Infertility is defined as inability to conceive despite of having carefully timed unprotected intercourse for one year. 10 to 15% of couples globally have problems to conceive.  In today’s world infertility is a major issue owing to delayed marriage, delay in starting family, stress, lifestyle factors, environment. Infertility may be attributed to male factor, female factor or a combination of the two.

Causes:

All steps during ovulation and fertilization then implantation and growth of embryo need to happen correctly in order to get pregnant. In one third of the cases the problem is male factor, in one third it is female factor and in remaining third it is combined or unknown.

When to see a doctor:

There may be associated problems leading to infertility. In women there may be menstrual disturbances and in males there may be problems in sexual function.

The couple should be investigated if there is no conception after 1 year of trying period. Sometimes earlier if:

• Age 35 years or older and have been trying for 6 months
• Menstrual problems: Irregular or absent periods, painful periods
• Known fertility problems
• Diagnosed with endometriosis, PCOD, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflamatory disorders, etc
• Multiple miscarriages
• Medical disorders like thyroid problems, tuberculosis, diabetes , epilepsy etc