Infertility Health Video

Infertility, the inability to contribute to conception, can result from any number of causes. Learn more about infertility in this reproductive health video.

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Maintain a healthy weight & diet
Reduce your stress level
Limit your intake of alcohol & caffeine
Do not smoke
Consult a Physician

About this Author

Dr. Susan McGladdery is a medical graduate from Oxford University in the UK and has a Master's Degree in Medical Sciences from Cambridge University. She has been a member of the Royal College of Physicians since 1991 and a member of the American Academy of Urgent Care since 2006. She trained as a Family Physician in the UK in Oxford and then in London. In a medical career that spans over 20 years, she has worked as a doctor in 5 countries on 3 continents and cared for patients from a multitude of different nationalities and backgrounds. Dr. McGladdery joined FirstMed Centers in mid 2002 and became Regional Medical Director in 2003.

DR. SUSAN MCGLADDERY: Hello, my name is Dr. Sue McGladdery. I am the medical director from FirstMed Centers in Budapest, Hungary. I'd like to talk to you a little bit about infertility. This may be due to male infertility, female infertility, or a combination of both. It's surprisingly common. Around 10% to 15% of couples are classified as infertile, meaning that they've been trying to get pregnant with frequent unprotected intercourse for at least a year without success. 40% to 50% of the time, this is due to female infertility problems and 30% to 40% of the time is due to male infertility, and in around 10% to 30%, there are both male and female factors or the infertility problem cannot easily be explained. In women, infertility problems may be due to problems of ovulation and quite commonly due to damage to the fallopian tubes or problems of the cervix or the uterus. Endometriosis is another common cause of infertility. In men, infertility is usually due to problems with sperm production. So, why are some couples infertile? As we age, both for men and women, our fertility level decreases. Being a smoker or being over- or underweight, having a history of sexually transmitted disease, heavy alcohol consumption, or excessive caffeine will all decrease our fertility. So, when should you see your doctor? For women, in their early 30s or less, it's okay to try for a year and then see your doctor. For women in the ages of 35 to 40, it's better not to wait too long, probably 6 months, and then you should see your doctor if you haven't become pregnant. For women over 40 or with a history of abnormal periods, pelvic infection, recurrent miscarriage, or endometriosis, it's better not to wait but get advice early from your doctor. Your doctor will be able to advise both of you on all the necessary investigations and any test that you should make. So, what general things can you do? And this applies both to men and to women. It's very important to try and maintain a normal weight. Don't smoke. Follow healthy a lifestyle and diet. Try to reduce your stress level. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, and you should try and stay positive. There are many resources and therapies available to treat infertility, and sometimes, treatment is not necessary, just some extra time. In around 50% of infertile couples especially those with unexplained infertility, they'll go on to conceive spontaneously within about 3 years.

Infertility Health Video

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