What Is Subfertility?

Subfertility refers to the reduced or impaired ability of an individual or couple to conceive or achieve a pregnancy after regular, unprotected sexual intercourse over a period of time. It is also sometimes referred to as "reduced fertility" or "impaired fertility."

1. Causes of Subfertility:

Subfertility can be caused by a wide range of factors, both in males and females:

- Female Factors:

a) Age: Fertility naturally declines with age, particularly for women over the age of 35.

b) Ovulatory Disorders: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormonal imbalances, or issues with ovulation can affect a woman's fertility.

c) Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Obstructions or damage to the fallopian tubes can prevent the egg from reaching the uterus for fertilization.

d) Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, sometimes affecting fertility.

- Male Factors:

a) Sperm Production Issues: Low sperm count, poor sperm quality or motility, or abnormal sperm shape can contribute to subfertility.

b) Erectile Dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection can affect the ability to have sexual intercourse and achieve pregnancy.

c) Retrograde Ejaculation: A condition where semen enters the bladder during ejaculation instead of being released externally.

2. Impact and Considerations:

- Subfertility can cause emotional distress and can have a significant psychological impact on individuals and couples.

- For couples who are struggling to conceive, it can be important to seek medical advice and support to identify any underlying causes and explore treatment options.

3. Treatment and Management:

- There are various treatments available for subfertility, depending on the underlying causes.

- Treatment options may include medications, fertility drugs, surgical interventions (such as correction of blocked tubes or endometriosis), or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

4. Seeking Medical Advice:

- It is important to seek medical advice if you have been trying to conceive regularly without success for a period of time (generally around one year or longer).

- A thorough evaluation by a fertility specialist can help identify any potential causes and determine appropriate treatment plans.

Subfertility is a multifaceted condition that can impact individuals and couples' ability to conceive.