The desire to have children is not only a natural need but also a dream, a result of marriage. Unfortunately, this natural need can sometimes be impossible for everyone.
![]() |
(Photo: happi) |
In any case, being unable to have children is a challenging obstacle to overcome. Knowing that one is infertile can lead to emotional shock; couples may feel abnormal, which often results in disappointment, anger, pain, and self-blame, potentially leading to a complete breakdown in communication between partners.
Typically, when a wife becomes aware of the issue, it can be challenging to convince the husband to seek infertility testing, even though infertility does not solely stem from female causes. In about 40% of cases, the causes are male-related.
Treatments for infertility are often lengthy, but it is essential to maintain hope. It is not uncommon for infertile couples to eventually have a child. Generally, medical advice suggests that couples should consult a doctor if they have been trying to conceive through unprotected intercourse for a year without any signs of pregnancy. The doctor will recommend a series of tests for both partners to determine the cause.
Causes from the Female Side
Reproductive Infections: Certain cervical diseases (such as cervical mucus infections) or vaginal infections (like Chlamydia) can block part or all of the fallopian tubes, hindering sperm movement. If these infections are detected early, they can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Conversely, if not identified promptly and they result in abnormalities, surgical intervention or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be necessary.
Seek Medical Attention at the First Sign of Infection: symptoms like fever, headaches… Treatment will be much easier, more effective, and significantly less costly. IVF is very expensive and does not always guarantee success.
Ovulation Disorders: This is the most common cause of infertility. Many scenarios can occur: either there is no ovulation at all, or ovulation is irregular. Some women with normal menstrual cycles can also experience ovulation disorders. By supplementing reproductive hormones that affect the ovaries, ovulation can be stimulated, allowing these women to conceive.
Cyst Formation: Ovarian cysts are benign tumors that can obstruct the reproductive process. In most cases, resolving this issue may only require the cyst to be removed through medication or surgery.
Endometrial Inflammation: Endometrial tissue (the uterine lining) may grow and adhere around the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix, obstructing fertilization. These tissues can be removed through surgical procedures.
Causes from the Male Side
Sperm production disorders are the leading cause of male infertility. Sperm may be produced in adequate numbers but can be abnormally shaped or unable to move properly. It is also possible for sperm to be normal but insufficient in quantity.
There are numerous causes for sperm production disorders:
– Infectious diseases such as mumps can infect the reproductive organs, leading to infertility, especially if the infection occurs after puberty.
– Hormonal disorders: Insufficient hormone production can disrupt testosterone secretion and sperm production.
In these cases, medical science has effective treatment methods.
– Blockages in the sperm ducts can obstruct all or part of the semen. These may be congenital or the result of an infection of the reproductive tract.
Surgical intervention in these cases can restore fertility.
Ngân Anh