infertilitet

Infertilitet refers to the inability to conceive a pregnancy after a defined period of regular, unprotected intercourse, typically one year for people under 35 or six months for those older. It can be primary (no prior pregnancy) or secondary (difficulty conceiving after a previous pregnancy). It affects people across ages and backgrounds, and the likelihood of conception generally decreases with age, especially for individuals with female reproductive potential.

Causes are diverse and can involve factors from one or both partners. In people assigned female at birth, common causes include ovulatory disorders, tubal damage or blockage, endometriosis, uterine abnormalities, or age-related decline in fertility. In people assigned male at birth, common causes include low sperm production, impaired sperm movement or shape, hormonal issues, or blockages. In about a quarter of cases, no clear cause is found (unexplained infertility). Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity or extreme underweight, alcohol use, and certain medical conditions can also affect fertility.

Diagnosis typically begins with medical history and physical examination, followed by targeted testing. Tests may include semen analysis, confirmation of ovulation, assessment of the uterus and fallopian tubes, hormonal profiling, and imaging or genetic studies as needed. Evaluation often involves both partners and aims to identify treatable factors.

Treatment depends on the underlying causes and may involve lifestyle changes, medications to regulate or induce ovulation, surgical interventions to correct anatomical problems, or assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Donor eggs or sperm and, in some contexts, surrogacy are options when needed. Outcomes vary by age, diagnosis, and chosen treatment, and ongoing support and counseling are commonly part of care.