What Do I Need to Know About Infertility?

Many couples who desire to have children but cannot conceive despite unprotected sexual intercourse may wonder, “Could I be infertile?” Find the answers to your questions in our article.

What is Infertility?

In cases where there is no pregnancy despite unprotected sexual intercourse for 1 year under the age of 35 and for 6 months over the age of 35, a diagnosis of infertility (sterility) can be made.

It is crucial to be aware of factors affecting fertility. Being informed and aware increases the chances of getting pregnant, both through natural methods and assisted reproductive techniques.

If there is no pregnancy within the specified period of time despite sexual intercourse, it is advisable to consult a specialist without delay.

Symptoms of Infertility

Female-related infertility often manifests itself with irregularities in menstrual bleeding. If the period between two menstrual cycles is shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days, irregular ovulation may be considered, and this condition may be a cause of infertility.

Male infertility may not show any symptoms. Burning or discharge during urination can be a preliminary diagnosis. However, a sperm test (sperm analysis) is required for an accurate diagnosis.

A sperm test performed after a diet of two to seven days can provide information about sperm count, motility, and morphology. Based on the test results, an appropriate treatment program is initiated for the patient.

Couples who fail to achieve pregnancy within this period should consult a physician for health checks and to determine their reproductive capacity.

Schedule an appointment for the initial consultation

The process of conception, while appearing natural and straightforward, is actually highly complex. Several factors need to be in place for pregnancy to occur:

Healthy egg production

Healthy sperm production

Healthy fallopian tubes allowing sperm to reach the egg

Fertilization of the egg by sperm

Successful implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus

Sufficient embryo quality

Disruptions in one or more of these factors can lead to infertility.

Causes of Female-Related Infertility

Kadına bağlı kısırlık nedenleri genel hatlarıyla şu şekilde sıralayabiliriz.

Here are some general causes of female-related infertility.

Ovulation disorders

Early menopause

Low ovarian reserve

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes

Endometriosis

Advanced age

Uterine problems

Vaginismus

Causes of Male-Related Infertility

Male infertility can have various causes, including genetic issues, abnormalities during birth, hormonal factors, chemical exposures, inflammation-related diseases, varicocele, and surgical procedures.

Dietary habits and lifestyle also play a significant role in male infertility. Smoking and alcohol consumption, the use of muscle-building drugs, working conditions involving exposure to high temperatures or chemicals, and excess weight can contribute to infertility.

According to the World Health Organization's guidelines, for a man to be capable of fathering a child, he should have at least 15 million sperm per milliliter and a total of 40 million sperm in the entire semen sample. Men with sperm counts below this threshold are advised to seek treatment to increase their chances of becoming fathers.

Initial Consultation with the Doctor

If regular unprotected sexual intercourse has not resulted in pregnancy, it is essential to consult with a specialist without delay.

During this meeting, the doctor listens to your medical history. This step is crucial for the accurate planning of the treatment process. Following this consultation, the doctor may request specific tests based on the couple's history. The subsequent stages of the process are determined according to the couple's story.

Examinations and Tests

The physician examines the woman's ovarian capacity and uterus to gather information. The Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test, which indicates the status of the ovarian reserve, may be requested. If necessary, procedures like a uterine X-ray (HSG) or hysteroscopy may be recommended.

In addition to these, thyroid function tests, prolactin hormone levels, blood count, blood type, and serological tests, including hepatitis and HIV tests, may be required.

If male-related factors are involved, a urologist will conduct necessary examinations and tests. After the examinations and tests, a diagnosis is determined, and the doctor informs you about the appropriate treatment.

Implementation of Personalized Treatment

Following examinations and tests, for some patient groups, medication treatment is initiated to achieve pregnancy naturally without the need for IVF. If it is possible to conceive naturally through the use of vitamins, egg monitoring, and lifestyle changes, your doctor will plan a treatment process in that direction.

If natural pregnancy is not possible, the IVF treatment process is initiated. At our center, the problems of each couple are evaluated from different perspectives, and personalized treatment programs are implemented.