Every individual has a right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Infertility can negate the realisation of these essential human rights. Infertility can give rise to social, psychological and economic disturbances among married couples. Around 48 million couples and 186 million individuals around the world live with infertility.
Around 4⃣8⃣ million couples and 1⃣8⃣6⃣ million individuals around 🌏🌍🌎 live with infertility.
See the overview of global #infertility in the WHO updated factsheet 👉https://t.co/EalQ7Jspwt pic.twitter.com/0OGwbKMwjJ
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) September 19, 2020
People such as some HIV serodiscordant couples and cancer survivors, heterosexual couples, same-sex partners, older persons may require infertility management and fertility care services.
In some settings, fear of infertility pressured the couple to prove their fertility at an early age because of the high social value of childbearing. In such situations, education and awareness-raising interventions to address the understanding of the prevalence and determinants of fertility and infertility are essential.
Infertility may be caused by a number of different factors, either in the male or female reproductive systems. However, it is sometimes not possible to explain the causes of infertility.
In the female reproductive system, infertility may be caused by tubal disorders such as blocked fallopian tubes, uterine disorders which could be inflammatory in nature (such as such endometriosis), disorders of the ovaries, disorders of the endocrine system causing imbalances of reproductive hormones.
In the male reproductive system, infertility may be caused by obstruction of the reproductive tract causing dysfunctionalities in the ejection of semen. This blockage can occur in the tubes that carry semen. Blockages are commonly due to injuries or infections of the genital tract, Hormonal disorders leading to abnormalities in hormones produced by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and testicles. Testicular failure to produce sperm, abnormal sperm function and quality. Conditions or situations that cause abnormal shape (morphology) and movement (motility) of the sperm negatively affect fertility.
With more than 5 million children born worldwide from assisted reproduction technologies (ART) interventions such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), these technologies are still largely unavailable, inaccessible and unaffordable in many parts of the world. ART are essential to ensure universal access without discrimination and to protect and promote the human rights of all parties involved. Once fertility policies are in place, it is essential to ensure that their implementation is monitored, and the quality of services is continually improved.
Addressing #infertility helps
✅maintain individuals’ & couples’ right to found a family
✅mitigate gender inequality
✅boost access to fertility care services for all.More in detail 👉https://t.co/EalQ7Jspwt pic.twitter.com/84npcxOnIh
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) September 20, 2020
According to general guidelines, you probably don’t need to speak with a specialist about infertility unless you have struggled to get pregnant for at least one year. However, women should talk with their doctor if they are over the age of 40, have irregular or absent periods, painful periods, known fertility problems, have been diagnosed with endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, had multiple miscarriages, or have undergone cancer treatment. Whereas men should talk to a doctor if they have a low sperm count or other issues with sperm, a history of testicular, prostate or sexual problems, undergone cancer treatment, small testicles or swelling in the scrotum, or a family history of infertility problems.
Most people have a strong desire to have a child at some point in their lifetime. It is essential for you, as a person, or as a couple, to understand what normal fertility is, what the risk factors for infertility are, and the proper time to seek help if needed.
If you think you are not able to get pregnant, see your healthcare provider early. Remember, your age, and how long you have been trying to get pregnant may affect treatment. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the New York State Department of Health has declared fertility services as essential services. If you need to be seen by a specialist, clinics in the area are still offering IVF treatments, diagnostic testing, and conducting in-office and virtual visits.