Infertility

Infertility

Infertility is the inability to conceive a child after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It can affect both men and women and may result from problems with ovulation, blocked fallopian tubes, hormonal imbalances, low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or reproductive system disorders. In women, common causes include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or age-related decline in egg quality. In men, infertility is often linked to low sperm production, abnormal sperm function, infections, or lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol use. Symptoms may not always be obvious, but irregular menstrual cycles or sexual dysfunction can be warning signs. Diagnosis involves medical history, physical examination, hormone tests, imaging studies, and semen analysis. Treatment options include medications, lifestyle modifications, surgery, and assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). With proper medical care, many couples successfully achieve pregnancy.