Infertility Treatment

Infertility is a health problem that many couples face today and can be largely treated with medical solutions. 1 in 6 couples may experience the problem of not being able to have children naturally. However, thanks to developing medical technologies, there are many different infertility treatments available and most couples can have children with these methods.

What is Infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability of couples to achieve pregnancy despite unprotected and regular sexual intercourse for a year. It can be caused by women or men, and sometimes problems can be seen in the reproductive systems of both individuals.

Primary Infertility: The couple has never been pregnant before.

Secondary Infertility: The couple has been pregnant before and has not been able to have a child since.

If women are over the age of 35 and cannot achieve pregnancy despite unprotected intercourse for 6 months, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

What Causes Infertility?

The underlying causes of infertility can be caused by both men and women. Sometimes environmental and genetic factors can also lead to infertility.

Causes of infertility in women; ovulation disorders (polycystic ovary syndrome - PCOS, early menopause), blocked tubes (due to past infections or surgeries), uterine myomas and polyps, chocolate cysts (endometriosis), excessive weight or obesity, hormonal imbalances, smoking, alcohol and harmful substance use, advancing age (fertility decreases rapidly over the age of 35).

Causes of infertility in men; low sperm count and quality, low sperm mobility, varicocele (expansion of testicular veins), hormonal imbalances, blockage of sperm ducts, smoking, alcohol, stress and environmental factors.

Before starting treatment, the factors causing infertility should be evaluated in detail.

What are the Causes of Infertility in Men?

Infertility in men can be caused by many factors that affect sperm production and sperm quality. IVF treatment offers a solution to most sperm-related infertility problems in men.

Low sperm production in men makes fertilization difficult.
Sperm having structural or genetic problems can prevent fertilization.
If sperm cannot reach the egg, fertilization cannot occur.
Abnormal sperm morphology makes it difficult to unite with the egg.
Enlargement of the testicular veins (varicocele) disrupts blood circulation in the testicles and negatively affects sperm production.
Testosterone imbalances can affect sperm production.
Azoospermia, the absence of sperm in the semen, can also lead to infertility.
There may be anatomical problems that prevent sperm from coming out.
Smoking, alcohol and harmful substances can negatively affect sperm production and quality.

What are the Causes of Infertility in Women?

Infertility in women is usually caused by ovulation disorders, anatomical problems related to the uterus and tubes, or hormonal imbalances.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): It is a hormonal disease that prevents ovulation.
Myomas and Polyps in the Uterus: It can make it difficult for the embryo to attach to the uterus.
Chocolate Cyst (Endometriosis): It affects the ovulation process by causing cyst formation in the ovaries.
Ovarian Cysts: It can disrupt ovarian functions and prevent the fertilization process.
Blocked Tubes: It prevents the sperm and egg from uniting.
Obesity and Excessive Weight: It can disrupt the ovulation cycle by causing hormonal imbalances.
Decreased Ovarian Reserves: Ovarian reserves can decrease due to advanced age or genetic factors.
Alcohol and Smoking: It can negatively affect reproductive functions.
Advancing Age: After the age of 35, ovulatory functions begin to decline.

Who Is at Risk for Infertility?

Who is at Risk for Infertility?

Infertility is a health problem that can affect every individual of reproductive age. Various biological and environmental factors can increase the risk of infertility for both women and men. However, it should be remembered that while these factors directly cause infertility in some individuals, they can only negatively affect reproductive health in others. It is recommended that individuals at risk for infertility undergo regular health checks, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and avoid habits that may negatively affect reproductive health.

Infertility Symptoms

Infertility can usually progress without showing any obvious symptoms. However, the following symptoms can give clues about the infertility problem. In men, pain, swelling, erection or ejaculation problems in the testicles can be signs of infertility.

Signs of infertility in women:

Irregular menstrual cycle (longer than 35 days or shorter than 21 days)
Amenorrhea
Excessive hair growth (may be a sign of hormonal imbalance)
Excessive pain during menstruation (may be a sign of endometriosis)
A history of frequent miscarriages

If these symptoms are present, it is recommended that couples consult a reproductive health specialist for early diagnosis.

How is Infertility Treatment Performed?

In infertility treatment, the most appropriate method is determined by taking into account the couple's individual health status, age factor and cause of infertility. For the treatment of infertility in women, medications, insemination, in vitro fertilization treatment or surgical treatment of the disease causing infertility may be recommended.

Ovulation Drugs: Used to support ovulation in women with ovulation problems.
Insemination (IUI - Intrauterine Insemination): Sperms taken from the prospective father are selected with special techniques in the laboratory and placed into the uterus.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Eggs are collected and transferred to the mother's uterus after being fertilized with sperm in the laboratory.
Surgical Operations: Surgery may be required if there are structural problems such as uterine anomalies, tube blockages and myoma.

In vitro fertilization treatment is one of the methods with the highest success rate in male-related infertility.