In April, the color orange and answers to questions about infertility are aimed at providing a better understanding of why some women struggle with this disease. Because infertility is a disease of the reproductive system and it is defined as a women’s inability to become pregnant after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex.
Unfortunately, a lack of understanding of infertility, the causes, and the possible treatments has led to a stigma for women who are diagnosed infertile and a tendency for them to blame themselves.
National Infertility Awareness Week 2021 is April 18 – 24, and it is an opportunity for women and men, as well as their families, to learn more about the causes of infertility and how they can support the effort to treat and overcome this disease.
Why can’t I get pregnant?
The most common cause of infertility is age. Women are born with a finite number of eggs (1 to 2 million), and since they lose about 1,000 eggs every month after puberty, fertility begins to drop after age 30 and significantly after 40. Simply put, an older woman’s limited quantity and declining quality of eggs can make it difficulty to get pregnant.
But what about younger women? What about men? There are other causes and conditions that can lead to difficulty getting pregnant.
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Early Menopause
- Low Sperm Count or erectile dysfunction in your partner
- Fallopian tube issues
- Cancer or damage from cancer treatment in women and men
- Being underweight or overweight
What can I do?
It’s important for couples to understand that an infertility diagnosis does not mean that a woman can never get pregnant. As many as 10% of women in their child-bearing years report having trouble becoming pregnant or carrying a baby to term, so couples are encouraged to seek medical advice early if they are having difficulty.
At Stark Women’s Center, our team provides a thorough evaluation to determine what is causing your infertility and what options are available to overcome it. We look at the health history of each individual. Solutions can range from achieving a better understanding of your cycle and when you are ovulating to working with experts in reproductive technology to assist pregnancy.
If you have questions about infertility or you and your partner are having difficulty conceiving, contact our office today for a consultation to learn more about how we can help you start your family.