Fertility problems
You are technically classed as "infertile" if you cannot have children without assistance.
80% to 90% of couples who regularly try should conceive within the first year; each menstrual cycle brings a 10%-15% chance of conception. If it takes longer than this one year period, there may be reduced fertility.
The cause does not always lie with the woman alone; sometimes it may be with the man, or with both man and woman. In 10% of cases there may be an unexplained infertility issue. Preferably a couple is pregnant after a few months, but there is no real reason to worry if you are not pregnant after one year.
In some cases it is advisable to seek help earlier.
- if you have had inflammation in the past;
- if you have very painful menstruation;
- if the menstrual periods are very irregular or absent;
- if you have had one or more miscarriages in the past
If you are 35 years old and not pregnant after 6 months it is advisable to seek advice quickly, as there may be less time for fertility treatments. If the man already knows that his sperm is poor quality or of low count, you should again seek help earlier. First seek your GP, who may refer you to a specialist.
The doctor may ask questions about:
- general health;
- any drug use;
- illness and disease in the family;
- fertility problems in the family;
- are or were there any miscarriages in the past;
- has the woman had abdominal surgery in the past;
- has the woman had any stillbirths;
- has the man had any bowel inflammation;
- lung surgery or other major surgeries.
Mogelijke oorzaken van onvruchtbaarheid
- DES;
- Molar pregnancy;
- miscarriages;
- PCOS;
- unexplained infertiity;
- early menopause.
Mogelijke behandelingen van onvruchtbaarheid
- reversing a vasectomy;
- IUF;
- IVF;
- ICSI;
- MESA, TESE, PESA;
Also see these information articles: · Fertility treatments · Male fertility problems · Medication
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