Infertility is defined as trying to get pregnant (with frequent intercourse) for at least a year with no success. Female infertility, male infertility or a combination of the two affects millions of couples. An estimated 10 to 18 percent of couples have trouble getting pregnant or having a successful delivery. Infertility results from female factors about one-third of the time and male factors about one-third of the time. The cause is either unknown or a combination of male and female factors in the remaining cases.
Symptoms
• Main symptom is not getting pregnant.
• A menstrual cycle that’s too long (35 days or more), too short (less than 21 days)
• a man with infertility may have some signs of hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth or sexual function.
When you need treatments?
You probably don’t need to go for treatments or advice about infertility unless you have been trying regularly to get pregnant for at least one year.
A woman should go for treatments or advice if,
• Age 35 or older and have been trying to conceive for six months or longer
• Over age 40
• Have irregular or absent periods
• Have very painful periods
• Have known fertility problems
• Have been diagnosed with endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease
• Have had multiple miscarriages
• Have undergone treatment for cancer
A man should go for treatments or advice if,
• A low sperm counts or other problems with sperm
• A history of testicular, prostate or sexual problems
• Undergone treatment for cancer
• Small testicles or swelling in the scrotum
• Others in your family with infertility problems