.
