WAITING AND WONDERING
Millions of
couples seek help for fertility problems each year. Like you, they face
bewildering frustration and growing concern about their prospects for
parenthood. Infertility is a challenge you probably never expected, but
patience, support, and knowledge can help you deal with it. Although it is
natural to feel discouraged about fertility problems, there are good
reasons to be optimistic. In many cases, your doctor can help you find the
source of those problems and explore all possible solutions. From simple
steps that you can take on your own to highly advanced medical techniques,
the options are numerous and encouraging. Talk with your doctor and feel
free to ask questions.
THE COMPLEX PATH TO PREGNANCY
Conceiving
a baby is something that many of us take for granted. Actually, the
process is nothing short of a miracle. Even for the most fertile couple,
the chance of becoming pregnant each month is only one in four. An
intricate sequence of events must be carefully orchestrated by chemical
messengers (hormones). In both men and women, the follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH) prepare sperm and egg for
their union. Sperm Develop in the Man. Beginning in puberty, a man's body
produces millions of sperm every day of his life. FSH and LH are released
by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. FSH activates sperm
production. LH stimulates production of testosterone, which also
contributes to the development of mature sperm. Sperm are produced inside
the testicles, then move through a coiled tube called the epididymis. It
takes up to three months for sperm to develop to maturity. The vas
deferens carry sperm from the epididymis to the seminal vesicles and
prostate gland, where fluid is added to form semen. Semen moves out of the
body through the urethra. Although millions of sperm are released at
ejaculation, most of the semen consists of fluid. This fluid provides
nutrients and enzymes to nourish and protect the sperm.
OBSTACLES
TO PREGNANCY
Infertility, defined as the inability of a couple to conceive within one
year of unprotected intercourse, may be caused by factors as diverse as
age, lifestyle, or medical problems. Your ability to conceive may depend
on the answers to the questions below:
Are
There Enough Healthy Sperm? A man must produce enough active,
normal sperm to enable fertilization of the woman's egg.
Can the
Sperm and the Egg Meet? To meet, the sperm and egg must be able
to travel through the male and female reproductive tracts; each pathway
must be free of blockage.
LIFESTYLE AND HEALTH HABITS
Some
lifestyle choices and health habits, such as those described below, may
also affect your ability to conceive. Ask your doctor about them Smoking
may lower sperm count, decrease sperm movement, and cause abnormally
shaped sperm.
Alcohol
and Drugs - Excessive alcohol drinking may lower sperm count and cause
abnormal sperm production. Drugs such as marijuana or cocaine lower sperm
count as well.
Testicular Heat - When the testicles are too warm, sperm production
decreases. Excess weight, high fever, hot work environments, hot tubs,
saunas, and tight pants may raise testicular temperature and decrease
fertility. Strenuous Exercise may decrease hormone production. Other
Factors including types of lubricants and medication may lead to
infertility.
