5 Encouraging Facts About Infertility

Gaining a better understanding of infertility can provide insights that reduce stigma and remind those facing reproductive challenges that they’re not alone in their journeys.

Help is within reach. From advances in reproductive options to reminders that infertility affects men and women and is often treatable, consider the five encouraging facts below that we hope offer reassurance and perspective.

If you long to start a family but haven’t yet had success, visit Maria Cole, APRN, FNP-C, at Enrich Health and Wellness in Boerne, Texas, to discover your fertility treatment options.

1. Fertility is surprisingly common

You may be surprised to learn that infertility affects 1 in 6 adults worldwide. In the United States, 20% of married women ages 15-49 with no previous births are unable to get pregnant after trying for a year.

If you’re struggling to conceive, know that you’re not alone and that highly effective treatment options are available.

2. Fertility treatments are often effective

Take heart, even if you’re unable to have a baby after trying for a year. About 85%-90% of infertility cases are treatable with medication, surgery, and/or other conventional therapies. The odds of conceiving after treatment are good.

3. Lifestyle and environmental factors play a role

Genetics and age play a role in infertility, but lifestyle and environmental factors are also significant contributors. Examples of lifestyle-related infertility risk factors include obesity, excessive exercise, eating disorders, and toxin exposure (pesticides, lead, chemicals, etc.).

Infertility can also stem from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), smoking, substance misuse, alcohol, physical or emotional stress, and some chronic diseases. Lifestyle adjustments can boost fertility in men and women.

4. Men and women contribute to infertility equally

Infertility isn’t just a barrier women must overcome. Infertility cases involve the woman about 33% of the time and the man 33% of the time. In the remaining 33% of cases, the cause is unknown, or it involves both partners.

More than one factor can contribute to infertility. Evaluating and treating male infertility first may be a simple fix.

5. PCOS is a common, treatable cause

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of infertility in women. It can cause you to ovulate (release an egg) irregularly or not at all.

Signs of PCOS include irregular periods, excess facial hair growth, acne, obesity, and ovarian cysts. You may also develop dark skin patches, thinning hair, or skin tags in addition to infertility.

Note that PCOS doesn’t always have noticeable symptoms. Your medical provider can detect and treat PCOS to increase your chances of conceiving.

Infertility treatment options

Infertility treatment options include:

Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight
Medications
Surgery
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
In vitro fertilization (IVF)

Your Enrich Health and Wellness specialist can customize a plan to maximize your chances of becoming pregnant.

Don’t give up on starting a family when many causes of infertility are treatable. Schedule an evaluation at Enrich Health and Wellness by phone or online today.