Understanding Infertility and Common Fertility
Myths
Couples dealing with infertility often experience
stress, frustration, anxiety, and at times, a
sense of hopelessness. Penn Fertility Care offers
more than hope. In a compassionate manner, our
caring staff will help you cope with the emotional,
physical and technological aspects of infertility.
To
hear what our patients have to say about us,
listen to radio interviews with our doctors or
watch a recent Penn Vital Signs show on infertility,
please visit the Penn
Fertility Care web site.
What is Infertility?
Infertility is defined as “the inability to achieve pregnancy after one
year of unprotected intercourse” and is diagnosed in one out seven couples
trying to conceive. This medical condition can frequently be treated; however,
infertility is often a complex issue, as many factors in both a man and
a woman can contribute to it.
Generally, fertility shows signs of decline
by age 30, dips sharply at age 35, and plunges
as a woman nears age 40.
Kurt
Barnhart, MD, MSCE, Associate Director
of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
and Assistant Professor at the University of
Pennsylvania School of Medicine states, “In
order to maximize your chances of becoming
pregnant, you first need to recognize that
you have a problem and know when it is time
to seek help.”
Dr. Barnhart advises that if you've experienced
any of the following, it may be time for you
to see a fertility specialist:
- If you are under 35 and have been unable
to conceive after a year of trying
- If you are 35 and over and have been unable
to conceive after 6 months of trying
- When you've lost two or more pregnancies
to miscarriage
- When other infertility treatments have not
been successful
If you do not have regular menstrual cycles,
or if you have had a prior gynecological problem
(for example, endometriosis, tubal pregnancy,
pelvic surgery or infections), you should seek
assistance sooner.
Chances
of Conception
|
|
In
one month
|
In
six months
|
In
one year
|
Early 20's
|
25%
|
75%
|
94%
|
Late 20's/ Early
30's
|
15%
|
38-47%
|
70-85%
|
Late 30's
|
10%
|
22-24%
|
65-70%
|
Myth:
|
Fertility
problems stem only in women.
|
Fact:
|
Factors in the
male partner account for approximately
40% of infertility cases.
|
|
Infertility affects both women and men.
And because 40 percent of infertility cases
are due to problems in the male partner,
it is important that he be tested early
during infertility evaluation.
|
|
|
Myth:
|
Healthy women over
40 can conceive easily.
|
Fact:
|
A woman’s
chance of conceiving in one month without
medical assistance after age 40 is under
10%.
|
|
Overall, pregnancy rates are decreased
and miscarriage rates are markedly increased
in women over the age of 40. That does
not say that achieving a successful pregnancy
is not possible but it is more difficult
and requires an aggressive approach. Today
more women are delaying childbirth to establish
their careers. However, it is important
for a woman to be aware of a general fertility
timeline and plan their future accordingly.
|
| |
|
Myth:
|
Stress
causes infertility
|
Fact:
|
While it is possible,
although rare, for stress to cause infertility,
it is far more common for infertility
to cause stress.
|
|
There has been quite a debate regarding
stress and infertility. Does stress cause
infertility? Or does infertility cause
stress? The fact is, that while it is possible,
although rare, for stress to cause infertility,
it is far more common for infertility to
cause stress.
The role stress plays in a person’s
fertility is complicated. Evidence indicating
stress as a cause of infertility is minimal.
There are rare occasions when extreme
stress can interfere with normal ovulation
in women and may reduce sperm production
in men. Stress can also affect a relationship
by keeping a couple from the intimacy
of intercourse.
To reduce stress in your life and to
potentially make the conception process
more enjoyable, there are some techniques
that can help to relieve your anxiety:
- Keep the lines of communication open
with your partner.
- Look for emotional support. Counseling,
support groups and books can help by
reassuring you that you're not alone.
- Learn yoga or meditation techniques.
- Avoid excessive intake of caffeine
and other stimulants.
- Exercise regularly to relieve physical
and emotional tension.
Contact your physician if you find your
stress becomes unmanageable or causes
feelings of extreme anger or depression.
|
|
|
Myth:
|
Couples may reason, “If
we work hard enough at trying to get
pregnant, we will eventually get pregnant.”
|
Fact:
|
Infertility is
a medical condition.
|
|
There are a number of infertility causes
ranging from anatomical to ovulatory disorders
that can only be treated by a physician.
Some of the leading causes of infertility in women are:
- Fallopian tube damage
- Endometriosis
- Hormonal problems
- Ovulation disorders
- Uterine fibroids
- Age
|
|
|
Myth:
|
Once you have had
a child, it is easy to conceive again.
|
Fact:
|
Fertility problems
can emerge at any age, any time, even
if you have conceived in the past.
|
|
Primary infertility is the term used
to describe a couple that has never been
able to conceive a pregnancy, after a minimum
of 1 year of attempting to do so through
unprotected intercourse.
The term “secondary infertility” is
used to describe couples who have previously
achieved a pregnancy, but who have not
been able to achieve a consecutive pregnancy.
The range of reasons for secondary infertility
is nearly as extensive as primary infertility.
Many couples that had no problems conceiving
their first child find themselves facing
separate yet similar emotional issues,
and go through the same tests as couples
that have never conceived.
|
|
