Infertility

  As we know everybody wants to have kids and all this is possible just because of a process which is known as reproduction. Reproduction is a biological process through which an organism can produce an individual similar to itself. Reproduction is mainly of two types namely; asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction.

• Asexual Reproduction: Reproduction in which a single individual is able to reproduce such as birds.
• Sexual Reproduction: Reproduction in which both male and female are required to reproduce an individual such as humans.

Every organism reproduces an have babies in different ways. Some organisms gave birth to individuals which are similar to them by birth such as human, dog, cat etc., and are known as viviparous, whereas some lays eggs and are known as oviparous such as birds. 

 For giving birth reproduction is must, it is a process without which no one can reproduce. Thus, organisms who can reproduce and are able to produce individuals similar to themselves are known as fertile, whereas, organisms which are unable to reproduce are known as infertile.

Infertility

 Infertility is a disability of the male or the female reproductive system due to which the female is unable to achieve pregnancy. According to estimates, between 48 million couples and 186 million individuals live with infertility globally.

• Infertility in males

In the male reproductive system, infertility is most commonly caused by problems in the;

1. Ejection of sperm
2. Absence or low sperm count
3. Abnormal shape (morphology)
4. Motility of sperm 

• Infertility in females

In the female reproductive system, infertility may be caused due to range of abnormalities of the;

1. Ovaries
2. Uterus
3. Fallopian tubes
4. Endocrine system
5. Abnormal menstrual cycle

Infertility can be primary or secondary

• Primary Infertility: Primary infertility is when a couple has never been achieved pregnancy.
• Secondary Infertility:  Secondary infertility is when a couple has achieved pregnancy once, and are unable to achieve pregnancy again.

Causes Of Infertility

 There are several different factors which can cause infertility, either in male or female

• Infertility in female

1. Tubular disorder such as blockage of fallopian tube
2. Uterine disorder such as endometriosis
3. Disorder of ovaries such as polycystic ovarian syndrome
4. Disorder of endocrine system causing imbalance of reproductive hormones

• Infertility in males 

1. Obstruction of the reproductive tract which causes dysfunctionalities in the ejection
2. Hormonal disorder which leads to abnormalities in hormones produced by pituitary gland, hypothalamus and testicles
3. Testicular failure to produce sperm
4. Low sperm quality and quantity

Prevention and Treatment

1. Practice safe sex
2. Avoid sex with multiple partners
3. Maintain genital hygiene
4. Avoid excessive intake of estrogen (especially males)
5. Time to time checkups
6. IVF (invitro fertilization) is a blessing for couples who are suffering from infertility.