If a couple is infertile, this means that they have been unable to conceive a child after 12 months of regular sexual intercourse without birth control.

Primary infertility means they have never had a child.
Secondary infertility means that the infertile person has had one or more children in the past, but a medical problem is impairing fertility.

Many people may be infertile during their reproductive years. They may be unaware of this because they are not seeking to create a pregnancy. On any one occasion, the chance of pregnancy is just one percent.

About one in seven couples in the United States are infertile. Age, lifestyle and physical problems can all contribute to infertility.

Causes of infertility

Causes of male infertility

There are many causes of male infertility such as impaired shape and movement of sperm, cryptorchidism, low sperm concentration, klinefelter's syndrome, varicocele, infections and blockage of ejaculatory ducts.

Causes of female infertility

There are many causes of female infertility such as endometriosis, elevated prolactin, early menopause, fallopian tube blockage and damage, ovulation disorders, pelvic adhesions and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Other causes infertility

Medications
Thyroid problems
Certain cancers
Medications
Medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes or kidney disease

Symptoms of infertility

There are no signs and symptoms of infertility in men. But women with infertility have following signs and symptoms:-

Problems during sexual activities.
Irregular menstrual periods
Enlarged breasts
Change in voice
Excess growth in hair.

Diagnosis of infertility

Specific test for men

Hormone testing - A blood test to determine the level of testosterone and other male hormones is common.
General physical examination.
Semen analysis- Your doctor may ask for a specimen of ejaculated semen. This is generally obtained by masturbating or by interrupting intercourse and ejaculating your semen into a clean container.

Specific test for women

A blood test is sometimes performed to determine the levels of hormones involved in successful ovulation.
Hysterosalpingography test evaluates the condition of your uterus and fallopian tubes. Fluid is injected into your uterus, and an X-ray is taken to determine whether the fluid progresses out of the uterus and into your fallopian tubes and general peritoneal cavity.
Laparoscopy test - A fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries are examined by inserting a viewing device into pelvic and abdomen. For entry of the laparoscope, space is creating by transmitted small amount of gas into abdomen. Problems such as scarring and endometriosis can be identified by laparoscopy.

Treatment of infertility

A infertility treatment plan, involving both the man and woman, may include changes in nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

Drug treatments
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Artificial Insemination (AI)
Surgery
Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Freezing of sperm and embryos
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
Alternative and complimetary treatments are Diet and supplements and Healthy lifestyle.

Prevention Tips of infertility

Regular exercise - Exercise can lead to menstrual disorders in women and affect sperm production in men due to the heat build-up around the testicles.
Avoid weight extremes - overweight or underweight can affect your hormone production and cause infertility.
Use of both prescription and nonprescription drugs can decrease your chance of getting pregnant or keeping a pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about any medications you take regularly.
Avoid alcohol, tobacco and street drugs.
Quit smoking - Smoking has been linked to low sperm counts and sluggish sperm movement in men, and an increase in miscarriage in women.
Eat a balanced diet - A well-balanced diet includes carbohydrates, protein and fibre. All women should increase folic acid intake (found in green leafy vegetables, fruit, cereals, but also available as supplements) prior to and during the first three months of pregnancy, to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
Wear loose-fitting underwear such as cotton boxer shorts. Tight-fitting underwear can lower sperm production.

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