KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Infertility prevalence and causes: About 10-15% of couples in the U.S. face fertility challenges within the first year of trying to conceive. Causes can stem equally from male and female partners, with lifestyle factors, medical conditions, genetics, and age playing significant roles.
• When to seek help: Couples under 35 should seek medical advice after a year of trying, while those over 35 are encouraged to consult a specialist after six months. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
• Treatment and support options: Infertility treatments range from lifestyle changes and medications to advanced options like IUI, IVF, donor eggs and sperm, surrogacy, or adoption. Emotional support through therapy or support groups is vital for coping with the stress of infertility.
SUMMARY:
About 10-15% of couples in the U.S. face fertility challenges within the first year of trying to conceive. An OhioHealth infertility specialist provides insights into its causes, including lifestyle factors, medical conditions and age. It’s important to seek timely medical advice as you start trying to conceive. There are various treatment options tailored to individual needs. Infertility is an emotional journey, but through medical guidance, lifestyle changes and alternative family-building options, there is hope. The timing is perfect to begin your family. You’ve finished your college degrees, found the perfect home and feel secure in your careers. So you finally throw away your birth control pills and eagerly await a pink plus sign to appear — or not.
Thinking about starting a family is a big and exciting step for many. It’s natural to expect the process to be straightforward, but for some, the path can come with unexpected challenges. About 10 to 15 percent of couples in the U.S. experience fertility struggles within the first year of trying to get pregnant. This can be an emotional and challenging experience but the good news is: infertility is treatable, and you aren’t alone.
What Causes Infertility?
The term “infertility” encompasses many different physiological components. Infertility doesn’t have a single cause, and the cause of one couple’s infertility can differ vastly from another’s. According to Gregory Lowe, MD, an infertility specialist with OhioHealth, fertility struggles stem from both male and female partners equally, sometimes involving both. Understanding this can help couples approach the topic as a team.
Everyday habits can impact your chances of becoming pregnant. Common lifestyle factors include:
- Smoking or excessive alcohol use
- Obesity
- Marijuana use
- Inactivity or a more sedentary lifestyle
Pre-existing medical conditions can also affect fertility in both men and women. For women, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause, and for men, low testosterone can play a role. Thyroid problems and unmanaged stress can also affect fertility. Genetics can sometimes play a role, too, although it’s not always inherited directly. Certain genetic conditions may impact fertility in men, such as Klinefelter’s syndrome or being a cystic fibrosis carrier.
Age is more well-known fertility factor for both partners. It typically becomes more difficult to conceive after age 35 for women and 40 for men.
When should you seek help?
Knowing when to consult a specialist is a key part of the process. Generally, if you have been trying to conceive for a year without success, it may be time to schedule an appointment.
However, age can change this timeline. For couples ages 35 and over, seeking help after six months of trying is often recommended. This allows for a more proactive approach when time is a more critical factor. Seeking treatment just one year sooner can make a significant difference, says Dr. Lowe, as it can take months before you see changes If lifestyle adjustments are needed to help with conception.
Navigating treatment options
There’s no single road map for addressing infertility. Every couple’s timeline and journey are different based on age, health and circumstances. If you’re just starting out, over-the-counter ovulation tests and at-home sperm tests can help you better understand your cycle and timing.
Because infertility is a shared issue, it’s best to evaluate both partners from the start. Simple lab work and semen analysis can uncover important information early, helping to avoid unnecessary delays.
If you need further help, your doctor may talk about:
- Making lifestyle changes.
- Medications to help boost egg or sperm production.
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI).
- In vitro fertilization (IVF).
- Exploring options like donor eggs or sperm, surrogacy or adoption.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Knowing these options early can reduce some anxiety about “what’s next?”
Coping and finding support
Facing infertility can be stressful —emotionally and financially. Many couples feel frustrated when pregnancy doesn’t happen as easily as they expected, especially when friends and family are sharing good news. “With social media, what it feels like to the couples that are struggling is everybody else out there celebrating,” Dr. Lowe says.
Remember, you aren’t alone. Some couples find comfort in online forums or local support groups, where you can talk with others who understand what you’re going through. Therapy, whether one-on-one or as a couple, is another valuable resource.
Finding hope in the journey
Many couples ask, “Do you think it’ll ever happen?” Dr. Lowe offers hope: “For the majority of couples, the answer to that is yes, absolutely. We just don’t know through what path yet.”
Infertility is a deeply personal and often challenging experience. With the right support, resources and medical guidance, many couples find a path to parenthood that works for them. Whether through lifestyle changes, medical treatments or alternative options like adoption or surrogacy, there is hope.
If you are struggling with infertility, OhioHealth is here to help. Set up an appointment to speak to one of our infertility experts today.
