Ever wondered what infertility implies and how it impacts a couple. It is a medical word for the inability to conceive after unprotected intercourse, over a period time which is generally 1 year. This is not a condition limited to women. Even men can become infertile. The probability of fertility issues is the same for men and women.  

Beyond the medical circumstances, it can have profound psychological impact on a couple, diverting them from trying to conceive again. But you can increase your chances of becoming pregnant with several safe and efficient procedures. 

Infertility has become a common problem affecting many people worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies it as a medical condition when a couple tries for a year without using any birth control and is still unable to conceive. It affects both men and women and have various factors contributing to it. Nowadays, the cases are higher comparing to past times, as couples are getting knowledge and awareness on this issue and are getting treatment.

Dr KD Nayar, Chief Consultant and HOD at Akanksha IVF Centre, New Delhi, said in an article that Infertility is high because people are getting more aware. Past research state that 30% of cases of infertility is because of the female reproductive system, 30% is male, and 30-40% is both. Recently, the male infertility has crossed the percentage of 50%.  

Male infertility 

Male infertility comprises of various factors including medical and psychological. The main factors causing the condition are low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or obstructions that stop sperm delivery. Some other factors include lifestyle choices, chronic health issues, injuries or illness. 

Signs and Symptoms  

Not being able to conceive the child is the most obvious sign of infertility. However, there are some other unnoticeable signs that include: 

• Having problems during ejaculation or ejaculating small volumes of fluid. 
• Reduced sexual desire or facing difficulty in maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) 
• Low sperm count (sperm count fewer than 15 million sperm milliliters of semen) 
• Pain, swelling or lump in testicle area. 

Female infertility 

Female infertility is when the women is unable to get pregnant. If a woman keeps having miscarriages, it is also a sign of infertility. Age, physical issues, hormonal issues, changes in lifestyle, and environmental variables can all contribute to this cause in females.  

Notedly, about one-third of the infertility cases are due to female causes, while another third includes the combination of both male and female factors. 

Signs and Symptoms 

There may not be any indicators but having excessively long (35 days (about 1 month 4 and a half days) or longer), short (less than 21 days), irregular or non-existent menstrual cycle may be the sign that a woman is not ovulating. 

The Psychological impact of infertility: Lifestyle, stress and depression 

Infertility also occurs due to societal expectations, testing, diagnosis, therapies, failures, unmet desires and even financial expenditure. 

Dr. Naveen Nishchal, Chairman & Founder of Voice of Healthcare, highlights the issue of increase in infertility, which is inactive lifestyle and unhealthy habits at the National IVF Summit and Awards 2024. He further adds that is delay in parenthood, pollution, stress and much more, also causes infertility.

Bad lifestyle choices including smoking, excessive drinking and not eating a balanced diet affect a person’s ability to conceive. Stress can alter hormone levels impacting reproductive health, whether it’s work stress or relationship stress. Even pollution can cause reproductive issues including, exposure to chemicals and pollutants. 

How complex the infertility issue is and how crucial it is for couples trying to conceive, leading a healthy lifestyle by limiting their exposure to contaminations. Even after having modern medical solutions like IVF or surrogacy, couples dealing with infertility should receive medical as well as moral support, to work towards being happy parents.