Decreased Fertility

Decreased fertility, often referred to as infertility, is a common issue that can affect individuals or couples trying to conceive. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the concept of decreased fertility in simple terms. We’ll explore what it is, what causes it, how to recognize its symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and various treatment options available. Additionally, we’ll discuss some common drugs used in fertility treatments.

What is Decreased Fertility?

Decreased fertility, also known as infertility, is when a person or couple has difficulty getting pregnant despite regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for an extended period, typically one year. It’s important to understand that infertility can affect both men and women, and it’s not limited to one specific cause.

Types of Decreased Fertility

There are two primary types of infertility:

a. Primary Infertility: This occurs when a couple has never been able to conceive a child naturally.

b. Secondary Infertility: Secondary infertility happens when a couple, who has previously conceived naturally or with assistance, struggles to conceive again.

Now, let’s delve into the common causes of decreased fertility:

Common Causes of Decreased Fertility (20)

  1. Ovulation Issues: When a woman doesn’t release eggs regularly, pregnancy becomes challenging.
  2. Low Sperm Count: Insufficient sperm in a man’s ejaculate can hinder fertilization.
  3. Tubal Blockages: Blocked fallopian tubes can prevent the sperm from meeting the egg.
  4. Endometriosis: This condition can affect the functioning of the reproductive organs.
  5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal imbalances in women can cause irregular ovulation.
  6. Age: Female fertility decreases with age, especially after 35.
  7. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Certain STIs can lead to infertility if left untreated.
  8. Uterine Fibroids: These noncancerous growths can interfere with implantation.
  9. Obesity: Excess body weight can impact hormone levels and fertility.
  10. Smoking and Alcohol: Both can reduce fertility in both men and women.
  11. Stress: High stress levels may affect hormonal balance and fertility.
  12. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infections in the reproductive organs can lead to infertility.
  13. Thyroid Disorders: An underactive or overactive thyroid can disrupt the menstrual cycle.
  14. Medications: Certain medications can interfere with fertility.
  15. Cancer Treatments: Radiation and chemotherapy can affect reproductive organs.
  16. Eating Disorders: Extreme dieting and low body weight can disrupt menstrual cycles.
  17. Environmental Toxins: Exposure to certain chemicals can harm fertility.
  18. Hormone Imbalances: Irregular hormone levels can affect egg production and sperm quality.
  19. Genetic Factors: Some genetic conditions can cause infertility.
  20. Unknown Causes: In some cases, the exact cause remains unexplained.

Symptoms of Decreased Fertility (20)

  1. Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Women may experience unusually short, long, or absent periods.
  2. Painful Periods: Severe menstrual cramps or pelvic pain could be a sign of underlying issues.
  3. Painful Intercourse: Pain during sex may indicate a problem.
  4. Changes in Libido: A decreased interest in sex can be related to infertility.
  5. Abnormal Discharge: Unusual vaginal discharge may signal an infection.
  6. Testicular Pain: Men may experience pain or discomfort in the testicles.
  7. Erectile Dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection can be a sign of male infertility.
  8. Breast Changes: Hormonal imbalances may lead to breast changes.
  9. Excessive Hair Growth: In women, this can be a sign of hormonal issues.
  10. Changes in Body Hair: Hormonal imbalances may cause changes in body hair distribution.
  11. Weight Fluctuations: Sudden weight gain or loss can impact fertility.
  12. Chronic Acne: Hormonal imbalances may contribute to persistent acne.
  13. Mood Swings: Emotional changes can be linked to hormone fluctuations.
  14. Hot Flashes: Women may experience menopausal-like symptoms.
  15. Decreased Facial Hair Growth (in men): Hormonal imbalances can affect facial hair.
  16. Breast Discharge (in men): Unexplained breast discharge can occur.
  17. Low Energy Levels: Fatigue can be a symptom of underlying issues.
  18. Difficulty Concentrating: Hormonal imbalances may affect cognitive function.
  19. Changes in Body Odor: Hormonal shifts can alter body odor.
  20. Frequent Urination: This may indicate an underlying condition.

Diagnosing Decreased Fertility (20)

  1. Medical History: A detailed medical history helps identify potential causes.
  2. Physical Examination: A physical exam can reveal any visible issues.
  3. Blood Tests: Hormone levels can provide insights into fertility.
  4. Semen Analysis: A crucial test to assess sperm count and quality.
  5. Ultrasound: Imaging may detect structural abnormalities.
  6. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): An X-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes to check for blockages.
  7. Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to inspect the pelvic organs.
  8. Ovulation Tracking: Monitoring cycles to pinpoint ovulation.
  9. Cervical Mucus Analysis: Evaluating the cervical mucus for fertility clues.
  10. Endometrial Biopsy: Checking the uterine lining for abnormalities.
  11. Genetic Testing: Identifying genetic factors contributing to infertility.
  12. Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test: Assessing sperm DNA integrity.
  13. Hormone Challenge Test: Evaluating hormonal responses.
  14. Hysteroscopy: Examining the uterine cavity for issues.
  15. Postcoital Test: Evaluating the cervical mucus after intercourse.
  16. Thyroid Function Tests: Assessing thyroid hormone levels.
  17. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test: Predicting ovarian reserve.
  18. Prolactin Test: Measuring prolactin levels in blood.
  19. Glucose Tolerance Test: Assessing insulin resistance.
  20. Karyotype Analysis: Identifying chromosomal abnormalities.

Treatment Options for Decreased Fertility (30)

  1. Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine.
  2. Medication for Ovulation: Stimulating egg production with medications like Clomiphene.
  3. Surgery: Correcting structural issues, such as removing fibroids.
  4. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Placing sperm directly into the uterus.
  5. In vitro Fertilization (IVF): Fertilizing eggs in a lab and implanting embryos.
  6. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): Injecting a single sperm into an egg.
  7. Egg or Sperm Donation: Using donor eggs or sperm.
  8. Surrogacy: Having another woman carry the pregnancy.
  9. Gestational Carrier: Using a surrogate with the intended mother’s embryo.
  10. Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT): Placing eggs and sperm directly in the fallopian tube.
  11. Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT): Transferring fertilized eggs to the fallopian tube.
  12. Donor Embryos: Using embryos donated by another couple.
  13. Preservation of Fertility: Freezing eggs or sperm for future use.
  14. Laser Assisted Hatching: Making it easier for embryos to implant.
  15. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Various fertility procedures.
  16. Counseling and Support: Emotional support during fertility treatment.
  17. Acupuncture: Complementary therapy for stress reduction.
  18. Yoga and Meditation: Mind-body techniques to reduce stress.
  19. Fertility Yoga: Yoga poses designed to enhance fertility.
  20. Herbal Remedies: Some herbs may support fertility.
  21. Dietary Supplements: Nutritional supplements to improve fertility.
  22. Stress Reduction Techniques: Managing stress for better fertility.
  23. Egg Quality Improvement: Dietary changes to enhance egg quality.
  24. Pelvic Physical Therapy: Addressing physical issues affecting fertility.
  25. Weight Management: Achieving a healthy body weight for fertility.
  26. Intralipid Therapy: An experimental treatment for certain cases.
  27. Low-Dose Aspirin: Sometimes used to improve blood flow.
  28. Acupuncture with IVF: Combining acupuncture with IVF treatments.
  29. Natural Cycle IVF: A variation of traditional IVF with minimal medication.
  30. Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients: Freezing eggs or sperm before cancer treatment.

Medications for Decreased Fertility (20)

  1. Clomiphene: Induces ovulation in women.
  2. Letrozole: Another medication to stimulate ovulation.
  3. Gonadotropins: Hormones that stimulate egg production.
  4. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): Triggers ovulation.
  5. Metformin: Used to manage insulin resistance in PCOS.
  6. Bromocriptine: Treats high prolactin levels.
  7. Progesterone: Supports a healthy uterine lining.
  8. Antibiotics: For treating infections affecting fertility.
  9. Testosterone Replacement: For men with low testosterone.
  10. Estrogen Replacement: Sometimes used in fertility treatments.
  11. Dexamethasone: Reduces androgen levels in PCOS.
  12. Naltrexone: An experimental drug for PCOS.
  13. Aromatase Inhibitors: Sometimes used in place of Clomiphene.
  14. Mucolytics: May improve cervical mucus quality.
  15. Antioxidants: Supplements to improve sperm health.
  16. Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Used in some ovulation induction protocols.
  17. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Stimulates egg development.
  18. Heparin: Sometimes used in specific cases.
  19. Vitamin D: Supplements for fertility support.
  20. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): An antioxidant for egg health.

Conclusion

Decreased fertility can be a challenging issue, but it’s essential to remember that many causes are treatable. If you or your partner are facing fertility problems, seek help from a healthcare provider who can guide you through the diagnosis and treatment process. Remember that support and understanding are crucial throughout this journey, and there are many options available to help you achieve your goal of building a family.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, always seek the advice of a medical professional before trying any treatments to ensure to find the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this page or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

  1. https://medlineplus.gov/skinconditions.html
  2. https://www.aad.org/about/burden-of-skin-disease
  3. https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/national-institute-of-arthritis-musculoskeletal-and-skin-diseases
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/default.html
  5. https://www.skincancer.org/
  6. https://www.jaad.org/
  7. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/
  8. https://books.google.com/books?
  9. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/skin-diseases
  10. https://cms.centerwatch.com/directories/1067-fda-approved-drugs/topic/292-skin-infections-disorders
  11. https://www.fda.gov/files/drugs/published/Acute-Bacterial-Skin-and-Skin-Structure-Infections—Developing-Drugs-for-Treatment.pdf
  12. https://dermnetnz.org/topics
  13. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/allergies/skin-allergy
  14. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/occupational-skin-disease
  15. https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/skin-allergies/
  16. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  17. https://rxharun.com/rxharun/rxharun/article-types/skin-care-beauty/skin-diseases-types-symptoms-treatment/
  18. https://www.nei.nih.gov/
  19. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_skin_conditions
  20. https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=List_of_skin_diseases&redirect=no
  21. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_condition
  22. https://oxfordtreatment.com/
  23. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/
  24. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/w
  25. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health
  26. https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/
  27. https://www.aarda.org/diseaselist/
  28. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets
  29. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  30. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics
  31. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  32. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics
  33. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  34. https://www.niehs.nih.gov
  35. https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/
  36. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics
  37. https://obssr.od.nih.gov/
  38. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics
  39. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  40. https://beta.rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  41. https://orwh.od.nih.gov/

References
Amazon Best Seller
Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil, Serum for Scars and Stretchmarks, Face Moisturizer Dry Skin, Non-Greasy, Dermatologist Recommended, Non-Comedogenic, For All Skin Types, with Vitamin A, E, 4.2 oz
Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil, Serum for Scars and Stretchmarks, Face Moisturizer Dry Skin, Non-Greasy, Dermatologist Recommended, Non-Comedogenic, For All Skin Types, with Vitamin A, E, 4.2 oz
  • HELPS IMPROVES APPEARANCE OF SCARS AND STRETCH MARKS - Dermatologist recommended and clinically proven for scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone and so much more
  • PACKED WITH NATUAL OILS - Vitamin E helps maintain healthy looking skin while natural Chamomile and Lavender Oil calm and soothe
  • LOCKS IN ESSENTIAL HYDRATION WITHOUT CLOGGING PORES - Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is a uniquely formulated, non-greasy body oil that hydrates skin and helps retain essential moisture
  • PLANET & ANIMAL FRIENDLY — Vegan friendly, paraben free, cruelty free, non-comedogenic, and 100% recyclable
  • FORMULATED FOR ALL SKIN TYPES - Helps soften skin for all types, tones, textures and safe for use on face and body and won't clog pores
$23.49 −$2.00 $21.49 Amazon Prime
Buy Now On Amazon.com Price incl. tax, excl. shipping