Fertilité

Fertilité refers to the natural capability to produce offspring. In humans and other sexually reproducing species, it involves the successful union of a male gamete and a female gamete, leading to fertilization and subsequent development of an embryo. Fertility is influenced by a complex interplay of biological, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

For women, fertility is typically associated with ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary each menstrual cycle. For men, fertility depends on the production of healthy, motile sperm. Age is a significant factor, with fertility generally declining in both sexes as they get older, particularly after the mid-30s for women.

Various medical conditions can impact fertility, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive tract abnormalities, and sexually transmitted infections. Lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, stress levels, smoking, and alcohol consumption can also play a role. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), have been developed to help individuals and couples experiencing fertility challenges conceive. Understanding the factors that influence fertility is crucial for reproductive health planning and management.