Fertility is the ability to conceive and bear children, involving a complex interaction of hormonal, biological, and environmental factors. In both men and women, fertility depends on healthy reproductive organs, functioning hormones, and lifestyle. For women, fertility is largely influenced by age, with optimal fertility in their 20s to early 30s, declining significantly after 35. Men generally experience a slower decline in fertility, but factors like age and health still impact sperm quality.
Common causes of infertility include hormonal imbalances, structural issues (e.g., blocked fallopian tubes in women or low sperm count in men), lifestyle factors, and medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. Approximately 10-15% of couples worldwide experience infertility, leading many to seek medical help.
Fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and ovulation induction help couples conceive. Success rates vary with age, health, and the chosen treatment. Fertility preservation methods, like egg or embryo freezing, provide options for those who want to delay parenthood.
As awareness grows, people are more informed about the factors affecting fertility, creating a supportive environment for those on their fertility journey.