Deciding to raise a child is a journey that comes with many challenges. Conception, in particular, can be one of the hardest steps to take in this adventure. After all, nearly one in six couples experience difficulty in taking this first step, faced with fertility challenges that can affect either partner.
But thanks to modern medicine, it has become easier than ever to identify these problems and help couples find appropriate solutions for their struggles. So keeping that in mind, let us work through the most common problems that can complicate conception and help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
What are the ovulation disorders you must know about?
Conception is the process in which the sperm and an egg join together for the first time. Ovulation, by extension, plays a key role in this process. It is the phase in the menstrual cycle when your ovary releases an egg. The egg then travels down through the fallopian tube, where it waits for the arrival of sperm. But when ovulation does not occur regularly, pregnancy becomes difficult to achieve.
This can happen due to a number of reasons, but the main indicator of ovulation problems is irregular menstrual cycles. Coming to the reasons, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is arguably the most common issue of them all, affecting how the ovaries release eggs. Thyroid disorders can disrupt ovulation as well, irrespective of whether it’s overactive or underactive. Then, early menopause may also stop ovulation earlier than expected, which can make pregnancy a near impossibility.
Another thing to keep in mind is your egg count, as conditions like primary ovarian insufficiency also impact conception. If the number of available eggs is less, it can significantly reduce your chances of getting pregnant.
How do uterine and cervical conditions affect your fertility?
For conception to be a success, the egg and the sperm also require a suitable environment for embryo implantation alongside proper ovulation. Unfortunately, uterine and cervical conditions can prevent said implantation from happening.
Fibroids, for instance, are benign growths within the uterine wall that can obstruct the sperm’s travel to the egg. Polyps – another such growth – extend into the uterine cavity and can disrupt the uterine lining. In some cases, the uterine environment may be suboptimal without visible growths, lacking the necessary conditions for embryo development. Cervical dysplasia is another problem to consider, as untimely treatment of it can cause it to develop into cervical cancer, putting your fertility and life at risk. Infections further complicate the matter here. Issues like sexually transmitted infections and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause scarring and inflammation that also interfere with conception.
Can a damaged or blocked fallopian tube also cause fertility issues?
Yes, the fallopian tubes provide the pathway for eggs to reach the uterus. When these tubes become damaged or blocked, eggs cannot complete this journey. Previous infections, endometriosis, or past surgical procedures can leave scar tissue that obstructs the fallopian tubes. This blockage may affect one or both tubes, preventing natural conception from taking place.
How does age affect your fertility?
Age is a factor that affects both women and men. For the former, fertility begins to take a steep decline in the late thirties and keeps decreasing through the forties until the eventual menopause. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and both the quantity and quality of these eggs diminish over time. While pregnancy remains possible at older ages, the probability of conception decreases, and the potential of severe complications increases.
For men, fertility also declines with age, but it is a slower process than for women. Sperm quality decreases over a long period of time, and having kids at an older age is associated with higher risks of genetic conditions. This, combined with everything else, is the reason why doctors recommend seeking professional help if you’ve been trying for over a year, without a successful conception.
What other male fertility factors should you be aware of?
Male fertility contributes to nearly 40% of all fertility challenges couples face. Going deeper on this side, the issue usually revolves around a few things. First is motility, which refers to the ability of sperm to move effectively toward the egg. Poor motility means that the sperm are unable to reach the egg, causing conception failure.
Sperm count and its quality are also important factors to consider, as low sperm count, abnormal sperm morphology, or insufficient semen production all have a major impact on men’s fertility.
Coming to physical barriers, erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction usually stems from medical conditions, medications, or psychological factors. Additionally, infections can affect male fertility as well – sexually transmitted infections can inflame the reproductive tract, which, in turn, can reduce sperm quality and create a blockage in the vas deferens.
What are the lifestyle and environmental factors that affect fertility?
The unfortunate reality of modern life is that it negatively impacts all aspects of our health, with fertility being no exception. We get stressed by different things, and to cope with it, we turn to substances like alcohol and smoking, both of which can severely damage the eggs and sperm. Significant weight extremes – whether you’re overweight or underweight – will also impair your reproductive function. Then, environmental toxins from pesticides and industrial chemicals also interfere with our fertility levels and overall health. All of these combined make natural conception way harder than it needs to be.
What are the treatment options for fertility challenges?
While all of the problems discussed so far may seem severe on paper, modern medicine offers various solutions for nearly all of them, with treatment that is tailored to your specific diagnosis and circumstances.
For women with ovulation disorders, medications such as clomiphene citrate and letrozole can stimulate egg release. Women with PCOS can also benefit greatly when combining these medicines with some healthy lifestyle modifications. If it’s thyroid disorders, you can overcome the problem with hormone replacement therapy. Note that these medicines and procedures should only be undertaken once approved by a qualified doctor or better a fertility specialist familiar with your circumstances and medical history. Always remember that a professional is better equipped at handling your situation and provide the required treatment.
Uterine and cervical conditions may require surgical intervention. Hysteroscopy, for example, can remove fibroids and polyps, while laparoscopic surgery may address endometriosis or repair blocked fallopian tubes. Even if the tube damage is severe, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) can provide a great alternative for having a baby.
Most male fertility problems can be resolved with some healthy lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. Medications can be used when sperm production needs improvement, erectile and ejaculation issues can be resolved with therapy and medications, while surgical procedures can be relied on for varicoceles or blockages.
When should you seek professional support for fertility?
In the end, understanding the causes behind fertility problems can inform you on what’s going wrong, providing peace of mind. But only a proper medical evaluation can turn this knowledge into actionable information. As mentioned before, couples who have been trying to conceive for twelve months without success should seek professional assessment. Those over thirty-five can consult a specialist after six months of attempting conception.
When you seek the next steps from a good fertility clinic in London, not only will you receive a comprehensive diagnosis of the issue, but you’ll also receive the required care to make your pregnancy journey a success.
While you’re at it, keep in mind that early intervention from doctors is always the best. Fertility challenges rarely resolve without treatment, and time is a critical factor in reproductive health. With the right kind of medical support and treatment, you and your partner can successfully overcome these obstacles and achieve pregnancy. So if you haven’t already, get started today to reach the next stage in the adventure of raising your own child.
