Infertility is the condition in which a couple fails to achieve pregnancy despite having unprotected sexual intercourse two to three times a week on average for one year. It can be caused by either the woman or the man.

Therefore, women under the age of 35 should try to conceive for one year with regular intercourse. For couples aged 35 and above, if pregnancy does not occur after six months, they should consult a specialist.

What Causes Infertility?

Infertility can occur due to various reasons related to either the woman or the man. Many factors must align for pregnancy to occur. These include:

• Both the woman and the man must have eggs and sperm of sufficient reproductive quality.
• The fallopian tubes must be open and functional to allow fertilization.
• The sperm must be fast and of good quality to reach and fertilize the egg.
• A suitable environment must be present in the uterus for the embryo to implant.
• In about 20% of cases, couples may not conceive despite everything appearing normal. This is referred to as unexplained infertility.

Infertility arises when the necessary conditions for pregnancy are lacking or certain factors hinder these conditions. If no issues are found in either partner after examinations and tests, it is termed unexplained infertility.

When Should You See a Doctor If Pregnancy Doesn't Occur?

Usually, couples consult a doctor if pregnancy doesn't occur despite regular intercourse. However, getting pregnant is not an easy process. Even healthy couples have about a 20% chance of conceiving each month.

Therefore, couples should try to conceive for one year if under 35, or six months if over 35, before seeking medical help. This timeframe applies to couples with no known health problems.

If the woman has menstrual problems, has had ovarian surgery, has polycystic ovary syndrome or chocolate cysts (endometrioma), or any other medical history, it's best to consult a specialist without delay.

What Tests Are Done for Men and Women in Cases of Infertility?

The evaluation of infertility starts by analyzing conditions that may prevent pregnancy. Medical histories are taken from both partners. A semen analysis (spermiogram) is conducted to assess the man’s sperm quality.

How Is a Sperm Test Done in Men?

Before a sperm test, the man is asked to abstain from sexual activity. This period should not be shorter than 2 days or longer than 5 days. An average of 3 days is sufficient. Then, a sample is collected through masturbation in a private room at a fertility clinic or hospital.

Samples should not be taken outside the hospital or laboratory because they must be analyzed within 1 hour. If no issues are detected in the sperm test, the woman is then evaluated.

What Tests Are Done for Women?

The woman undergoes blood tests (hemogram, blood type, hepatitis test, HIV test, TSH, Prolactin, AMH, etc.), ultrasound, and hysterosalpingography (HSG). If necessary, laparoscopy may be performed to examine the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Hysteroscopy can be used to evaluate the uterine cavity.
IVF Treatment