Infertility

Infertility means not being able to become pregnant after a year of trying. If a woman keeps having miscarriages, it is also called infertility. Lots of couples have infertility problems. About a third of the time, infertility can be traced to the woman. In another third of cases, it is because of the man. The rest of the time, it is because of both partners or no cause is found.

If you think you might be infertile, tell your doctor. For a man, a first step is often a sperm test. For women, doctors run tests to see if their ovaries work properly. Women in their 30s who have been trying to get pregnant for six months should consider seeking help. A woman's chances of having a baby drop rapidly every year after age 30.

Drugs or surgery are common treatments. Happily, two-thirds of couples treated for infertility go on to have babies.

National Women's Health Information Center

Infertility on Wikipedia

'''Infertility''' is the inability to naturally Fertilisation, pregnancy or childbirth a healthy child. There are many reasons why a couple may not be able to conceive, or may not be able to conceive without fertility medicine.

Definition

The International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination (INCIID) considers a couple to be infertile if: * they have not conceived after a year of unprotected intercourse, or after six months in women over 35; * there is incapability to carry a pregnancy to term. Healthy couples in their mid-20s having regular sex have a one-in-four chance of getting pregnant in any given month.

Causes

Primary vs. secondary

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, infertility affects about 6.1 million people in the U.S., equivalent to ten percent of the reproductive age population. Female infertility accounts for one third of infertility cases, male infertility for another third, combined male and female infertility for another 15%, and the remainder of cases are "unexplained". A Robertsonian translocation in either partner may cause habitual abortion or complete infertility. "Secondary infertility" is difficulty conceiving after already having conceived and carried a normal pregnancy. Apart from various medical conditions (e.g. hormonal), this may come as a result of age and stress felt to provide a sibling for their first child. Technically, secondary infertility is not present if there has been a change of partners.

Female infertility

Factors relating to female infertility are: *General factors **Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, adrenal disease **Significant liver, kidney disease **Psychological factors *Hypothalamic-pituitary factors: **Kallmann syndrome **Hypothalamic dysfunction **Hyperprolactinemia **Hypopituitarism *Ovarian factors **Polycystic ovary syndrome **Anovulation **Diminished ... [ Read More ]

External Resources

Stalking the Stacks with Library-Lil - She's not the Shhhhh-ing librarian of your childhood. Come along and explore Library-Lil's life, as she navigates the underbelly of the library and the journey through infertility.

Tapestry Books - Children's and parents' books on adoption. Also selected books on infertility and attachment disorder.

Pain, Heartache and Hope - Stories of coping with miscarriage, infertility, losing a child after birth, and stillbirth.

Battles with the Baby Gods - Information on infertility, IVF, in vitro fertilization, surrogacy, donor programs, test-tube and artificial insemination.

All About Menopause - Medicine Plants, under a medical advisory board, offers herbs supporting hormonal balance, good for menopause, infertility, allergies, fatigue, fibromyolgia, sexual dysfunction, impotence, and mental alertness.

Dapkerala Nature Pharmacy - Supplements for weight loss, arthritis, insomnia, infertility, and skin diseases.

Almarc Drugs - Offers prescription medication and includes infertility information.

Freedom Drug - Offers discount infertility treatments and medications.

Laurel Prescriptions - Supplier for Cadd infusion pumps, infertility drugs, vaginal inserts for vaginismus and bathroom safety products.

Bioreflection Laboratory - Specializes in natural remedies for women's problems such as PMS, menopause, endometriosis, infertility, osteoporosis, fibroids and cysts.