Infertility. Facts, treatments & support Brought to you by Alliance Health.

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1 Infertility. Facts, treatments & support Brought to you by Alliance Health. The content in this guide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the AllianceHealth.com website or The Guide to Breast Cancer.

2 Get the Facts About Infertility Infertility affects millions of Americans. Approximately 10 percent of women aged have had difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a baby to term. This guide is designed to give you information about infertility the facts, the potential causes, and the treatments available to assist you in conversations with your health professional as well as help you find support and resources in dealing with the emotional, mental, and physical trials that can arise from difficulties conceiving. 1 AllianceHealth.com

3 What is Infertility? Infertility is defined as: The inability to conceive after at least one year of trying Repeated inability to carry a baby to term Infertility can be caused by factors associated with a woman s ability to become pregnant, but 35% of all infertility cases are caused by factors associated with the father. There are many causes of infertility, but there are also many solutions. Significant advances have been made in infertility treatments, making it more possible than ever before to overcome this issue. Common Causes of Male Infertility Cause Impaired production or function of sperm Impaired delivery of sperm General health and lifestyle Environmental exposure Details Impaired shape and movement of sperm Low sperm count Varicocele (varicose veins in the scrotum) Undescended testicle Testosterone deficiency Genetic defects Infection Sexual issues (problems with sexual intercourse or technique) Retrograde ejaculation (sperm entering the bladder rather than the penis during orgasm) Blockage of epididymis (the area of the testicle which contains sperm) Lack of semen Misplaced urinary opening Emotional problems Malnutrition Obesity Cancer and cancer treatments Use of alcohol and/or drugs Age Pesticides and other chemicals Overheating of the testicles (such as frequent use of saunas or hot tubs) Substance abuse Tobacco use 2 AllianceHealth.com

4 Common Causes of FEMale Infertility Cause Fallopian tube damage or blockage Endometriosis Ovulation disorders Elevated prolactin (the hormone which stimulates breast milk production) Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) Early menopause Medications Thyroid problems Cancer and cancer treatments Certain medical conditions Caffeine consumption Details Usually resulting from inflammation of the fallopian tube Can be caused by sexually transmitted disease Occurs when the uterine tissue implants and grows outside the uterus Caused by injury, tumors, excessive exercise, or starvation High levels of this hormone in women who aren t pregnant or nursing can affect ovulation Often caused by pituitary tumor or some drugs A disorder which causes the body to produce too much androgen hormone, affecting ovulation Associated with obesity and insulin resistance Characterized as the early depletion of ovarian follicles before age 35 Associated with immune system diseases, chemotherapy treatment, and smoking Use of certain medications can cause temporary infertility (fertility is usually restored when the use of the medication at fault ceases) Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can interrupt the menstrual cycle and cause infertility Cancers of the female reproductive system can severely impair female fertility Radiation and chemotherapy treatment can also affect a woman s ability to conceive Conditions such as Cushing s disease, sickle cell disease, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease and diabetes can affect a woman s fertility Excessive intake of caffeine can reduce fertility in females FACTS ABOUT Infertility Infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive system. Contrary to popular thinking, simply relaxing or not stressing about it will not make it go away. More than 5 million people of childbearing age in the United States experience infertility. Infertility is not just a woman s problem 35% of cases are attributed to a female problem, while another 35% are also attributed to a male problem. 3 AllianceHealth.com

5 Causes and Risk Factors for Infertility The human reproductive system is complex and sensitive. In order to become pregnant, several intricate processes must occur in just the right manner. The path to pregnancy is complicated, with several opportunities for infertility to occur. The causes of infertility can involve just one, or both partners. Male Infertility A wide variety of issues can cause impaired sperm count or mobility, or can prevent the sperm from properly fertilizing the egg. The most common causes of male infertility are: Abnormal sperm production or function Impaired delivery of sperm Health issues Behavioral or lifestyle factors Environmental risks FEMale Infertility As with male infertility, there are a number of issues which can contribute to female infertility. The most common causes of female infertility are: Fallopian tube damage or blockage Endometriosis Ovulation disorders Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) Early menopause Regardless of whether infertility is attributed to the man or the woman, it is common for no specific cause to be found. What Are the Risk Factors of Infertility? Age. Women s fertility gradually declines after the age of 32 and men after age 35. Tobacco Smoking. Both men and women who smoke may reduce their chances of becoming pregnant and increase the chance of miscarriage. Alcohol Consumption. There is no safe level of alcohol consumption for women during conception or pregnancy. Obesity. Being overweight puts a woman at a significantly higher risk of infertility. Eating Disorders or Strict Diets. Women with eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa as well as women following extreme diets are at a higher risk of infertility. Excessive Exercise. Although exercise is healthy, too much (more than seven hours per week) can put stress on your body and reduce your fertility. Caffeine Intake. Studies are mixed as to whether caffeine consumption affects fertility levels. High caffeine levels do appear to increase the risk of miscarriage, however. 3 AllianceHealth.com

6 Treating Infertility Significant advances have been made in the treatment of infertility. Sometimes the treatment involves a combination of medication and artificial insemination. Some of the most common treatments for infertility include: Fertility drugs A form of hormone therapy, fertility drugs are designed to stimulate the ovaries into producing eggs by stimulating a woman s hormones to perform more efficiently or by replacing them entirely. Fertility drugs often stimulate release of two or more eggs, which means that a woman on fertility drugs has a 10 percent chance of conceiving twins. In vitro fertilization When this procedure is performed, mature eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory dish. The fertilized egg, or embryo, is then implanted into the uterus. Intrauterine insemination In this procedure, the seminal plasma surrounding a small amount of concentrated sperm is removed. The sperm is then placed in the uterus through a catheter inserted into the vagina and cervix. This procedure is usually painless and takes only a few minutes. Other treatment options are available, depending on the cause of your infertility and whether the infertility is attributed to the woman or the man. Your doctor or health care provider should work with you to explore treatments including alternative treatments to find the best treatment for you and your partner. Questions to ASK Your doctor about infertility Is my infertility caused by a hormonal issue? Is my ovulation abnormal? Do I have any other issues such as endometriosis? What treatment options are available for me? What are the benefits and risks of fertility drugs? 4 AllianceHealth.com

7 Emotional Support for Women and Men Suffering from Infertility Individuals suffering from infertility, as well as their partners and families, face many challenges that may leave them feeling overwhelmed, afraid, and alone. It is just as important to address the emotional challenges involved with infertility as it is to treat the infertility itself. A number of resources are available to help individuals diagnosed with infertility deal with the overwhelming emotional affects of infertility: RESOLVE a non-profit organization with the only established, nationwide network of chapters that promote reproductive health. Visit their website at to find a support group near you. Fertility Journey an online resource with information about fertility testing and diagnosis and treatment options. Visit their website at INCIID a non-profit organization that helps individuals and couples explore their familybuilding options. Visit their website at www. inciid.org for more information. FertilityCommunity.com an online resource that connects couples with infertility information, support, and solutions. Visit their website at 5 AllianceHealth.com