There are many couples who face difficulty in getting pregnant but not everyone knows why. Different types of infertility can be different for each person, depending on when the problem starts and what causes it. There are some who may never have been able to conceive and there are others who may have had a child before but are now facing issues. That’s why it’s important to understand the different types to get the right support and treatment at the right time.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi—Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist with over 35 years of experience has guided many couples through different infertility conditions with care and success. In this blog, we will explain everything about the types of infertility, including their causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and more.
Definition of Infertility
What is infertility? Infertility means that a couple is not able to get pregnant even after trying regularly for a certain time. If a woman is under 35 years old and has been trying to get pregnant for one full year without success then it is called infertility. If a woman is 35 or older and she is trying for 6 months without getting pregnant is also called infertility.
Infertility doesn’t always mean that pregnancy can never happen. It simply means that there may be a delay or difficulty in getting pregnant naturally. This can be due to problems in the woman, the man, or both partners. Sometimes, the cause is known, and other times, it may not be clear at all. However, many couples are able to become parents with the right advice and treatment.
Infertility can also be grouped based on whether the issue is in the male or female partner:
- Male Infertility – This can happen due to low sperm count, poor sperm movement, or other problems in the male reproductive system.
- Female Infertility – This may be caused by irregular periods, blocked fallopian tubes, PCOS, or issues with the uterus or eggs.
Types of Infertility
There are different types of infertility that are based on when the problem starts and who is affected. So, it’s important to understand these types to help doctors to decide the right treatment.
- Primary Infertility – This is when a couple has never been able to get pregnant even after trying for one year or more.
- Secondary Infertility – This happens when a couple has had at least one child in the past but is now finding it difficult to get pregnant again.
Symptoms of Infertility
Infertility doesn’t always have clear signs and many people don’t realize something is wrong until they try to get pregnant. However, there are a few symptoms that may point to fertility problems in men and women.
In Women:
- Irregular periods – If periods are too early, too late, or sometimes skipped then it may mean that there’s a problem with ovulation.
- Very painful periods – Intense cramps or heavy bleeding could be a sign of conditions like endometriosis.
- No periods at all – Missing periods for months may mean that the ovaries are not working properly.
- Unexplained weight gain or acne – These may be related to hormone imbalance like PCOS.
- Pain during sex – This could be a sign of infection or other reproductive health issues.
In Men:
- Low sexual desire – A drop in sex drive might be due to low hormone levels.
- Erection problems – Issues in getting or keeping an erection can also affect fertility.
- Changes in testicles – Swelling, pain, or lumps may be signs of underlying problems.
- Low sperm count or no sperm – This is often found during semen testing, even if there are no outward symptoms.
Causes of Infertility
Infertility can happen due to many reasons and the cause may be related to the woman, the man, or sometimes both. In some cases, the exact reason may not be found at all.
Common Causes in Women:
- Ovulation problems – If the ovaries don’t release eggs regularly (as in PCOS) then it can lead to infertility.
- Blocked fallopian tubes – This prevents the sperm from meeting the egg. It may be due to infections, past surgeries, or conditions like endometriosis.
- Hormonal imbalance – When the body makes too much or too little of certain hormones then it can affect the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
- Uterine issues – Problems like fibroids, polyps, or scarring in the uterus can make it difficult for the embryo to attach and grow.
- Age – Fertility usually starts to decrease after the age of 35, especially in women.
Common Causes in Men:
- Low sperm count – When the number of sperm is less than normal.
- Poor sperm movement (motility) – Sperm may not swim well enough to reach the egg.
- Abnormal sperm shape – This affects how well the sperm can fertilize the egg.
- Hormone problems – Low testosterone or other hormone changes can affect sperm production.
- Lifestyle factors – Smoking, alcohol, drug use, poor diet, stress, or being overweight can also affect fertility.
Shared or Unknown Causes:
Sometimes, both partners have mild issues that together make it difficult to get pregnant. In some cases, doctors cannot find a clear reason and this is called unexplained infertility.
How is Infertility Diagnosed?
It’s very important to diagnose infertility to understand your health history, lifestyle, and how long you’ve been trying to get pregnant. If a couple has been trying for over a year without success (or 6 months if the woman is over 35) then it’s a good time to see a fertility doctor.
For Women:
- Blood tests – This helps to check the hormone levels related to ovulation.
- Ultrasound – This helps to look at the uterus and ovaries for any problems like cysts or blocked tubes.
- Ovulation tracking – This helps to check if and when the woman is releasing eggs.
- HSG (Hysterosalpingogram) – This is a special X-ray to see if the fallopian tubes are open.
For Men:
- Semen analysis – This checks the number, shape, and movement of sperm. Doctors might also check the hormone levels or do physical exams if needed.
For Both Partners:
- Medical history review – This helps to look at past illnesses, surgeries, or infections.
- Lifestyle questions – Doctors will ask about your stress, sleep, exercise, diet, or habits like smoking or drinking.
Types Of Infertility Treatment
There are many options available to help when a couple is facing issues in getting pregnant. The treatment depends on what’s causing the problem, the age of the couple, and how long they’ve been trying. There are different types of infertility treatments that can help many families.
Here are some common treatment options:
Lifestyle changes
It’s important to eat healthy, reducing stress, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking or alcohol can naturally support fertility.
Medicines to help ovulation
Women who don’t ovulate regularly may be given fertility medicines like Clomiphene or Letrozole to help them release eggs.
Hormonal treatment
If hormone levels are not balanced in either partner then medicines or injections may be used to treat them.
Surgery
There are some women who may need minor surgery to remove fibroids, cysts, or blockages. In men, surgery might help to fix problems like varicocele (swelling in veins near the testicles).
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
A simple treatment where healthy sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation to improve the chances of fertilization.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
One of the most effective options is where the egg and sperm are fertilized outside the body in a lab and then the embryo is placed back into the uterus.
Donor options
In some cases, couples may choose egg or sperm donation if one partner’s fertility is low or absent.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
A technique which is often used with IVF where a single sperm is directly injected into the egg and this is helpful in severe male infertility.
Final Words
It’s important to understand the different types of infertility issues, especially if you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while without success. In this blog, we’ve explained what infertility means, causes, symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and the types of fertility treatments available today. We’ve also shared helpful information for men and women, so couples can take early steps and make the right decisions on their fertility journey.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior Infertility Specialist and Gynaecologist) has helped many couples who are dealing with infertility through expert care, advanced treatments, and emotional support. If you have concerns about your fertility or are unsure how to begin treatment, we are here to guide you. Call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at doctor@risaaivf.com for trusted advice and support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a woman still be infertile if she gets regular periods?
Yes, regular periods don’t always mean ovulation is happening. Some women have anovulatory cycles or poor egg quality, which can cause female infertility even with a normal cycle.
My husband has a low sperm count. Can we still become parents?
Yes, many couples with male infertility (like low sperm count or poor motility) have conceived successfully with treatments like IUI or IVF. There is always hope.
We had a child before, but now we can’t conceive again. Why is this happening?
This is called secondary infertility. It can happen due to changes in health, age, or stress. Don’t lose hope—many couples overcome this with the right support and treatment.
Is infertility common or are we alone in this?
You are not alone. Millions of couples around the world go through similar struggles. It’s more common than people think, and talking about it helps break the silence.