In some cases, it is not possible for an individual or couple to have children. The situation of such couples, which is extremely rare and impossible to conceive using known methods, is defined as "sterility".
Nowadays, the definition of sterility is extremely rarely used (for example, a woman who does not have a uterus and ovaries at birth may fit this definition), as assisted reproductive techniques (in vitro fertilization, microinjection), cloning, rental mothers, egg and sperm donation are rapidly becoming widespread).
How common is infertility?
Nowadays, infertility is more common as the age of marriage increases and married couples postpone having children. In addition, more common infections can cause blockage in the Fallopian tubes, leading to infertility. Recent studies have shown that one in every six couples has an infertility problem.
On average, 15% of couples are infertile. 1/5 of married women consult a physician due to infertility. For our country, this figure is thought to be over 15%. In normal societies, the average time required for half of nulliparous women to become pregnant is 5 months. In other words, half of nulliparous women become pregnant in the first 5 months, the remaining half in the second five months. The likelihood of a pregnancy occurring increases in direct proportion to time. While the chance of a couple achieving pregnancy in the 3-month period is about 50%, this rate increases to 85% after 1 year. By waiting another year, that is, at the end of the second year, the chance of pregnancy reaches 93%.
What are the causes of infertility?
Infertility in couples may be due to problems in the man, the woman, or both.
Infertility According to the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (World Fertilization and Embryology Association):
- Low sperm count (32%)
- Ovulation problems (4.9%)
- Tubal damage (16.7%)
- Endometriosis and other causes affecting the uterus (3.3%)
- It occurs due to the combination of male and female causes (17%).
Causes related to men
- One or more of the sperm count, motility and normal rate are low
- Azoospermia (no sperm in semen)
- Ejaculation problems
- infection
- Febrile illnesses at a young age
- genetic problems
- varicocele
Reasons related to women
- Tubes are blocked
- Ovulation problems (Hormonal, operation-related, etc.)
- Problems with the internal structure of the uterus
- Problems with the cervix
- endometriosis
- Problems with the membrane covering the inside of the abdomen (Peritoneum)
- woman's age
Unknown Reasons
In 19% of the couples who consulted a doctor due to inability to conceive, no reason was found as a result of the examinations.
What do primary infertility and secondary infertility mean?
The absence of a pregnancy before is called primary infertility, whereas the failure to become pregnant even though a pregnancy has occurred before is called secondary infertility. Since recurrent pregnancy losses and premature births mean not having a live baby, couples who become pregnant and lose their baby in the first 20 weeks can also be included in the definition of infertility.
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