What is the difference between infertility and delayed conception, their causes, and treatment methods? Having children is a shared dream for both spouses. Some couples may face difficulty achieving this dream, which raises several questions about whether this problem is due to infertility or simply a delay in conception. We will learn about the difference between them and the methods of distinguishing and treating them.
What is infertility
Infertility is a condition that permanently or semi-permanently prevents pregnancy, even with treatment attempts. This is due to the lack of reproductive methods, such as removing the uterus and ovaries in women, or the absence of sperm in men.
What is delayed conception
Delayed conception is the failure to conceive after a full year of marriage, with regular sexual intercourse and without the use of contraception.
Causes of Infertility
There are many causes of infertility, including reproductive health issues in men, including:
- Testicular problems such as varicocele or blocked spermatic cord.
- Low sperm count: due to health problems.
- Environmental factors such as exposure to high temperatures or chemicals.
- Medical treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy.
- Problems with reproductive function.
Causes of infertility in women include:
- Ovulation problems such as premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovary syndrome, and thyroid disorders.
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes due to pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Hormonal disorders in women such as high prolactin.
- Uterine problems such as fibroids.
- Aging can affect egg count.
Causes of Infertility
The causes of infertility vary, ranging from men's to women's, but there are common causes. Among the causes in men are:
- Low sperm count, abnormal sperm shape, or poor motility.
- Varicocele negatively affects sperm production.
- Exposure to chronic diseases such as diabetes or excess weight.
- Testosterone deficiency due to excess weight affects sperm.
Causes of infertility in women include:
- Irregular ovulation, or a low egg count or quality.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome, which affects ovulation and the menstrual cycle.
- Blockage in the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from reaching the uterus.
- Health factors such as obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Other common factors include:
- With age, especially after the age of 35, the chance of conceiving decreases.
- Exposure to severe anxiety and stress can affect fertility in both partners.
- Misuse of contraceptives, such as birth control injections, as fertility takes time to recover after discontinuation.
Symptoms of Infertility and Delayed Conception
The main symptoms of infertility and delayed conception in women include irregular or absent menstrual cycles, decreased milk secretion from the breasts, excessive weight gain, excessive hair growth, and acne.
In men, symptoms include problems with sexual function, changes in body and facial hair growth, pain and swelling in the testicles, and a low sperm count.
What is the difference between infertility and delayed conception
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive, while delayed conception means that pregnancy can occur but is delayed. It occurs after a year of regular attempts to conceive.
Methods of Infertility Treatment
There are various methods of treating infertility. The treating physician prescribes medications that stimulate ovulation, such as clomiphene, or hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries and stimulate ovulation in women.
Other medications may be prescribed, such as metformin for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hormonal medications used to replace missing hormones.
The doctor recommends increasing the frequency of sexual intercourse, especially during ovulation in women, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and exercising regularly to improve sperm quality.
Surgical Interventions for Infertility Treatment
The doctor may resort to surgical interventions to treat infertility in men and women. This is done to correct structural or obstructive problems that prevent pregnancy, including:
- Repairing structural problems to remove blockages in the reproductive tubes or obstructions in the sperm ducts in men, or treating fibroids.
- In some cases, surgery is used to extract sperm directly from the testicles, especially when there are problems with sperm production.
How are infertility and delayed conception diagnosed
Diagnosing infertility and delayed conception depends on tests performed on both partners. Specific tests for men include:
- Semen analysis in men to check sperm motility and count.
- Blood tests to measure levels of male hormones such as testosterone and LH.
- Ultrasound tests to examine the scrotum and seminal vesicles.
Specific tests for women include:
- Physical examination and medical history.
- Blood hormone tests to ensure regular ovulation.
- Blood tests to assess levels of various hormones, including thyroid hormones and sex hormones.
- Ultrasound scans to examine the uterus and ovaries.
- Radiographic examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
- Laparoscopy.
Methods for preventing infertility and delayed childbearing
Infertility in men can be prevented by following the following tips:
- Avoid drugs and tobacco.
- Do not consume excessive alcohol.
- Do not take too many hot baths.
- Avoid pesticides, lead, and mercury.
- Reduce medications that may affect fertility.
- Exercise regularly, as it increases the chances of pregnancy.
Tips for women to prevent infertility include:
- It is important to quit smoking, as it affects fertility.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and drugs.
- Reduce caffeine intake.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Summary of the Difference Between Infertility and delayed childbearing
Infertility is a condition that permanently or almost permanently prevents pregnancy, even with treatment, due to the lack of reproductive methods.
Infertility, on the other hand, means that pregnancy can occur but is delayed. It occurs after a year of regular attempts to conceive, particularly in women under the age of 35.