Subfertility
What is Subfertility?
Infertility or Subfertility refers to being unable to achieve pregnancy despite regular unprotected intercourse of more than 12 months.
Difficulty in getting pregnant can arise due to problems with either the male or female partner, or it could be a mix of factors from both individuals. However, through thorough assessment and examination, there are various treatment options that can enhance the likelihood of successfully having a baby.
Subfertility Symptoms
Abnormalities in sperm production/function
Obstruction in the delivery of sperm
Environmental exposures
Idiopathic
Subfertility – Diagnosis
Several tests will be performed when you seek a urologic specialist.
Semen Analysis
Hormone Evaluation
Genetic Testing
Scrotal Ultrasound
Subfertility – Treatments
There are various approaches to addressing infertility, including lifestyle adjustments, medications, or surgical interventions. Typically, the most suitable treatment option is determined by identifying the factors contributing to infertility and considering your preferences and those of your partner.
1. Lifestyle modifications
Making changes to one’s lifestyle or adjusting environmental factors can bring about significant improvements in sperm quality. This includes various aspects such as –
• Physical exercise
• Weight Loss
• Quitting Smoking
• Moderate Alcohol Consumption
2. Medications
Making changes to one’s lifestyle or adjusting environmental factors can bring about significant improvements in sperm quality. This includes various aspects such as –
• Antioxidants
• Hormone medications
3. Surgery
• Sperm retrieval
• Varicocelectomy
Understanding Subfertility: Female and Male Factors
Subfertility, often referred to as infertility, is a condition characterized by the inability to conceive after regular, unprotected intercourse for an extended period, typically one year for individuals under 35 years of age and six months for those over 35. Subfertility can be caused by various factors, including issues related to both female and male reproductive health.
Female Factors Contributing to Subfertility
Ovulatory Disorders
Irregular or absent ovulation can significantly impact a woman’s ability to conceive. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothalamic amenorrhea, and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) can affect ovulation and fertility.
Tubal Factors
Structural abnormalities or blockages in the fallopian tubes can interfere with the transport of eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, preventing fertilization. Tubal factors may result from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, previous pelvic surgeries, or tubal ligation.
Uterine Factors
Abnormalities in the structure or function of the uterus, such as uterine fibroids, polyps, or congenital anomalies, can impair implantation and embryo development, leading to subfertility.
Age-related Decline in Fertility
Advanced maternal age is associated with a decline in egg quality and quantity, making it more challenging to achieve pregnancy. As women age, the likelihood of subfertility increases due to age-related changes in ovarian function and reproductive physiology.
Male Factors Contributing to Subfertility
Sperm Disorders
Male factor infertility accounts for a significant portion of subfertility cases. Sperm disorders, including low sperm count (oligospermia), poor sperm motility (asthenospermia), and abnormal sperm morphology (teratospermia), can impair the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg.
Ejaculatory Disorders
Conditions that affect the ejaculation process, such as retrograde ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, or ejaculatory duct obstruction, may result in the absence or insufficient delivery of sperm during intercourse, leading to subfertility.
Testicular Factors
Structural or functional abnormalities of the testes, such as testicular trauma, infections, varicocele, or genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, can affect sperm production and quality, contributing to male factor infertility.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing the underlying causes of subfertility often involves a comprehensive evaluation of both partners’ reproductive health, including medical history review, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Once the specific factors contributing to subfertility are identified, personalized treatment plans can be developed to address the root causes and optimize the chances of conception.
Seeking Help
If you and your partner have been struggling to conceive, it’s essential to seek timely evaluation and treatment from a qualified reproductive specialist. Dr. Manal is here to provide compassionate care, expert guidance, and advanced fertility treatments tailored to your unique needs.