Statistics say that even if there are no fertility problems in a couple, there are still just 25% chances of getting pregnant each month. Due to this, doctors can refuse to make further investigations about fertility problems until the couple keeps trying to have a baby for at least one year. In case the woman is over her 35 years, it can take longer to conceive and if after six months there is no positive result, then it is the time to consult a doctor.

Moreover, it is considered that one out of seven couples is infertile and will need medical investigation and treatments in order to achieve the purpose of getting pregnant. There are many causes of infertility and they are different when it comes to women and men. In women fertility problems can be caused by many factors. One of the common causes is Endometriosis- when the lining of the uterus becomes thick and over-developed. Another cause is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known short for PCOS. This happens when there is an underlying hormone imbalanced, thus preventing the eggs from maturing. These two causes can lead to difficulties when wanting to get pregnant. There are also ailments that can upset the balance of fertility, such as thyroid diseases, diabetes, inflammatory diseases, Chlamydia, fibroids and many other chronic illnesses. Sperm allergy can occur in both men and women and it can prevent couples from becoming pregnant. More than 25% of infertile couples can have this condition.

Health conditions can lead to infertility as well. For instance, overweight or underweight people, those who smoke, either drugs or tobacco, can have less chances of getting pregnant. The ability to conceive can be affected as well by alcohol and stress. As for fertility problems in men, there can be blockages in the tubes that transport the sperm to the penis. Sporting traumas to the testicles can be the source of this kind of problem and also hernia repairs, vasectomy reversals. Around 10% of men are born with the condition of blocked tubes. Genetic disorders can be the cause of the fertility problems with men. Chromosome irregularities can interrupt the sperm production and cell division and prevent couples from becoming parents. Just like women, men can also suffer from deficiencies and hormone irregularities. The hormone is the man’s center of fertility but overproduction or prolactin, can reduce fertility as well.

There are certain treatments that couple can follow in order to help fertility. Fertility drugs are the first treatments couples receive. Drugs like clomid and gonadotrophins will stimulate ovaries to produce mature eggs every month, increasing chances of getting pregnant. Another solution can be in vitro fertilization, IVF, recommended especially if one of the parents, or both, has been diagnosed with sperm production or blocked tubes. Gamete intrafallopian transfer, GIFT, is another procedure similar with IVF, but the sperm and extracted eggs are rapidly transferred to the uterus in order to fertilize in the body and not in the laboratory. Sperm extraction can be another option, if the man has problems with sperm production.