04 Oct 10 frequently asked questions about infertility

By Reproclinic Editorial Committee

When a couple starts looking to conceive a baby there are many doubts and, often, some fears. When, after a few months of trying, the desired positive does not appear, the dreaded question arises: ‘What if I have a fertility problem?’

At present there are still many myths and doubts about this subject. Therefore, today we tell you in our blog what are the 10 most frequent questions about infertility that come to our clinic.

Find out what are the common questions about infertility

1. ARE INFERTILITY AND STERILITY THE SAME?

There is a clear confusion between the two terms. It is common to even use them as synonyms, even among some professionals, but there is a clear difference.

Sterility is the inability of an individual or couple to conceive. Infertility prevents a couple from getting a pregnancy to term.

In other words, we talk about sterility when a woman has never managed to get pregnant. Infertility would arise when a woman can conceive yet the pregnancy does not come to term.

2. IS INFERTILITY JUST THE WOMAN’S FAULT?

Until a few years ago, infertility was attributed to women. Today we know that 40% of causes are male, another 40% female and 20% causes combined or mixed (in which both members of the couple are responsible).

The most common male pathologies are usually: alterations in the testicular area, obstructions in the ducts, pathologies in the prostate, problems to ejaculate or have an erection and alterations in the semen.

In the case of women, late age is usually one of the main causes of infertility. From a medical level, endometriosis, uterine and cervical anomalies, ovulatory problems, early menopause or alterations and obstructions in the fallopian tubes are the most common.

3. HOW COMMON IS INFERTILITY?

The World Health Organization estimates that around 15% of couples suffer from some type of infertility. Worldwide this would represent between 60 and 80 million people. You are not alone, it is more common than we think!

It is estimated that approximately 9 out of 10 couples of childbearing age who have regular sex get a positive during the first year. If pregnancy is not achieved in the first year after having regular sexual relations, it is recommended to go to a specialist.

4. DOES AGE AFFECT FERTILITY?

One of the most frequently asked questions about infertility. The delay in the age of pregnancy is one of the main causes of infertility. It is increasingly common to have the first child from the age of 30. But from the age of 35, the fertility of women begins to reduce, falling sharply after 38. Getting a natural pregnancy at age 40 and bringing a healthy baby to the world is almost exceptional.

The man, on the other hand, is fertile throughout his life, although the quality of his sperm and the count in the number of sperm can also be affected by age and medical and external factors that affect fertility.

5. CAN I BE A MOTHER IF I DO NOT HAVE A PARTNER?

It is increasingly common for a woman to want to be a mother alone or to want to preserve her fertility until the right time. At Reproclinic we count with specific treatments for these women and a bank of selected semen donors so you can make your dream come true. This is one of the frequent questions about infertility that many women fear doing, but we want you to know that it is becoming more common and accepted. Consult your specialist!

6. HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT BEFORE GOING TO A FERTILITY CLINIC?

Every couple is unique! There are many couples who get it at the first attempt, many even without intending it. A large percentage do so during the first month of pregnancy and, as we said, 9 out of 10 get it during the first year of trying.

In general, it is recommended to wait a year before going to the specialist, maintaining regular relationships weekly, without using any contraceptive method.

If you have been trying unsuccessfully for more than a year or have more than 35 years or a medical condition (such as polycystic ovary or endometriosis) or have previously had an abortion, go to a specialist. We can help you!

7. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE SEX TO GET PREGNANT?

The specialists recommend to maintain regular intercourse with a frequency of 2 to 3 times per week. Keeping track of the fertile days and the basal temperature can help calculate the days in which the woman is more likely to get pregnant.

8. HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR FERTILE DAYS?

In order to calculate your fertile days it is important to know how your menstrual cycle works. In women with regular cycles it is easy to calculate: fertile days coincide with ovulation. In cycles of 28 days, this occurs 14 days before the rule. The most fertile days would be 3 or 4 days before and after ovulation.

In women with irregular rules it is convenient to keep a record of the basal temperature to help identify their fertile days during the month.

9. UP TO WHAT AGE CAN I GET PREGNANT?

Age is one of the factors that plays the most against women.

Women are born with an average of between 300,000 and 400,000 ovules, which will decrease until reaching menopause. It is considered that a woman is in her most fertile stage from 21 to 30 years, reaching the peak of fertility between 25 to 29 years. In this age, there is a lower risk of complications in childbirth and pregnancy.

A woman of childbearing age has a 25% chance of getting pregnant each month. From the age of 35, this percentage decreases drastically, reaching 15%. From the age of 40, the possibility of an abortion, complications in childbirth, a chromosomal alteration in the baby, other risks for the baby and the mother and the probability of conceiving naturally is minimal. In these cases it is recommended to use donor eggs to minimize the risks.

In Spain, by consensus, fertility clinics do not usually perform treatments in women over 50 years.

10. HOW CAN I PERFORM FERTILITY TREATMENT WITH REPROCLINIC IF I DO NOT LIVE IN SPAIN?

Distance is not a problem at Reproclinic. Thanks to the Reproclinic method it is possible to carry out a treatment with our specialists from anywhere in the world.

We can work together with your fertility specialist and carry out some of the treatments at a distance or minimizing your stay in Barcelona (Spain).

Request your first free diagnostic consultation with our specialists via Skype and find out how we can help you.

Can infertility be solved?

PERHAPS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ABOUT INFERTILITY: CAN INFERTILITY BE SOLVED?

The vast majority of couples with problems to conceive end up making their dream come true. Nowadays, reproductive medicine has advanced a lot and we have modern techniques that adapt to each case. Intrauterine Insemination (Artificial Insemination) and in vitro fertilization (both with own and donor eggs) are the most used techniques in most clinics.

We also have techniques that allow single women and female couples to become parents.

If you have been trying to conceive for more than a year or have been diagnosed with a problem that may affect your fertility, contact our specialists. We will be happy to help you.