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What is subfertility?
Subfertility is a common issue in the UK. It occurs when couples find it difficult to get pregnant without using any contraception. However, it is still possible to conceive naturally with subfertility, although this may take longer than usual.
What is the difference between subfertility and infertility?
Subfertility refers to the difficulty in conceiving a child. Individuals with subfertility issues may eventually conceive naturally, without any medical intervention, though it may take longer than those without such difficulties.
Subfertility is often confused with infertility, which is defined as the failure to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse and generally requires medical intervention.
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Causes of subfertility
It is important to know that the causes of subfertility differ between men and women. This also includes lifestyle choices.
Female
Subfertility is often caused by problems with ovulation. Individuals who experience irregular or absent periods may encounter difficulties with their menstrual cycle. These issues can stem from conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hormonal imbalances, or thyroid disorders.
Another common cause is related to tubal factors. This occurs when the fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. Various conditions can lead to this situation, including endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, surgical procedures, and untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Uterine abnormalities, including fibroids, can affect subfertility. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop around the womb. Many women do not experience any symptoms and are often diagnosed during routine scans. While fibroids are generally harmless, some can obstruct the fallopian tubes and interfere with embryo implantation. If this occurs, medication can be prescribed, or the fibroids can be surgically removed.
Male
Sperm quality and production can contribute to subfertility and can be caused by several factors. These include HIV, diabetes, cancer treatment, hormonal medications, and sexually transmitted infections.
Additionally, blockages in the genital area as well as genetically inherited conditions such as cystic fibrosis can interfere with the delivery of the sperm, ultimately impacting the ability to conceive.
General lifestyle factors
Several lifestyle factors can increase the risk of subfertility. One of the most significant factors is age, as women over 35 may find it more difficult to conceive and may struggle with subfertility.
Being overweight or underweight can also elevate the risk, so it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can negatively affect fertility, along with emotional and physical stress.
If you have any concerns about your lifestyle choices, contact your doctor for advice on making positive changes to help with your fertility journey.
Diagnosing subfertility
If you are concerned about your subfertility, get in touch with our patient support team. They will schedule a consultation, where you can talk about any concerns you may have.
We will conduct a fertility assessment, including, blood tests, scans, and for male patients, semen analysis. This will give us the information to help you with your fertility journey.
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Emotional challenges
We understand that struggling to conceive can significantly affect your emotional wellbeing, especially if you've been hoping to have children for some time.
This situation can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and stress, which may put a strain on your relationship. However, it's important not to give up hope and seek help and advice when necessary.
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Discuss subfertility with TFP Fertility
We understand how daunting it can be when it comes to concerns surrounding subfertility, but we are here to help.
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