What are the different types of infertility?
Embarking on parenthood can be emotionally challenging, especially when dealing with infertility. Remember, you’re not alone—millions of couples face this struggle. Despite the difficulty, there’s hope.
In this blog, we’ll explore different types of infertility in males and females, shedding light on common challenges. Despite the hurdles, there are ways to achieve your dream of becoming a parent.
Types of Infertility
Infertility is a medical condition identified by the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected regular sexual intercourse. Infertility is often characterized into two types-
Primary Infertility
Primary infertility pertains to individuals or couples facing challenges in conceiving their first child.
The typical time frame for this type of infertility is 12 or more months for the couple to have no success in conceiving. For those over 35, that window drops to 6 or more months of trying.
Secondary Infertility
Couples with one or more children can still experience different types of infertility. Secondary infertility refers to a couple who is unable to conceive despite having had one or more biological children in the past.
To classify as secondary infertility, the previous birth must have occurred without help from fertility medications or treatments.
Infertility can also be classified into male and female infertility. While the causes of infertility in males and females are similar in both primary and secondary infertility, understanding the types of infertility in males and females is essential for appropriate treatment.
Types of Infertility in Females
Infertility in females means difficulty in getting pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy after a year of regular unprotected intercourse. It can result from factors affecting the reproductive system, hormones, or overall health:
Ovulation Disorders
Ovulation disorders result from an imbalance in female sex hormones, such as progesterone, estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone.
These hormones, produced by the pituitary gland, play a crucial role in releasing eggs from the ovary and their growth and development. An imbalance can disrupt the ovulation process, making it a primary cause of female infertility.
Uterus and Cervical Disorders
Conditions impacting the uterus and cervix can disrupt the embryo’s attachment to the uterine walls, causing infertility.
Malignant growths on the uterine walls or irregularities in the cervix’s shape can impede the sperm’s journey to the uterus.
Sperm Antibodies/Immunological factors
Sperm antibodies present in the vagina and cervix of the female can cause infertility. These antibodies act against the sperm, preventing them from reaching and fertilizing the eggs.
Ovarian Failure
Ovarian failure occurs when the ovaries, responsible for housing eggs, malfunction. This can be due to factors like past medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or interventions for ovarian tumors.
Ovarian failure can lead to a reduced quantity or quality of eggs, impacting fertility and the ability to conceive.
Understanding these factors is crucial for diagnosing and addressing female infertility. A medical evaluation, including hormonal assessments and imaging studies, is conducted to identify specific causes.
Seeking guidance from a fertility specialist can help explore suitable treatment options tailored to unique circumstances.
Types of Infertility in Males
Not only women but males also go through the issue of infertility. This condition can result from various factors that affect sperm production, sperm quality, or the delivery of sperm.
Understanding the causes and seeking appropriate medical guidance is crucial for addressing male infertility. Here are some types of male infertility:
Hormonal Deficiencies
Hormonal deficiencies occur when there is insufficient production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. These hormones are essential for regulating testicular functions, and their deficiency may lead to a shortage of sperm.
Obstruction
Obstructive azoospermia, or the lack of sperm in semen due to a blockage, happens when the genital pathway is obstructed, hindering sperm transit from the testicles to the penis.
This blockage may result from:
- Abnormal development of the epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles.
- Scarring of the genital pathway is caused by inflammation.
- Vasectomy is a procedure where the tubes carrying sperm from the testicles to the penis are permanently cut.
Non-Obstructive Azoospermia
Non-obstructive azoospermia occurs when sperm are absent in the semen, not due to a blockage but because the sperm-producing cells fail to produce sperm.
This can result from incomplete development of sperm-producing cells, often influenced by genetic disorders or testicular inflammation.
Sperm Antibodies/Immunological Factors
Men who undergo vasectomies may develop sperm antibodies that persist even after vasectomy reversal, hindering fertility.
These antibodies can obstruct sperm production, leading to a decrease in sperm count and mobility.
Ejaculation Disorders
Ejaculation disorders, like premature ejaculation or retrograde ejaculation, can contribute to infertility by disrupting the proper transit of sperm into the vagina.
Identifying the specific type of male infertility is crucial for developing an appropriate treatment plan. Consultation with a reproductive health specialist is recommended for a thorough evaluation and personalized guidance.
Options for Starting (or Growing) a Family
Starting or growing a family can be an exciting journey, and various options are available for individuals or couples facing challenges with conception.
Here are some options for starting or expanding your family:
- Fertility treatments like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) are viable options for couples struggling with forms of infertility and want to build their families.
- Surrogacy involves a surrogate carrying the pregnancy for a couple facing challenges in carrying a pregnancy to term. While it may not provide the pregnancy experience you desire, surrogacy can still fulfill your dream of parenthood.
Choose Dr. Mustafa Aldam for Infertility Treatment in Dubai
With over two decades of expertise, Dr. Mustafa Aldam is a seasoned gynecologist and infertility specialist. His comprehensive approach covers every aspect of infertility issues, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment.