WHAT IS INFERTILITY? A LOOK AT MALE AND FEMALE INFERTILITY

6 March 20252′ read4 sections

CONTENTS

Female infertility: Causes and diagnosis
Male infertility: Factors and treatment
How to manage infertility
Conclusion

Infertility is a couple's inability to conceive after 12 months of regular attempts without contraception. It affects both men and women and can be due to a variety of factors.

Female infertility: Causes and diagnosis

Hormonal disorders – Cycle disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian insufficiency.

Anovulation – When the ovaries do not release eggs regularly.

Blocked fallopian tubes – Caused by infections, endometriosis or previous surgery.

Endometriosis – The presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus can affect fertility.

Age – After 35, female fertility declines significantly.

Diagnostic tests: Hormone tests, ovarian ultrasound, hysterosalpingography, laparoscopy.

Male infertility: Factors and treatment

Poor sperm quality – Reduced sperm count, reduced motility or abnormal sperm morphology.

Hormonal disorders – Low testosterone, pituitary problems.

Infections and varicocele – Infections can affect sperm production, while a varicocele affects blood flow to the testes.

Lifestyle – Smoking, obesity, alcohol and excessive caffeine intake can reduce fertility.

Genetic factors – Certain chromosomal abnormalities may be responsible for infertility.

Diagnostic tests: Semen analysis, hormone tests, testicular ultrasound, testicular biopsy.

How to manage infertility

Healthy lifestyle – A diet rich in antioxidants, regular exercise, stopping smoking.

Hormonal treatments – In cases of hormonal disorders.

Assisted reproduction – In vitro fertilisation (IVF), intrauterine insemination, use of donor sperm or eggs.

Surgery – In cases of varicocele or blocked fallopian tubes.

Conclusion

Infertility is a challenge, but there are many solutions available. If you are having difficulty conceiving, early diagnosis and personalised treatment can make all the difference. For specialist support and solutions, you can turn to the "Dr. Alexandros Traianos" Centre for Reproductive Medicine & Fetal Medicine, where a specially trained scientific team can guide you using the most advanced assisted reproduction methods.

TAGSIVFIVF supportIVF GreeceIVF pregnancyIVF successreproductive medicine centrefertilityIVFHealthinfertility

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

All articles

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

Female infertility: Causes and diagnosis

Male infertility: Factors and treatment

How to manage infertility

Conclusion

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?