Infertility can be diagnosed if pregnancy does not occur after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse for women under 35, or after six months for women over 35.
Recognizing the factors affecting fertility is highly important. Through awareness and knowledge, the chances of achieving pregnancy, whether naturally or through assisted reproductive techniques, can be increased.
If pregnancy does not occur within the above-mentioned time frame, it is advisable to consult a specialist without delay.
Female infertility often manifests as irregular menstrual cycles. If the interval between your periods is shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days, it may indicate ovulation irregularity, which can lead to infertility.
Male infertility may not show any symptoms. Symptoms like burning or discharge during urination can be preliminary signs, but a definitive diagnosis requires a sperm analysis (sperm test).
A sperm test conducted after a period of sexual abstinence lasting between two and 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.
While pregnancy may seem like a natural and simple process, it is actually very complex. The following factors are necessary for conception:
- Production of healthy eggs
- Production of healthy sperm
- Healthy fallopian tubes that allow sperm to reach the egg
- Fertilization of the egg by the sperm
- The fertilized egg implanting in the uterus
- Sufficient embryo quality
Issues with one or more of these factors can result in infertility.
Female infertility causes can generally be listed as follows:
- Ovulation disorders
- Early menopause
- Low ovarian reserve
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Damaged or blocked tubes
- Endometriosis
- Advanced age
- Cervical issues
- Vaginismus
There are many potential causes of male infertility. Genetic issues, abnormalities present at birth, hormonal factors, chemical exposure, inflammatory diseases, varicocele, and surgical procedures are among the main causes of infertility.
Dietary habits and lifestyle also play a significant role in male infertility. Smoking and alcohol use, performance-enhancing drugs, working in hot environments or with chemical exposure, and obesity can all contribute to infertility.
According to the World Health Organization’s guidelines, a man needs at least 15 million sperm per milliliter and a total of 40 million sperm in the semen sample to have a healthy chance of fatherhood. Men with lower sperm counts are advised to seek treatment if they wish to have children.
If pregnancy has not occurred despite regular unprotected intercourse, a consultation with a specialist should be scheduled promptly. At Bahçeci clinics, the initial consultation is free.
During this consultation, our physician will listen to your medical history. This step is actually the most crucial in planning the treatment process correctly. Following the consultation, your doctor may request certain tests. The subsequent steps of the process are determined based on the couple’s medical history.
The physician examines the ovarian capacity and uterus of the prospective mother. An AMH test, which indicates ovarian reserve, is requested. If necessary, a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or hysteroscopy may be recommended.
Additionally, thyroid function tests, prolactin hormone levels, blood count, blood type, and serological tests (such as hepatitis and HIV) may also be requested for the woman.
If male factors are suspected, a urologist conducts the necessary examinations and requests tests. After the examinations and tests, a diagnosis is made, and your doctor will inform you about the treatment to be applied.
Following examinations and tests, some patient groups may start medication therapy to achieve pregnancy naturally without needing in vitro fertilization. If it is possible for you to conceive without IVF through vitamins, ovulation tracking, and lifestyle changes, your doctor will plan a treatment process accordingly.
If natural conception is not possible, the IVF treatment process will begin. At our center, each couple's issue is evaluated from different angles, and “personalized” treatment programs are applied.
For more detailed information about the IVF treatment process
