When does infertility occur?

Infertility is a term used to describe the inability to conceive after trying for one year or more. It can be a frustrating and emotionally challenging experience for couples who are trying to start a family. Infertility can affect both men and women, and there are a variety of factors that can contribute to its occurrence.

When does infertility occur?

Infertility can occur at any time in a person's life, but it is more likely to happen as a person gets older. Female fertility begins to decline after the age of 30, with a more significant drop after the age of 35. This is because women are born with a finite number of eggs, and the quality of these eggs also declines over time.

Men's fertility also declines as they get older, but this decline is usually not as significant as it is for women. However, there are other factors that can affect male fertility, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions.

Infertility can also be caused by a variety of medical conditions and lifestyle factors, including:

1. Hormonal imbalances: Certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders, can affect hormone levels and interfere with ovulation.

2. Structural problems: Structural problems in the reproductive system, such as blocked fallopian tubes or uterine fibroids, can make it difficult for sperm to reach the egg or for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.

3. Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and inflammation that can interfere with ovulation and implantation.

4. STDs: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause inflammation and scarring that can affect fertility.

5. Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity can all affect fertility in both men and women.

6. Medications: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can damage reproductive cells and affect fertility.

7. Environmental factors: Exposure to certain toxins, such as pesticides and chemicals, can also affect fertility.

When to seek medical help

If you have been trying to conceive for one year or more without success, it may be time to seek medical help. However, there are certain situations in which it is appropriate to seek help sooner:

1. Age: If you are over the age of 35, you may want to seek medical help after six months of trying to conceive.

2. Irregular periods: If you have irregular periods, it may be a sign of a hormonal imbalance that is affecting ovulation.

3. Previous medical conditions: If you have a history of medical conditions that can affect fertility, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome, it may be a good idea to seek medical help sooner.

4. Lifestyle factors: If you smoke, drink excessively, or are overweight, these factors can affect fertility and you may want to seek help sooner.

5. Known fertility problems: If you or your partner have a known fertility problem, such as low sperm count or blocked fallopian tubes, it may be a good idea to seek medical help sooner.

What to expect during a fertility evaluation

If you decide to seek medical help for infertility, your doctor will likely perform a variety of tests to determine the cause of your infertility. These tests may include:

1. Physical exam: Your doctor will perform a physical exam to look for any signs of physical abnormalities that may be affecting fertility.

2. Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to check hormone levels and look for signs of certain medical conditions that can affect fertility.

3. Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds and X-rays, can be used to look for structural problems in the reproductive system.

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