To expand on the importance of assessment for both male and female infertility issues, there are basic and specialized testing for both partners.
Female testing includes Cycle Day 2-3 FSH and Estradiol, Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), Prolactin, TSH, Mid-Cycle Ultrasound, Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), Sono-Hysterogram or Hysteroscopy, Laparoscopic (intra-pelvic surgery), Fragile X, Karyotype (Chromosome test), Testosterone, 17-Hydroxy-Progesterone, Fasting Blood Sugar, and Insulin.
Males undergo testing involving Semen Analysis, Karyotype (Chromosome test), Y-Chromosome micro-deletion DNA analysis, Sperm Chromatin Separation Assay (SCSA) for DNA fragmentation, FSH, LH, Testosterone, Prolactin, and Estradiol.
Myth 1: Infertility is primarily a female issue.
Absolutely not! Studies have shown that of all couples treated for infertility conditions, half of related issues are linked to male infertility. Often times, these infertility issues can be caused by the quality or quantity of healthy sperm which have a high treatment rate. Infertility counselling and treatment plans involve assessment and testing of both the woman and the male patients.
Myth 2: Infertility is caused by stress. You’ll get pregnant if you just relax!
While stress and other psychological issues do play a role in ovulation, sperm production, and other related fertility actions, it alone does not cause a person to become infertile. It is a well-proven fact that infertility is a medical condition. An individualized infertility plan involves medical testing and treatment which can include stress-minimizing activities to increase the chances of fertility to give both the man and the woman the best chance of conception.
Myth 3: Birth control use may result in infertility.
As many female infertility cases are diagnosed after the birth control pill is stopped, it is prematurely believed there is a connection. Use of birth control does not positively or negatively affect one’s ability to conceive. It can take a few months after stopping all forms of birth control for a conception to be possible.
Myth 4: Age does not impact men’s fertility, just women’s.
One of the largest myths about infertility is the thought that age only affects the woman. While statistics reveal most women over 35 have a lower fertility rate, men over 50 can also see infertility issues due to age-related conditions. Males of the age of 40 and more can see sperm count decrease and the mobility of the sperm can slow to hinder the insemination process. Furthermore, infertility can be linked to both men and women in their 20s and early 30s.
Myth 5: After baby number one, conception is simple.
Millions of women across the world can attest that this is a myth as many have successful full-term pregnancies and find they cannot easily conceive again. Commonly referred to secondary infertility, this is usually caused by a medical condition such as defective ovulation, endometriosis, pelvic scarring, blocked fallopian tubes, or sperm production issues. Some women have had successful fertility treatments such as IVF and have even naturally conceived years later. It should be noted this is not a guarantee, just a fact for some couples as infertility can be present during different stages in life.
Myth 6: All infertility issues can be resolved with a change in lifestyle.
While maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help improve the chances of conception, most infertility issues can be caused by medical conditions. Infertility can be directly or indirectly linked to blocked fallopian tubes, abnormal sperm conditions, ovulation disorders, and genetic conditions.
Myth 7: You will never be able to have children if you are infertile.
Infertility is considered to be an issue if conception has yet to occur after attempting for at least six months to one year. It DOES NOT necessarily mean a woman cannot have a child. Infertility options include insemination, ovulation induction, fertility preservation, and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Fertility Counseling and Fertility Services at ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo
If you are concerned about infertility, seek infertility counselling at ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo. Our team of specialists offer individualized fertility plans to provide the best assessment and treatment path on this road to fertility.Contact our fertility clinic in Kitchener-Waterloo to book a consultation. Call (519) 650-0011 or email us at info@onefertilitykw.com for more information.
