However, not all couples experience the bliss of having their own child. Currently, about 20% of couples in the United States are struggling with infertility. Infertility is the failure of a couple to conceive a pregnancy after trying for at least a year or so. Another well-known fact is that fertility in women decreases with age. If a woman keeps having a miscarriage, that too can be considered a negative effect of infertility.



Diagnosis for a man comes from undergoing a sperm test while the woman needs to have her ovaries checked by an obstetrician especially if she is already in her 30s. Another factor for the cause of infertility is having multiple sexual partners. Research shows that early sexual activity in women predispose them to various sexual health problems. Sexually Transmitted Disease or STD also cause or exacerbate cases of infertility, as shown in the case of women with pelvic inflammatory disease.

Shown below are some of the common causes of infertility:

lovulation problems

ltubal problems

lendomtriosis

llow sperm count

To address the problem of infertility, some reproductive techniques were developed to help couples improve their chances of conception. These techniques include in vitro fertilization, zygote intrafallopian tube transfer, and gamete infrafallopian transfer. In vitro fertilization involves the use of a drug to induce the simultaneous release of many eggs from the female's ovaries. In the meantime, several semen samples are obtained from the male partner, and a sperm concentrate is prepared for implantation. The ova and sperm are then combined in the laboratory. The female may be given drugs to ensure that her uterus is ready to receive an embryo. There would be three or four of the embryos are transferred to the female's uterus. Gamete intrafallopian transfer involves retrieval of both multiple ova and semen. It uses a mechanical placement that is used to tranfer the fertilized egg into the fallopian tubes. While zygote intrafallopian tube transfer involves the same retrieval of ova and semen and growth, fertilization are done in the laboratory at to which point the zygotes are placed in the fallopian tubes. In general, it is believed that all couples should undergo a complete evaluation of infertility then followed by a treatment. Watch out for other symptoms within the six months your having irregular periods and investigate further by knowing if you're partner have any known fertility problems. Or any if your family has any history experiencing difficulties on becoming pregnant or gone through early menopause.

Coping with infertility is not easy. You have no control and you can't predict how long it will last. But it is also an opportunity that you support one another in what ever emotional turmoil you are undergo. Practice relaxation, Stay in touch with your loved ones. Being a parent might take long or a bit delayed but never lose hope.