Infertility is one of the health issues affecting many couples today. However, the belief that infertility mainly results from problems on the woman’s side remains common in society. In reality, medical data confirms that infertility can occur in both men and women in nearly equal proportions.

 

A successful pregnancy requires a healthy reproductive system from both partners. Therefore, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning are essential for increasing the chances of successful conception.

 

What Is Infertility?

Infertility refers to a condition in which a couple has regular sexual intercourse without contraception for at least six months but is unable to conceive naturally. This condition may result from abnormalities in the reproductive system, hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, or lifestyle and environmental influences.

 

Understanding the underlying cause early allows physicians to select the most appropriate and targeted treatment approach.

 

Causes of Infertility in Women

Although women carry the pregnancy, female infertility often involves multiple contributing factors, including:

Reduced Egg Quality and Quantity

As women age, the ovarian reserve (the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries) gradually declines. Aging also increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs, which can lead to implantation failure or early miscarriage.

Hormonal and Reproductive Organ Disorders

Conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis can interfere with natural ovulation and affect the uterine environment, making it less suitable for embryo implantation.

 

Causes of Infertility in Men

Medical data shows that male infertility accounts for approximately 40–50% of infertility cases overall. However, in many cases, abnormalities may not be clearly detected through basic examinations.

Sperm Genetic Integrity

Even when semen analysis results appear normal, sperm DNA fragmentation may still occur. This condition can affect fertilization or cause the embryo to stop developing in the early stages.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Several factors can negatively affect sperm quality and fertility potential, including:

     ๐ Chronic stress

     ๐ Smoking

     ๐ Insufficient sleep

     ๐ Exposure to oxidative stress or environmental toxins

     ๐ Excessively high temperatures around the testicular area

 

Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility

Evaluating infertility causes in both partners simultaneously allows physicians to create a more precise treatment plan. Assisted reproductive technologies may be considered, including:

     ๐ In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

     ๐ Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) for cases involving poor sperm quality

     ๐ Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) to improve implantation success and reduce miscarriage risk 

 

Having a Child Is a Shared Journey

Infertility is not the responsibility of one partner alone; it is a condition that should be addressed together. Early and comprehensive evaluation increases the chances of success, shortens treatment time, and leads to safer and more sustainable pregnancies.

If couples are concerned about infertility, they should consult a specialist in reproductive medicine to develop a personalized treatment plan.

 

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Infertility

When should infertility testing begin?

If a couple has been trying to conceive naturally for more than six months without success, or if the woman is over 35 years old and has tried for more than six months, it is recommended to seek evaluation from a reproductive medicine specialist.

Is it necessary for both partners to be tested?

Yes. It is recommended that both partners undergo evaluation at the same time to obtain complete information, shorten the time required to identify the cause, and allow doctors to plan more targeted treatment.

Do lifestyle habits affect the chances of pregnancy?

Yes. Daily lifestyle habits can influence the quality of reproductive cells in both men and women. Factors such as stress, smoking, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition can all affect the likelihood of conception.

What treatment options are available for infertility?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause for each individual. Options may include medication, IVF, ICSI, or embryo chromosomal screening (PGT-A).

If treatment is unsuccessful the first time, can it be repeated?

Yes. Treatment can be repeated. Doctors will review the results of the previous cycle and adjust the treatment plan to better suit the couple’s physical condition in subsequent attempts.

 

Source : Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team