Infertility: Causes, Diagnoses, and Treatment

According to World Health Organization, between 48 million couples and 186 million individuals live with infertility globally, while an article on ‘The other side of the infertility coin’ by Nation Africa suggests that at least 4.2 million Kenyans require fertility treatment to conceive.
 

Key Takeaways

1. Age and lifestyle choices are common factors contributing to infertility in men and women.

2. Fertility treatment depends on the cause of infertility.

3. Semen analysis and ovulation tests provide comprehensive infertility assessments.

What Causes Infertility in Men?
Infertility in men may be caused by the following: 

- Testicular failure to produce sperm

- Hormonal disorders

- Abnormal sperm morphology

- Poor sperm motility

- Low sperm count

What Causes Infertility in Women?
Infertility in women may be caused by the following:

- Blocked fallopian tubes

- Uterine disorders

- Cervical conditions

- Premature ovarian insufficiency

- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

READ: What You Need to Know About IVF Treatment
 

What Causes Infertility in Men and Women?

Factors contributing to infertility in men and women are:

- Age

- Occupational and environmental factors

- Lifestyle choices

- Usage of tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs

How to Diagnose Infertility in Men
For comprehensive infertility diagnosis in men, the doctor will perform the following tests:

- Semen analysis

- Hormone testing

- Genital ultrasound

- Genetic testing

How to Diagnose Infertility in Women

The fertility specialist will perform the following tests to determine the cause of infertility in women:

- Ovulation tests

- Pelvic exam

- X-rays to view your fallopian tubes

- A transvaginal ultrasound

Recently diagnosed with an infertility issue? Talk to a patient support specialist to get you started on your fertility treatment journey.
 

When to Seek Fertility Treatment

You should seek fertility treatment when you are experiencing the following common fertility symptoms:

- Having irregular menstrual cycles

- Unusual light or heavy bleeding

- Abnormal menstrual bleeding

- Pelvic pain

Need to speak to a fertility specialist? Talk to a patient support specialist and get connected to world-class fertility specialists in our hospital network.
 

How Can Infertility be Treated?

The fertility treatment depends on:

- Cause of infertility

- The period during which you and your partner have been trying to conceive

- Age

- Your partner's and your health

- Personal preferences
 

The infertility treatment includes:

- Surgery to correct a varicocele

- Treatment of reproductive infections and diseases

- Fertility drugs and hormones to assist in ovulation

- Medication and counselling to help conditions such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation

- Obtaining sperm using Use Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

- Removal of tissue causing infertility through surgery

Wondering where to get fertility treatment in Kenya? Talk to a patient support specialist and get connected to world-class fertility clinics and centres.