Infertility

If pregnancy does not occur despite regular and unprotected intercourse for one year (or six months in the presence of certain conditions), it is referred to as infertility. The infertility rate varies between couples, ranging from 10% to 15%. Within one year of regular and unprotected intercourse, 84% of couples achieve pregnancy; within two years, 92%; and within three years, 93%. If pregnancy is not achieved within three years, the rate falls below 25% in the fourth year.

Infertility can be due to a single cause or can result from problems in both partners. Therefore, investigations should encompass both partners. There is no completely secure and effective treatment to fully overcome infertility.

When should you consult a doctor?

In general, if one year of regular and unprotected intercourse has not resulted in pregnancy, you should consult a doctor. However, if you:

• Are between 35-40 years old and have not achieved pregnancy despite six months of regular and unprotected intercourse
• Are over 40 years old
• Experience irregular menstruation or have no periods at all
• Have been previously diagnosed with conditions like endometriosis, chocolate cysts, or pelvic inflammatory disease
• You or your spouse have undergone cancer treatment in the past
• Your spouse has sperm count and structural abnormalities, varicocele, a history of previous scrotal or groin surgery, or sexual dysfunction, it is advisable to consult a doctor without waiting for one year.

When it comes to the causes of infertility, one-third is attributed solely to male factors, one-third solely to female factors, and the remaining one-third is either a combination of both male and female factors or unknown. Among female infertility factors, ovulation disorders (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome), uterine formations such as fibroids and polyps, tubal adhesions, endometriosis, and intrauterine adhesions due to previous surgery can be mentioned. Additionally, age, smoking and alcohol consumption, excessive weight, or extreme thinness are risk factors for infertility.

In treatment, efforts are made to address the underlying causes. Regular ovulation should be ensured. Appropriate surgical treatments should be conducted for patients in need. In such cases, intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments can be utilized.