Richard N. Waldman, president of The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologist writes about fertility problems.
More than 7 million people in the USA, approximately 12% of the reproductive-age population have some kind of infertility problem. Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected sex. Infertility can make the journey to have a child really difficult, confusing and frustrating one. Fortunately, many people after reproductive treatments can achieve the pregnancy.
Infertility affects men and women nearly equally. About one-third of cases can be attributed to the male partner, one-third are related to the female partner, and the remainder are caused by a combination of problems with both partners or by unknown factors.
In women the most important reasons of infertility are: increasing age, irregular ovulation, fallopian tubes blockages, endometriosis and polyxystic ovary syndrome.
Male infertility usually is due to sperm quality.
In both cases lifestyle factors such as smoking, eating a poor diet, or being underweight, overweight, or obese may also make it harder to get pregnant.
If you are having trouble getting pregnant you should go and see a doctor specialized in infertility. Infertility can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the cause. Your doctor can also help you decide if assisted reproductive therapies, such as in vitro fertilization or egg donation, are right for you.
