Infertility is a deeply emotional journey that affects millions of couples worldwide. While it is often misunderstood, advancements in reproductive science have made parenthood possible for many families who once struggled. Whether you are just beginning to explore fertility treatment or looking for advanced procedures, understanding the basics can help you make informed decisions.
In this blog, we’ll cover the common causes of infertility, early signs, when to seek medical help, and the modern treatment options available today.
What Is Infertility?
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive naturally after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse (or after 6 months for women above age 35). It affects both men and women equally, and in many cases, the exact cause may not be immediately clear.
The good news? With timely evaluation and the right treatment plan, the majority of couples can achieve pregnancy successfully.
Common Causes of Infertility
1. Female Factors
Some of the most common reasons include:
- Ovulation disorders (PCOS, hormonal imbalance)
- Fallopian tube blockage due to infection or endometriosis
- Poor ovarian reserve
- Endometrial issues affecting implantation
- Age-related decline in egg quality
2. Male Factors
Men contribute to nearly 40% of infertility cases. Causes include:
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm motility
- Abnormal sperm shape
- Hormonal issues
- Varicocele
- Lifestyle factors like smoking or excessive alcohol
3. Combined or Unexplained Infertility
Sometimes both partners have mild issues, and other times medical tests cannot find a clear reason. This is called unexplained infertility, and many such couples succeed with IUI or IVF.
Modern Fertility Treatments You Should Know About
Today’s fertility science offers safe, effective, and personalized treatments depending on each couple’s medical profile.
1. IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
A simple, low-cost procedure where processed sperm is placed directly inside the uterus at the time of ovulation.
Best for: Mild male factor, unexplained infertility, ovulation issues.
2. IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization)
Eggs are retrieved, fertilized in the lab, and high-quality embryos are transferred into the uterus.
Best for:
Severe male factor, blocked tubes, endometriosis, low ovarian reserve, long-term infertility.
3. ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
A single healthy sperm is injected directly into the egg.
Best for: Extremely low sperm count, poor sperm quality, previous IVF failures.
4. Donor Egg / Donor Sperm IVF
Recommended for couples with poor egg quality or absent/poor-quality sperm.
5. PGT-A / PGD (Embryo Genetic Testing)
Ensures healthy embryos by screening for chromosomal or genetic issues.
Best for:
Recurrent miscarriages, women above 35, family history of genetic disorders.
6. Laparoscopic Surgeries
Used to treat fibroids, endometriosis, cysts, or tubal issues — improving natural conception chances.
