5 Types Of Infertility: What You Need To Know

Infertility is a deeply personal and often complex condition, affecting millions of couples worldwide. It can arise for various reasons and is generally classified into distinct categories. Understanding the different types of infertility can empower individuals and couples to make informed decisions about fertility treatments or alternative family-building methods, including the use of surrogates or egg donors. In this article, we will explore five primary types of infertility, shedding light on their causes and potential solutions.

Primary Infertility

Primary infertility is the most recognized form of infertility. It refers to couples who are unable to conceive after trying for at least one year without success. This type of infertility affects both men and women, with various underlying causes. In women, it could result from hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities in the reproductive system, or age-related fertility decline. In men, it may be due to low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or other reproductive issues.

Primary infertility can be emotionally draining for couples, especially when the cause is not immediately clear. For some, traditional treatments like fertility medications or procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may offer a solution. However, when these approaches do not work, couples may turn to egg donors or even adoption as alternative ways to achieve parenthood.

Secondary Infertility

While primary infertility is widely known, secondary infertility can be an equally frustrating challenge. Secondary infertility occurs when a couple who has previously conceived naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies is unable to do so again. This type of infertility often comes as a shock, especially to couples who have had successful pregnancies in the past. The causes of secondary infertility can vary but often include complications from prior pregnancies, changes in overall health, or aging.

The emotional toll of secondary infertility can be profound, as couples may feel confused or disheartened by their inability to have another child. In some cases, they may opt to explore surrogacy as a means to expand their family.

Surrogacy, through the help of a gestational carrier, provides a pathway for intended parents to have a biological child even if carrying a pregnancy becomes impossible due to health reasons or reproductive challenges.

Ovulatory Disorders

Ovulatory disorders are among the most common causes of infertility in women, making it difficult or even impossible to conceive. These disorders are characterized by issues with hormone production and regulation, leading to irregular or absent ovulation. Conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid dysfunction are well-known culprits of ovulatory disorders. For women with these conditions, the lack of regular ovulation can make conceiving naturally a significant challenge.

While treatments like hormone therapy or lifestyle changes can help regulate ovulation, some women may still struggle to conceive. In these cases, using egg donors can offer a solution. Donor eggs, from women who have successfully undergone the egg donation process, can be fertilized via IVF and implanted into the intended mother or a surrogate.

Tubal Infertility

Tubal infertility refers to infertility caused by damage or blockages in the fallopian tubes, which are essential for transporting eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. If the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, the egg cannot travel, making fertilization difficult or impossible. Common causes of tubal infertility include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and endometriosis. Scarring from prior surgeries can also lead to blockages in the tubes.

Diagnosing tubal infertility often requires tests such as a Hysterosalpingography (HSG), which evaluates the condition of the fallopian tubes and determines whether they are open or blocked. If the blockage is severe, surgery might be an option to attempt to clear the tubes.

However, in many cases, IVF may be recommended as a more direct solution, bypassing the fallopian tubes entirely by fertilizing the egg in a laboratory before transferring it to the uterus.

Male Infertility

Infertility is not solely a women’s issue—male infertility can also be the cause of about half of all infertility cases. A variety of factors can cause male infertility, broadly categorized into pre-testicular, testicular, and post-testicular issues.

• Pre-testicular causes are related to hormonal imbalances that affect sperm production, such as low testosterone levels or other endocrine disorders.
• Testicular causes involve problems within the testes themselves, such as low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or genetic conditions that affect sperm production.
• Post-testicular causes refer to issues that affect sperm delivery, including blockages in the reproductive tract or ejaculation disorders.

When male infertility is severe, using donor sperm may be an option to help intended parents achieve pregnancy. For couples working with surrogates, donor sperm can be used as part of the IVF process to create embryos.

Carrying Dreams is dedicated to helping you build your family, regardless of infertility’s obstacles. With our egg donation and surrogacy expertise, we offer compassionate support and personalized care throughout your journey.