Infertility is a disorder of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
Top causes of Infertility in men
- A history of having mumps
- Testicular injury
- Exposure to chemicals or toxins
- Acute illness or prolonged fever
- Drugs (marijuana, opiods, cimetidine, corticosteroids, methotrexate, antineoplastics drugs) or alcohol use
- Use of anabolic steroids
- Undescended testis
- Hormonal imbalance
- Klinefelter Syndrome
Top causes of Infertility in Women
- Blocked fallopian tubes due to sexually transmitted diseases
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which can interfere with ova release
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Autoimmune disorders, which produce antibodies against foetal tissues
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Fluctuating or diminished hormone levels
- Eating disorders
- Obesity – increased Body Mass Index (BMI) has been associated with infertility and morbidity during pregnancy
- Gluten intolerance (celiac disease)
Other leading factors of infertility that are common for both men and women
- STRESS
- MULTIPLE PARTNERS
- TOXICITY IN FOOD
- DRUG USE
- EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL DRINKING
- SMOKING AND DELAYED MARRIAGES
Couples should undergo fertility testing as 30% of the times males are the sole cause of fertility problems.
WHAT ARE INFERTILITY TESTS?
Infertility tests are done to help find out why a woman cannot become pregnant. The tests help find whether the problem is with the man, the woman, or both. Tests are usually include a physical exam, semen analysis, blood tests, and special procedures.
Fertility tests for women
- Pelvic Ultrasound to discover abnormalities with the uterus, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries. Sonography can show evidence of pelvic scarring
- PAP Smear Test
- Rubella Antibody Test
- Test for Chlamydia trachomatis
- Test for Chlamydia trachomatis
- Blood test includes day 3
- FHS, LH, Prolactin
- Progesterone
- Testosterone (Free and Total)
- Estradiol
- Anti-Mulerian Hormone
- Free T3, free T4, and TSH
- DHEA-S
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) that evaluates the condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
- Further specialized tests like:
- TORCH 8
- TB Culture
- GeneXpert TB test
- Genetic testing (Chromosomal Karyotype)
- Procedures such as endometrial biopsy, laparoscopy and hysteroscopy
Fertility tests for men
- Semen analysis to check for abnormalities in the number of sperms (concentration), motility (movement) and morphology (shape)
- Test for Chlamydia trachomatis which, in addition to being a known cause of infertility in women, can also affect sperm function
- Blood Tests include:
- Follicle stimulating Hormone (FHS)
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Prolactin
- Testosterone (Free and Total)
- Estradiol and SHBG
- Transrectal and Scrotal Ultrasound is done to look for evidence of conditions such as retrograde ejaculation and ejaculatory duct obstruction
- Depending on your history and test results, further specialized tests are recommended in certain cases like GeneXpert TB test, Genetic testing (Chromosomal Karyotype), AFB culture, Testicular biopsy (to tell if sperms production is normal)
STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTING INFERTILITY – ADVANTAGES OF FIRST TRIMESTER SCREENING
Increase your chances of getting pregnant by
- Avoid extreme weight loss or gain
- Exercise moderately
- Quit Smoking
- Limit Caffeine
- Limit alcohol
Tips to maintain healthy sperm count
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid high temperatures and exposure to industrial or environmental toxins
