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Couple Infertility: What You Need to Know
November 13, 2024
More and more couples are facing difficulties in conceiving, and to better understand the situation, they turn to a gynecologist. The desire to become parents can turn into a real challenge when pregnancy is delayed, often leading to questions about the underlying cause.
It is common to think that infertility is primarily a female issue, but in reality, this is not always the case. Men can also encounter obstacles that affect a couple's fertility.
Difficulties in conceiving can be caused by a variety of factors affecting both female and male health. In this article, we will analyze the main causes of this condition, exploring the factors that may impact each partner and delving into possible solutions.
What is Infertility
Couple infertility refers to the inability to conceive a child despite regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for at least one year. In Italy, this condition affects about 15% of couples, while globally, the percentage ranges between 10% and 12%.
The specific characteristics of the human species also contribute to these figures, as humans have lower reproductive efficiency compared to other species. This means that, even under optimal conditions, only one in three or four naturally conceived embryos successfully develops to birth.
Difference Between Infertility and Sterility in a Couple
Infertility is a difficulty in conceiving that may be due to issues with embryo implantation or development; however, this condition is often treatable and can be overcome with targeted medical interventions. In contrast, couple sterility is an obstacle to fertilization that makes reproduction impossible for both the woman and the man.
In other words, while infertility allows for intervention, sterility is an irreversible condition that prevents any possibility of pregnancy.
What Are the Causes of Couple Infertility?
The causes of infertility can affect both men and women equally and often stem from common factors related to lifestyle, general health, and the environment. Key causes include:
Chronic and prolonged stress: Ongoing pressures from daily routines or work environments can negatively impact fertility.
Use of certain medications: Medical treatments such as chemotherapy, steroid use, and other drug therapies can impair reproductive ability.
Inadequate nutrition: A diet lacking essential nutrients or poorly balanced can reduce the chances of conception.
Weight imbalances: Both excess and insufficient body weight are frequently linked to difficulties in conceiving.
Tobacco consumption: Smoking is known to damage reproductive health and reduce fertility.
Alcohol abuse: High alcohol consumption can interfere with normal reproductive functions.
Drug use: Illicit drugs can negatively impact the production and quality of gametes.
Side effects of medical treatments: Surgeries or exposure to radiation can alter reproductive function.
Exposure to pollutants: Fertility can be impacted when exposed to toxic substances such as heavy metals, chemical solvents, pesticides, and herbicides.
In addition to these factors, specific issues in men or women may also contribute to difficulties in conceiving a child. Let’s examine them in detail.
Women
Female infertility is influenced by numerous factors, primarily the increasingly common trend to focus on career and personal growth before considering motherhood. However, as age advances, the likelihood of a reduced ovarian reserve and less effective egg maturation increases.
Another significant cause of female infertility is hormonal imbalances, which can result in insufficient egg production, lack of ovulation, or inadequate preparation of the uterine lining, making embryo implantation challenging. Hormonal imbalances can also affect the quality of cervical mucus, hindering sperm passage to the uterus.
Beyond hormonal issues, there are physical causes that may prevent pregnancy. Common causes include:
Problems with the fallopian tubes: The tubes may be blocked or damaged by infections, inflammation, or surgeries, making egg passage difficult.
Adhesions and damage to the uterus: These can hinder embryo implantation.
Ovaries: Inflammation or structural damage can impair ovarian function.
Endometriosis: Uterine tissue spreading outside the uterus can cause adhesions that hinder fertility.
Fibroids and cysts: Benign uterine growths and ovarian cysts can interfere with fertility.
Malignant tumors and congenital malformations: Structural abnormalities in reproductive organs such as the ovaries, tubes, or uterus can severely affect the ability to conceive.
Immune reactions: In some cases, the immune system may develop a defensive response against sperm or egg cells, preventing fertilization.
All these factors, either individually or in combination, can make the path to motherhood complex.
Men
As with women, aging in men can lead tochanges in reproductive tissues. Specifically, Leydig cells responsible for testosterone production decrease, and while this does not necessarily affect sperm production, it can still impact male fertility.
There are also many other conditions that can reduce sperm quality or quantity:
Poor sperm quality: In some cases, sperm may have shape defects, be less mobile, or be produced in limited quantities, making fertilization more challenging.
Reduced sperm production: Semen may contain few functional sperm due to conditions such as undescended testes, varicocele, testicular damage, or genetic predispositions.
Infections like childhood or adolescent mumps: This disease can cause severe inflammation in the testes and permanently impair reproductive function.
Genital inflammation: Infections or inflammations in the testes, epididymis, prostate, or urethra can disrupt male fertility.
Blockages in sperm ducts: In some men, despite sufficient sperm production, they do not reach the ejaculate due to blockages or anomalies in the vas deferens, often caused by injuries, surgeries, sexually transmitted infections, or congenital malformations.
Testicular tumors: The presence of testicular tumors, as well as necessary treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can reduce reproductive capacity.
Hormonal imbalances: Alterations in endocrine glands, such as the thyroid and adrenal glands, can disturb the hormonal balance necessary for fertility.
Chronic conditions: Systemic diseases like alcoholism, liver cirrhosis, iron accumulation, or chronic renal failure can negatively impact fertility.
Autoimmune responses: In some cases, the immune system may produce antibodies against sperm, often following injuries or infections.
Genetic conditions: Genetic disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome, Y chromosome defects, or cystic fibrosis can impact male fertility; a rare genetic condition that affects fertility is primary ciliary dyskinesia.
What Are the Symptoms of Infertility in a Couple?
Couple infertility itself has no specific symptoms and may often go unnoticed until there is an active attempt to conceive. However, certain signs may suggest fertility issues in a couple, although these vary depending on the underlying causes.
In women, indicators may include irregular menstrual cycles, menstrual disorders like intense pain, heavy periods, very light periods, and intermenstrual bleeding. Additionally, there may be lower abdominal pain or cramps, pain during sexual intercourse, excessive hair growth or acne caused by hormonal imbalances, and, in some cases, miscarriages.
In men, signs of infertility may manifest as abnormal weight changes, alterations in testicle size or consistency, or testicular pain. Pain during urination, penile discharge, difficulties with erection or ejaculation, and changes in penis shape or curvature can also be warning signs.
These symptoms do not confirm infertility but may indicate health issues worth attention, as they could impact the ability to conceive.
Is It Possible to Prevent Couple Infertility?
Yes, preventing couple infertility is possible by adopting certain healthy habits and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. It is advisable to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Additionally, it is essential to avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as both can negatively impact a couple's fertility.
To further increase fertility, it can be helpful to calculate the partner's most fertile periods. This can be done by using a calendar to predict ovulation based on the menstrual cycle length. Another approach is daily basal temperature measurement; a slight temperature increase can indicate the start of the fertile period. Observing changes in vaginal secretions can also provide clues to the fertile period.
If pinpointing the exact time of ovulation is challenging, it is advisable to have sexual intercourse every 2-3 days to optimize the chances of conception.
Couple Infertility and Pregnancy: What Are the Benefits of Supplements?
In addition to lifestyle recommendations and healthy habits, supplements can also provide valuable support for preventing couple infertility and increasing the chances of conception.
Beneficial nutrients for promoting fertility include B vitamins, particularly B9 (folic acid), and those from group E, minerals such as zinc and selenium, and antioxidants that can help protect the quality of eggs and sperm, thus improving the chances of pregnancy.
RedMoringa is about to launch a new supplement specifically designed for couples wishing to support their fertility. This product, formulated with selected ingredients for their beneficial properties, will be a valuable ally for those seeking to maximize their conception chances naturally.