Infertility is a widespread global health issue that impacts approximately 186 million individuals of reproductive age worldwide. In the United States alone, one in five heterosexual women aged 15 to 49 years with no prior births are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying – with 26% experiencing trouble carrying a pregnancy to term (impaired fecundity).
For many people, getting diagnosed with infertility can be incredibly taxing (both physically and emotionally), regardless of gender, sexual orientation or age. If you’re thinking about starting a family, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the facts and test for infertility early to mitigate the most stressful aspects of the process.
Here’s everything you should know about testing, getting diagnosed with and living with infertility.
Signs and Causes of Infertility in Women
Unfortunately, there aren’t many noticeable symptoms of infertility, and many women only discover their fertility issues when they’re ready to have a baby. That said, however, having a history of conditions such as endometriosis, irregular periods, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and cystic fibrosis can predispose you to the condition. In the female reproductive system, infertility may be caused by a range of abnormalities in the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes or endocrine system – which may be inherited or caused by a pelvic or hormonal disorder.
Early Diagnosis is Key
If you’re curious about whether you have infertility, the only surefire way to know is to get tested. By doing so months or years before you’re ready to have children, you can mitigate any surprise or frustration associated with their status and take the time they need to pursue potential treatment options. Therapies for infertility may include lifestyle adjustments, medications, hormone therapy, surgery, sperm or egg donation, intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Regardless of your treatment regimen, it will be important to regularly consult your doctor to track your fertility metrics and adapt treatment plans accordingly. If you prefer to conduct these tests in private, at-home testing can be a great alternative for ongoing monitoring. At Cue® Health, we’re committed to empowering patients to take charge of their own health – and testing for infertility is no exception. With this in mind, we currently offer a lab-quality infertility panel with a virtual care option that can help you better understand your infertility and the steps needed to address it. Visit our infertility panel page for more information.
This information is presented in summary form, general in nature, and for informational purposes only. Content is not intended nor recommended to substitute for professional medical advice. For personal medical advice, always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. The tests offered are subject to change and subject to availability. Due to state restrictions, this Cue Product is not available for individuals located in the state of New York. Other state restrictions may apply for specific tests. Please refer to our support page for detailed product terms and conditions.
References:
- https://www.who.int/health-topics/infertility
- https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/infertility/should-my-partner-and-i-get-tested-infertility
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility
- https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/fertility-treatments
- https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/fertility-treatments/what-iui
- https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/fertility-treatments/what-ivf
