Infertility in Males and Females: An Introduction
Infertility is typically defined by doctors as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular sexual activity without the use of birth control. Infertility is the inability of a man or female to conceive as a result of an issue with either partner's reproductive system.
What is Infertility?
A woman may also be diagnosed with infertility if she is able to conceive but is unable to carry a pregnancy to term. The issue of infertility affects men and women equally. Infertility can also affect men. In actuality, both men and women are just as prone to experience fertility issues. Female infertility accounts for about one-third of infertility cases, while issues with men account for another third of infertility cases. A combination of male and female infertility may be to blame for the remaining third of instances, or there may be no recognised cause.
Types of Infertility
Infertility includes two types: main and secondary. Primary infertility is when a person is absolutely unable to conceive. Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive after having done so in the past.
Causes of Infertility
Reasons for Infertility in Males: Male infertility is frequently brought on by issues with sperm and semen. The milky fluid that the penis secretes after ejaculation is called semen, and it contains fluid and sperm. The fluid is produced by the seminal vesicle, the prostate gland, and other sex glands. In the testicles, sperm is created. When the ejaculate exits the penis, semen aids the sperm's trip toward the egg. Having a sperm count below 15 million, having low sperm motility, or having sperm with an odd shape and a harder time fertilising the egg are all factors that can make it more difficult for sperm to fertilise the egg.
These sperm problems may affect 2% of men in the male gender. They may follow by cancer, surgery, or a testicular infection. An undescended testicle, a varicocele, a varicose vein in the scrotum, the use of saunas or hot tubs, wearing tight clothing, and working in hot conditions are some of the causes of overheated testicles. Semen may be ejaculated into the bladder if the ejaculatory ducts are blocked. Hypogonadism can result in a lack of testosterone due to a hormonal imbalance.
Reasons for Infertility in Females: Female infertility cases are caused by ovulation issues. Ovulation is the term for an egg's monthly discharge. The eggs might only be released sometimes, or they might never be released at all. Ovulation problems can result from:
Hyperprolactinemia: A woman's fertility and ovulation may be affected if her prolactin levels are high and she is not pregnant or breastfeeding.
Thyroid issues: A hormonal imbalance brought on by an overactive or underactive thyroid gland might prevent ovulation.
The hormonal disorder known as a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can lead to irregular or extended menstrual cycles and interfere with ovulation. If there are problems with the uterus or fallopian tubes, the egg might not be able to go from the ovary to the uterus or womb. If the egg does not migrate, it could be more challenging to conceive naturally.
Infertility Treatment
The age of the couple seeking to conceive, the length of infertility, the couple's personal preferences, and their overall health will all influence the course of treatment to aid in natural conception. The first method a couple seeking to conceive might want to consider is increasing their frequency of sexual activity around ovulation. However, sexual activity might not be enough to support infertility in a relationship on its own. The underlying reason for infertility will affect the treatments.
This can include erectile dysfunction drugs for men. A clogged epididymis or a varicose vein in the scrotum can both be treated surgically. To control or stimulate ovulation in females, doctors may give fertility medications. Clomiphene (Clomid, Serophene), letrozole (Femara), dopamine agonist medicines, and several hormonal treatments might all fall under this category.
Infertility Testing in Males
Semen Analysis: A sample of the male reproductive fluid can be used to check for blood or infections as well as sperm concentration, motility, colour, and quality. Since sperm counts can vary, multiple samples can be required.
Blood Test: The lab will check your hormone levels, including testosterone.
Ultrasound: This can spot problems like retrograde ejaculation or ejaculatory duct occlusion.
Chlamydia Test: Chlamydia can impair fertility, but it is treatable with antibiotics. Antibiotics, however, are unable to reverse any fertility-related damage that has already occurred.
Infertility Testing in Females
Blood Test: This can determine a woman's hormonal status and whether she is ovulating.
Hysterosalpingography: A technician injects a liquid into the uterus while taking X-rays to check whether the fluid exits the uterus and enters the fallopian tubes properly.
Laparoscopy: This procedure allows a doctor to view the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes by inserting a small, flexible tube into the belly and pelvis. The uterus and fallopian tubes may show indications of endometriosis, scarring, obstructions, and certain abnormalities as a result.
Infertility Management
Yoga: Yoga involves breathing exercises and postures to encourage relaxation and lower levels of tension.
Vitamins: Several vitamins and minerals, including folate, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and iron, can help to increase fertility.
Dietary Supplements: Green tea's antioxidant components may enhance sperm motility and count, two factors that can affect fertility. Probiotics, which support a healthy digestive system and enhance general wellness, can also be taken into consideration.
Interesting Facts
The sperm must have sufficient strength to get through the fallopian tubes and reach the egg in order to become pregnant. To fertilise the egg, the sperm also needs to have the right morphology.
Problems that prevent sperm and egg from moving through the oviduct affect some infertile couples. Fertilisation and the initial stage of cell division take place here.
Although they are rarely used, infertility treatment technology methods, including In-vitro fertilisation, may improve the likelihood of fallopian tube birth.
Important Questions
Define in-vitro fertilisation.
Ans: The process in which sperm and eggs from a woman's ovary are combined externally to create embryos.
Define ZIFT (Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer).
Ans: When a blockage in the fallopian tubes hinders the usual binding of sperm to the egg, zygote intrafallopian transfer, or ZIFT, is utilised as an infertility treatment.
Key Features
It may take some time, but many infertile couples will finally be able to have children.
A fertility issue might not always be able to be treated. The doctor might advise the couple to think about surrogacy, adoption, or using donor sperm or eggs.
FAQs on Infertility
1. What is infertility and what are its main types as per the Class 12 Biology syllabus?
Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It can also refer to a biological inability of an individual to contribute to conception, or a female who cannot carry a pregnancy to full term. The two main types are:
- Primary Infertility: This refers to a couple that has never been able to conceive.
- Secondary Infertility: This refers to the inability to conceive after having previously conceived and given birth.
2. What are the common causes of infertility in males?
Male infertility is often related to issues with sperm production or delivery. Key causes include:
- Sperm Disorders: Conditions like oligospermia (low sperm count) or azoospermia (no sperm cells) are major factors. Poor sperm motility or abnormal morphology (shape) can also prevent fertilisation.
- Hormonal Imbalances: A deficiency in hormones like testosterone can impair sperm production.
- Physical Blockages: Obstructions in the ejaculatory ducts or vas deferens can prevent sperm from being released.
- Environmental Factors: Overheating the testicles through tight clothing or excessive use of saunas, as well as exposure to toxins like alcohol and tobacco, can affect sperm quality.
3. What are the primary causes of infertility in females?
Female infertility is most commonly caused by problems with ovulation, the monthly release of an egg. Important causes include:
- Ovulation Disorders: Conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism), and high prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia) can disrupt or prevent ovulation.
- Uterine or Fallopian Tube Issues: Blockages or damage in the fallopian tubes can prevent the egg from meeting the sperm or the embryo from reaching the uterus. Uterine abnormalities can also prevent implantation.
- Age: As a woman ages, the quantity and quality of her eggs decline, making conception more difficult.
4. How does In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) differ from Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)?
The primary difference between In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT) lies in the location and developmental stage at which the fertilised egg is transferred back to the female's body.
- In IVF, sperm and egg are fertilised externally in a lab. The resulting embryo is allowed to develop for a few days before being transferred directly into the uterus.
- In ZIFT, fertilisation also occurs externally. However, the resulting zygote (a very early-stage embryo) is transferred into the fallopian tube, not the uterus, allowing it to travel to the uterus naturally for implantation.
5. What are Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and can you give some examples?
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) are a group of medical procedures used to treat infertility. These techniques involve handling both sperm and eggs outside the human body to improve the chances of pregnancy. Common examples include:
- In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): Fertilising an egg with sperm in a laboratory dish and then transferring the embryo to the uterus.
- Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT): Transferring a zygote created in a lab into the fallopian tube.
- Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT): Placing eggs and sperm directly into the fallopian tube to allow fertilisation to happen inside the body.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): Injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, a technique often used alongside IVF.
6. Why are hormonal imbalances a significant factor in both male and female infertility?
Hormonal imbalances are a crucial factor because the entire reproductive process in both males and females is regulated by a delicate balance of hormones. In females, hormones like FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone control the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and preparation of the uterus for pregnancy. Conditions like PCOS or thyroid issues disrupt this balance, leading to irregular or absent ovulation. In males, hormones like testosterone and FSH are essential for spermatogenesis (sperm production). Any disruption can lead to a low sperm count or poor sperm quality, directly impacting fertility.
7. Is infertility solely a female issue? Explain the distribution of its causes.
No, infertility is not solely a female issue. It affects men and women almost equally. The causes of infertility are distributed among both partners. According to studies:
- Approximately one-third of infertility cases are due to female factors (e.g., ovulation problems, blocked fallopian tubes).
- Another one-third are due to male factors (e.g., low sperm count, poor sperm motility).
- The remaining one-third of cases are caused by a combination of issues in both partners or remain unexplained (idiopathic infertility).
Therefore, a comprehensive diagnosis for infertility requires investigating both the male and female partners.
8. What is the key difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy?
The key difference lies in the genetic relationship of the surrogate mother to the child. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries a pregnancy created from an embryo made with the egg and sperm of the intended parents (or donors). The surrogate has no genetic link to the child. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate's own egg is fertilised with the intended father's sperm, making her the biological mother of the child she carries.
9. How do lifestyle factors like stress and diet impact a couple's ability to conceive?
Lifestyle factors can significantly influence fertility in both men and women. Chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels that regulate ovulation in women and sperm production in men. Poor diet lacking essential nutrients like zinc, folate, and antioxidants can impair egg and sperm quality. Furthermore, habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and the use of recreational drugs are known to have a toxic effect on reproductive cells, reducing the overall chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy.
10. What is secondary infertility and why might it occur?
Secondary infertility is defined as the inability to become pregnant or to carry a baby to term after previously giving birth to a baby without fertility assistance. It can be confusing and distressing for couples who conceived easily before. It can occur due to various reasons that may have developed since the first pregnancy, including:
- Age-related decline in egg quality or quantity.
- Complications from a previous pregnancy or surgery.
- New medical conditions like PCOS or endometriosis.
- Changes in the male partner's sperm quality.
- Lifestyle changes and increased stress.
