Infertility and Age: A Comprehensive Overview

Understanding Infertility and Its Link to Age

Infertility is a reproductive health condition that prevents a woman from conceiving despite engaging in regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It affects both men and women and can stem from a variety of physical, hormonal, or unexplained causes. Conception involves a complex process that includes:

• The brain releasing hormones to trigger ovulation.

• The maturation and release of an egg from the ovaries.

• The fallopian tubes capturing the egg.

• Sperm traveling through the vagina and uterus to reach the fallopian tube.

• Fertilization of the egg by sperm to form an embryo.

• The embryo traveling to and implanting in the uterus.

Any disruption in this chain of events can lead to difficulty in achieving pregnancy.

If you're under 35, infertility is typically diagnosed after one year of trying to conceive. For individuals aged 35 or older, evaluation is recommended after six months of trying.

Infertility is more widespread than many realize—but thankfully, numerous effective treatment options exist.

Types of Infertility

There are several classifications of infertility:

• Primary infertility: Difficulty conceiving with no previous pregnancies.

• Secondary infertility: Trouble conceiving after previously having one or more successful pregnancies.

• Unexplained infertility: When fertility tests reveal no identifiable cause for the inability to conceive.

Prevalence of Infertility

Globally, infertility affects around 48 million couples. In the United States alone, 1 in 5 women aged 15 to 49 experience primary infertility, while 1 in 20 face secondary infertility. Infertility affects both sexes almost equally.

Symptoms and Causes of Infertility

Common Signs

• Inability to conceive after 6–12 months of unprotected sex

• Irregular or absent periods

• Pelvic or abdominal pain

• Ejaculation difficulties or penile disorders in men

Root Causes

Infertility can result from numerous health, lifestyle, or genetic factors:

• Female factors: Ovulation disorders, PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, autoimmune diseases, thyroid dysfunction, or prior sterilization procedures

• Male factors: Low sperm count, poor sperm motility, varicocele, hormonal imbalance, genetic disorders, testicular trauma, or substance abuse

• Shared or unexplained factors: In roughly 33% of cases, both partners may have contributing issues; another 33% remain unexplained

Risk Factors

• Advanced age (especially over 35 for women, over 50 for men)

• Eating disorders or poor nutrition

• Smoking, alcohol, and drug use

• Over-exercising or obesity

• Environmental toxins

• STIs

• Chemotherapy or radiation exposure

Diagnosing Infertility

In Women

Infertility testing in women evaluates the full reproductive cycle—from hormone production to egg release and uterine health.

Common tests include:

• Pelvic exams

• Hormone blood tests

• Transvaginal ultrasound

• Hysteroscopy

• Sonohysterogram (SIS)

• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

• Laparoscopy

In Men

Male fertility testing focuses on sperm health and hormone levels.

Key tests include:

• Semen analysis

• Hormonal and genetic blood tests

• Scrotal ultrasound

• Testicular biopsy (if needed)

Infertility Treatment Options

Treatment plans are highly individualized and may involve lifestyle changes, medication, surgical interventions, or assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

For Women

• Lifestyle adjustments: Weight management, quitting smoking, managing health conditions

• Fertility medications: Stimulate ovulation

• Surgical treatments: Address blocked tubes, fibroids, or anatomical issues

• Ovulation tracking: Using apps, temperature charts, or ovulation kits

For Men

• Medications: Improve hormone levels or treat erectile dysfunction

• Surgical procedures: Correct anatomical issues or treat varicocele

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

When standard treatments don’t work, ART may be recommended:

• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Eggs and sperm are combined in a lab, and fertilized embryos are transferred to the uterus

• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected into an egg during IVF

• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation

• Assisted hatching: Helps embryos implant more easily

• Third-party ART: Includes donor eggs, sperm, embryos, or use of a surrogate

Possible Complications of Treatment

• Multiple pregnancies: Higher risk of complications with twins or triplets

• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): A rare but serious response to fertility drugs

• Ectopic pregnancy: Slightly increased risk with IVF

• Failed cycles: Emotional and financial strain if pregnancy does not occur

Can Infertility Be Cured?

In most cases, yes—up to 85–90% of infertility cases are treatable through lifestyle modifications, medication, or advanced reproductive technologies.

Prognosis and Emotional Impact

Most couples will conceive with treatment. However, infertility can be emotionally draining. Support groups, counseling, and honest communication with partners and providers can help manage stress during the journey.

Prevention Tips

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs

• Seek early treatment for STIs

• Minimize exposure to toxins

• Don’t postpone pregnancy beyond your fertile years

• Consider egg or sperm freezing if delaying parenthood

Insurance and Financial Considerations

Insurance coverage for infertility varies. Some states mandate coverage for specific treatments like IUI or IVF. Check with your employer or insurance provider to understand what’s included.

When to See a Specialist

• Under 35 and not pregnant after 12 months of trying

• 35–39 and not pregnant after 6 months

• Over 40: seek help as soon as possible

Early evaluation is crucial, especially with known conditions like endometriosis or premature ovarian failure.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Should we see a fertility specialist?

• What tests are necessary for both partners?

• What are our chances of success based on our age and health?

• What treatment do you recommend?

• What are the potential side effects and costs?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chlamydia cause infertility?
Yes, untreated chlamydia can lead to PID, which may cause permanent reproductive damage.

Does birth control cause infertility?
No. Birth control does not have long-term effects on fertility.

Can endometriosis cause infertility?
Yes, around 30–50% of women with endometriosis may experience infertility.

Dr.Ifrah Hassan Hilaac

• #Infertility

• #FertilityAwareness

• #TryingToConceive

• #TTCCommunity

• #AgeAndFertility

• #InfertilitySupport

• #ReproductiveHealth

• #InfertilityAndAge

• #FertilityOver35

• #DelayedPregnancy

• #AgeRelatedInfertility

• #FertilityEducation

• #BiologicalClock

• #AdvancedMaternalAge

• • #WomensHealth

  • #MaleFertility

  • #FertilityFacts

  • #IVFAwareness

  • #FertilityJourney

  • #HormonalHealth

  • #ReproductiveAging

  • #YouAreNotAlone

  • #InfertilityWarrior

  • #FertilityHope

  • #InfertilityAwareness

  • #1in8