Infertility: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Infertility is an issue that affects millions of couples worldwide. It is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of systematic, unprotected attempts. Although it can cause anxiety and uncertainty, modern medicine now offers many solutions.

In this article we will analyze the whys, the hows, tables with causes and treatments, as well as an extensive FAQ to fully understand the topic.

Why does infertility occur?

Infertility can be due to factors affecting the man, the woman, or both.

Male factors

Low sperm count
Reduced mobility
Hormonal disorders
Varicocele

Female factors

Ovulation disorders
Polycystic ovaries
Fallopian tube obstruction
Endometriosis

Lifestyle factors

Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Obesity
Stress

Age

Age is a determining factor, especially for women:

After 35, fertility decreases
After 40, the chance of conception decreases significantly

How is the diagnosis made?

The diagnosis of infertility includes tests for both members of the couple.

Step 1: Medical history

Previous pregnancies
Chronic diseases
Lifestyle

Step 2: Male Examination

Examination	Purpose
Spermogram	Sperm quality and quantity
Hormonal control	Testosterone, FSH
Ultrasound	Testicle check

Step 3: Woman’s exams

Examination	Purpose
Hormonal control	Ovulation
Ultrasound	Ovarian condition
Hysterosalpingography	Fallopian tube check

Infertility treatments

Treatment depends on the cause.

Basic options:

Method	Description	When is it applied?
Drug treatment	Hormone regulation	Ovulation disorders
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)	Placement of sperm in the uterus	Mild infertility
In vitro fertilization (IVF)	Fertilization in the laboratory	Serious problems
ICSI	Sperm injection into the egg	Male infertility

Probability of success

Woman’s age	Probability of conception per cycle
<30	20–25%
30–35	15–20%
35–40	10–15%
>40	<10%

Common mistakes to avoid

Delayed diagnosis
Devaluation of the male factor
Unhealthy lifestyle
Excessive stress
Avoiding medical help

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

When is infertility considered to exist?

Infertility is diagnosed when a couple has been trying to conceive for 12 consecutive months with regular unprotected intercourse and has not become pregnant. For women over 35, this period is reduced to 6 months, as fertility declines more rapidly with age.

It is important to understand that delay does not necessarily mean a serious problem, but it is an indication that a check-up is needed. In many cases, small lifestyle changes or simple treatments can provide a solution.

Is infertility a common phenomenon?

Yes, it’s much more common than most people think. About 15%–20% of couples experience difficulty conceiving. That means almost 1 in 6 couples will need some form of medical help.

The increase in cases is related to factors such as:

Delaying childbearing (due to career or finances)
Stress and modern lifestyle
Environmental factors

Infertility is not taboo – it is a common medical issue with many solutions available.

Can infertility be cured?

In a large percentage of cases, yes. Treatment depends on the cause, but modern medicine offers many options.

For example:

Hormonal disorders can be regulated with medication
Mild cases are treated with intrauterine insemination (IUI)
More complex cases with in vitro fertilization (IVF or ICSI)

Even in difficult cases, there are alternative solutions such as egg or sperm donation. The important thing is the correct diagnosis and an individualized approach.

How important is lifestyle?

Lifestyle plays a decisive role in fertility in both men and women.

Factors that negatively affect:

Smoking (reduces sperm and egg quality)
Alcohol (affects hormones and fertility)
Obesity or very low weight
Poor diet
Lack of sleep

On the contrary, a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, exercise, and stress reduction can significantly improve your chances of conception – even without medical intervention.

How long does the treatment last?

The duration depends on the method and the cause of infertility.

Drug treatment: 2–6 months
Insemination (IUI): Usually 1–3 cycles (each cycle ~1 month)
In vitro fertilization (IVF): 1 cycle lasts approximately 4–8 weeks

In some cases, multiple cycles are required for success. It is important to have patience and proper guidance from a specialist.

When should I visit a fertility specialist?

You should see a specialist:

After 12 months of trying (or 6 months if >35 years old)
If there are known gynecological or andrological problems
If there are irregular cycles or a history of miscarriages
If there is a known sperm problem

Early visit reduces time and increases the chances of success.

Does psychology play a role in infertility?

Yes, and it’s important. Stress and psychological pressure can affect:

Ovulation in women
Sperm production and quality in men
General hormonal balance

Can age affect fertility that much?

Age is one of the most important factors.

In women:

Egg quality and quantity declines after 35
After 40, the chance of natural conception decreases significantly.

For men:

Fertility declines more slowly, but sperm quality is affected. For this reason, timely assessment and action is critical.

Can I increase my fertility naturally?

Yes, there are ways that can help:

Healthy diet (rich in vitamins and antioxidants)
Maintaining a normal weight
Exercise (without exaggeration)
Avoiding smoking and alcohol
Stress reduction

Although these do not replace medical treatment, they can significantly improve the chances of conception.

Conclusion

Infertility is a multifactorial issue that affects both men and women. Early diagnosis, proper guidance from specialists, and adopting a healthy lifestyle significantly increase the chances of success.

Thanks to modern medical advances, there are now many solutions available, from simple treatments to specialized assisted reproduction techniques. With the right approach, most couples can realize the dream of having a child.