Female Fertility Factors

What is Fertility?

• Fertility refers to the natural ability of an individual or couple to conceive a child.
• It involves the functioning of the reproductive system, including the production of gametes (sperm and egg cells) and the ability of these cells to fertilize.

Factors Affecting Fertility

Female Fertility

• Age: fertility declines with age, especially after 35 years old
• Ovulation: regular ovulation is essential for fertility
• Hormonal balance: hormonal imbalances can affect ovulation and fertility
• Weight: being overweight or underweight can affect fertility
• Medical conditions: certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can affect fertility

Male Fertility

• Age: fertility declines with age, but not as sharply as in women
• Sperm quality: low sperm count, abnormal sperm morphology, and poor sperm motility can affect fertility
• Hormonal balance: hormonal imbalances can affect sperm production
• Lifestyle factors: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medications can affect fertility

Infertility

• Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sex
• Primary infertility: refers to individuals who have never conceived
• Secondary infertility: refers to individuals who have previously conceived but are unable to conceive again

Causes of Infertility

• Female factors: 40-50% of infertility cases
  • Ovulation disorders (25-30%)
  • Tubal damage or blockage (20-30%)
  • Endometriosis (10-20%)
  • Uterine or cervical abnormalities (5-10%)
• Male factors: 30-40% of infertility cases
  • Low sperm count (30-40%)
  • Abnormal sperm morphology (20-30%)
  • Poor sperm motility (10-20%)
• Unexplained infertility: 10-20% of infertility cases
• Combined male and female factors: 10-20% of infertility cases

Fertility Treatments

• Medications: fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation or improve sperm quality
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI): placing sperm directly into the uterus
• In vitro fertilization (IVF): combining sperm and egg cells in a laboratory dish
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART): includes IVF, IUI, and other technologies to aid conception

Definition of Fertility

• Natural ability to conceive a child
• Involves reproductive system functions, including gamete production and fertilization ability

Factors Affecting Fertility

Female Fertility

• Age: Notable decline in fertility begins after age 35
• Ovulation: Regular ovulation is crucial for conception
• Hormonal Balance: Imbalances can disrupt ovulation and reduce fertility
• Weight: Both underweight and overweight conditions can impair fertility
• Medical Conditions: Disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can negatively impact fertility

Male Fertility

• Age: Gradual decline in fertility with age, but less pronounced than in women
• Sperm Quality: Affects include low sperm count, abnormal morphology, and motility issues
• Hormonal Balance: Imbalances can limit sperm production
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive drinking, and certain medications can decrease fertility

Infertility

• Defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse
• Primary Infertility: Individuals who have never conceived
• Secondary Infertility: Individuals who have conceived previously but cannot conceive again

Causes of Infertility

• Female Factors: Contribute to 40-50% of infertility cases
  • Ovulation disorders: 25-30%
  • Tubal damage/blockage: 20-30%
  • Endometriosis: 10-20%
  • Uterine/cervical abnormalities: 5-10%
• Male Factors: Account for 30-40% of infertility cases
  • Low sperm count: 30-40%
  • Abnormal sperm morphology: 20-30%
  • Poor sperm motility: 10-20%
• Unexplained Infertility: Accounts for 10-20% of cases
• Combined Factors: Both male and female factors contribute to 10-20% of cases

Fertility Treatments

• Medications: Fertility drugs used to induce ovulation or enhance sperm quality
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Direct placement of sperm into the uterus
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Fertilization occurs in a lab dish
• Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Encompasses IVF, IUI, and similar techniques to support conception

Learn about the natural ability to conceive a child, including the impact of age, ovulation, and hormonal balance on female fertility.