Sterility

Christopher Hobbs:

“Infertility is the inability to conceive and bear children. Infertility is usually not diagnosed until a couple has tried to get pregnant for at least a year without success. Infertility can be due to many different conditions, including scarring from prior diseases, low sperm counts, ovarian cysts, hormone imbalances and poor nutrition. In as many as 10 to 30% of cases, there is no identifiable cause.”

Etiologic and Other Factors Leading to Sterility:

1. Medical Causes:
   • Hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS], low testosterone).
   • Blocked fallopian tubes or scarring (often due to infections like pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis).
   • Varicocele in men (swollen veins in the scrotum affecting sperm production).
2. Lifestyle Factors:
   • Smoking, excessive alcohol use, drug use, or obesity.
   • Exposure to toxins (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals).
   • Stress or poor diet affecting reproductive health.
3. Age:
   • Female fertility declines after age 35, and male fertility can decrease with advancing age.
4. Genetic or Structural Issues:
   • Chromosomal abnormalities, congenital defects, or uterine anomalies.

   • When to Seek Professional Help:

     1. General Guidelines:
        • Women under 35: No pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected intercourse.
        • Women over 35: No pregnancy after 6 months.
     2. Signs That Require Immediate Attention:
        • Irregular or absent periods.
        • Painful periods or intercourse.
        • History of miscarriages.
        • Known medical conditions affecting fertility.
     3. For Men:
        • Low sperm count, difficulty maintaining erections, or history of infections/injuries affecting the reproductive system.