Fertility and Infertility Problems
Infertility is defined as any situation in which a couple have regular unprotected sex but cannot conceive. It’s a common problem in the UK, with approximately one in seven couples struggling to conceive at some point in their journey towards parenthood.(1)
Fortunately, there are numerous things that prospective parents can do to learn more about their individual fertility issues. For example, it can be helpful for parents to do the following:
- Learn about ovulation and timing sex for conception.
- Take infertility tests.
- Receive infertility treatment.
- Investigate the possibility of reproductive system disease.
- Learn about male fertility problems.
In many cases, there may be no identifiable cause for the fertility problems or the couple may simply be a little bit older and therefore find that, because of the decreased fertility associated with increased age, it takes them longer to conceive. In other cases, the couple may find that they are affected by one of the major causes of infertility:
- Issues with sperm (approx. 35%)
- Issues with the fallopian tubes and pelvic abnormalities (approx. 30%)
- Issues with ovulation (approx. 20%)
- Issues with cervical mucus (approx. 5% or less)
- Unidentified factors (approx 10%.)
In other instances, a couple may find that by making certain changes to their lifestyle or habits that they are able to increase their chances of conception – for example, by stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, reducing their BMI or consuming less caffeine.
My BabyManual, helping you to understand fertility and fertility issues
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1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/
