Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant (conceive) after one year (or longer) of unprotected sex. Because infertility in women increases with age providers evaluate and treat women age 35 and older after 6 months of unprotected sex.
There are different types of infertility:
Problems with ovulation affects about 25% of all infertility situations according to American Pregnancy Association. Some other concerns that affect reproduction for females is:
Male infertility is due to low sperm production, abnormal sperm function like azoospermia ( no sperm cells are produced) and oligospermia ( few sperm cells are produced) or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors can play a role in causing male infertility.
Miscarriage is when a baby (or fetus or embryo) dies in the uterus during pregnancy. Pregnancy loss and infertility can each be devastating on their own. But when you are going through both, that double blow can be desperately hard to bear. You might be facing fertility problems after ectopic pregnancy. You may have had one or both tubes removed, or been told that the chances of conceiving naturally are low. You may have been trying to conceive after a previous loss or losses. If you are facing this double burden of pregnancy loss and fertility problems, it’s important to know that you are not alone and that you can find support from others who understand.