Infertile marriage: causes, diagnosis and treatment

What is an infertile marriage?

An infertile marriage is defined by the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. For couples over 35, it is recommended to consult a fertility specialist after six months of unsuccessful attempts.

According to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), about 20% of couples in Europe face infertility issues. In 45% of cases, the absence of pregnancy is due to disorders in the woman's body, the male factor accounts for roughly the same number of cases, and about 10% are unexplained infertility. Infertile couples are treated by a physician specialized in reproductive medicine.

Female factors of infertility

The absence of a desired pregnancy can be caused by disorders of the female reproductive and endocrine systems. The main factors of female infertility are as follows:

• Uterine factor - disorders of the structure and functions of the uterus (polyps, fibroids, structural abnormalities of the organ);
• Tubal-peritoneal factor - obstruction of the fallopian tubes, most often caused by adhesions;
• Endocrine factor - hormonal imbalance leading to ovulation disorders.

Other causes of female infertility exist, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, immunological and psychological factors. Age is also a key factor in reproductive function: with each passing year, the ovarian reserve decreases, reducing the likelihood of pregnancy. A significant decrease in ovarian reserve is observed after the age of 35, and by the age of 40, the probability of conceiving naturally decreases significantly.

Male factors of infertility

Conception problems can be caused by various diseases and disorders in men. The main causes of male infertility are as follows:

• Endocrine disorders;
• Varicocele (enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord);
• Sexually transmitted infections;
• Genetic abnormalities;
• Immunological factors;
• Poor habits (smoking, alcohol, drugs);
• Hypodynamia (sedentary lifestyle);
• Work in harmful conditions;
• Unbalanced diet.

Combined infertility

Co-infertility is defined by reproductive disorders in both partners. According to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), combined infertility affects about 20 to 25% of infertile marriages in Europe. In some countries, this figure may be higher, for example, in France and Germany, where it reaches 30%. This factor is present in one out of five infertile marriages. That is why, if a couple has difficulty conceiving, both partners should be examined.

When to consult a specialist?

In the absence of pregnancy for a year (or six months for women over 35), it is recommended to consult a specialist. The doctor will perform the necessary examinations, identify the causes of infertility, and choose the best treatment strategy. Depending on the diagnosis, different assisted reproductive methods may be offered, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), IVF with egg donation, and IVF with double donation.

You can schedule an appointment for a consultation with a reproductive specialist at the Natuvitro clinic. To do so, fill out the form in the “Contacts” section of the clinic's website.