Family, Children & Elderly
Subfertility: What are its symptoms, Causes, and Treatment?
By S.I. (staff writer) , published on April 03, 2023
Medicine Telehealth Health conception fertility
What is Subfertility?
Subfertility is a medical condition in which an individual has difficulty conceiving a child. It is the reduced fertility due to any reason [1]. Physical, hormonal, or genetic issues can be the possible causes of subfertility.
It is important to seek medical help when experiencing difficulties with fertility, as treatments are available that may improve your chances of conceiving a child.
Infertility differs from subfertility in that infertility is the inability to conceive a child, while subfertility is the decreased ability to conceive. Subfertility can be temporary or permanent and is treatable with various clinical and lifestyle interventions [2].
It is important to seek medical help and advice as soon as possible if you are experiencing difficulty with fertility.
What are the Symptoms of Subfertility?
Subfertility is a common problem, affecting more than 7 million couples in the United States alone. Its symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty getting pregnant, low sperm count in males, and hormonal imbalances.
Other signs may include pain during intercourse, heavy or light menstrual bleeding, changes in libido, and recurrent miscarriages. It is important for those experiencing any of these symptoms to consult with a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment options.
What are the Causes of Subfertility?
The causes of subfertility are often varied and complex and can include both male and female factors. Some common causes are endometriosis, abnormalities of sperm, disorders of ovary, and fallopian tubes [3].
In females, the causes of subfertility can include ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, pelvic adhesions, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.
In males, the causes of subfertility can include a low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm shape. Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone and high estrogen levels, can also play a role.
In some cases, the cause of subfertility is unknown. In these cases, couples need to seek thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
Treatment Options for Subfertility:
Various treatment options can help restore fertility and conceive. These include medications, assisted reproductive technologies, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, and surgery [5].
- Medications, such as clomiphene citrate, can help regulate ovulation.
- Assisted reproductive technologies, such as intrauterine insemination, involve placing sperm inside the uterus to help increase the chances of conception. In vitro fertilization is a process in which eggs are taken from the female and combined with sperm in a laboratory dish, then implanted into the uterus. This method is also suitable for age-related subfertility [4].
- Surgery can improve the chances of conception by repairing damaged reproductive organs.
References:
3- Subfertility: causes, treatment and outcome - PubMed (nih.gov)
4- Subfertility: causes, treatment and outcome - ScienceDirect
5- Subfertility: causes, treatment and outcome - ScienceDirect
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