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What is Infertility?

Infertility is described as the inability to conceive a baby within one year of trying. Infertility does not necessarily mean that conceiving a child is impossible.

The signs and symptoms of female infertility may include:
• Hormonal changes
• Painful or irregular periods
• Increased pain during sexual intercourse
• No signs or symptoms

The signs and symptoms of male infertility may include:
• Hormonal changes such as changes in voice, lack of hair growth, and enlarged breasts
• Difficulty with sexual function (erectile dysfunction)
• No signs or symptoms

Certain risk factors for infertility include increased age, smoking, alcohol, being over or underweight, and too little or too much exercise.

There are many causes of infertility for both women and men such as certain diseases, medications, and infections. Female causes also include problems with menstruation or ovulation, as well as increasing age. Previous vasectomies or sexual dysfunction can also cause infertility in males.

In most cases of infertility, both partners will be evaluated to try to determine the cause of the infertility after one year of trying to conceive without success. In some cases, the cause of infertility may remain undetermined. Many couples choose to see a fertility specialist to help determine their options.

There are many possible treatments for infertility including fertility medications, surgery, and assisted reproductive technology (ART). The specific treatment depends on the cause or causes of the infertility, the age of the couple, how long the couple has been trying to get pregnant, and how much treatment the couple is willing to endure. Common fertility medications include clomiphene (brand names Clomid, Serophene), progesterone (Prometrium, Progest), hMG (Pergonal, Repronex), hCG (Pregnyl, Ovidrel), FSH (Follistim, Bravelle, Gonal-F), ganirelix (Antagon), and cetrorelix (Cetrotide). An example of ART includes in-vitro fertilization (IVF) among other procedures. Only you and your doctor can determine what the best treatment is for you.

Sources:
Diseases and Conditions, "Infertility." http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 2/8/2007.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.Medline Plus Encyclopedia. Medline, 2007.Women's Health Issues, "Infertility." http://www.merck.com/mmhe. The Merck Manual of Medical Information, 2nd Home Edition, online version. Last accessed 2/8/2007.

This answer prepared 2/8/2007.

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