# What Is Infertility?

## How Is Infertility Diagnosed, and What Are the Symptoms?

## What Is Infertility?

Infertility is a condition in which a couple is unable to achieve pregnancy within one year despite having regular, unprotected sexual intercourse**.

For women over the age of 35, this period is considered to be 6 months.

Although infertility is often perceived in society as a problem that affects only women, the reality is different:

* Approximately 40% are caused by men

* Approximately 40% are caused by women

* 20% attributable to both parties or of unknown cause

arises for various reasons.

As Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol frequently emphasizes in his clinical practice, infertility is **not a problem limited to one partner**; it is a shared health issue that requires the couple to be evaluated together.

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How Common Is Infertility?

* One in every 6–7 couples faces infertility at some point in their lives

* Today, its prevalence is increasing due to environmental factors, stress, and lifestyle

* Male infertility has risen significantly over the past 30 years

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How Can You Tell If You're Infertile?

Infertility usually **progresses silently**. Most couples have no symptoms, and the problem is only noticed when pregnancy does not occur.

However, in some cases, **warning signs** may appear in both men and women.

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How Can Male Infertility Be Diagnosed?

Male infertility often has no symptoms. However, the following conditions may be cause for concern:

Possible Symptoms in Men

* Infertility

* Decreased sexual desire

* Problems with erection or ejaculation

* Small testicles or asymmetry

* Pain in the testicles or groin area

* Previous testicular surgeries

* History of varicocele

* Past infections (mumps, etc.)

📌 **Important:**

Even if a man’s sperm count and quality appear normal, functional issues can still lead to infertility.

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## How Is Infertility Diagnosed in Women?

Infertility in women may sometimes present with symptoms.

### Possible Symptoms in Women

* Menstrual irregularities

* Periods that are very painful or very light

* Prolonged menstrual delays

* Excessive hair growth (hormonal imbalance)

* Lactation (high prolactin levels)

* Previous ovarian or uterine surgeries

* History of endometriosis

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What Are the Most Common Causes of Infertility?

Causes of Male Infertility

🔹 Sperm Count and Quality Issues

* Low sperm count (oligozoospermia)

* Sperm motility disorder

* Abnormal sperm shapes

🔹 Varicocele

Sperm production is adversely affected by the dilation of the testicular blood vessels. It is the **most common treatable cause** of male infertility.

🔹 Hormonal Disorders

* Low testosterone

* Pituitary hormone disorders

* Thyroid disorders

🔹 Infections

* Testicular damage following mumps

* Chronic prostatitis

* Sexually transmitted diseases

🔹 Genetic Factors

* Chromosomal abnormalities

* Y chromosome microdeletions

Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol emphasizes that focusing solely on sperm count in male infertility is insufficient and that **the cause must be identified**.

What Are the Causes of Infertility in Women?

🔹 Ovulation Problems

* Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

* Hormonal imbalances

🔹 Clogged Tubes

* Past infections

* History of ectopic pregnancy

🔹 Uterine Problems

* Fibroids

* Polyps

* Intrauterine adhesions

🔹 Endometriosis

It causes inflammatory reactions in the ovaries and surrounding tissues, making it difficult to become pregnant.

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How Is Infertility Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of infertility should be evaluated **as a couple**.

Tests Performed on Men

* Semen analysis (spermiogram)

* Hormone tests

* Scrotal ultrasound

* Genetic testing, if necessary

Tests Performed on Women

* Hormone tests

* Ovulation tracking

* Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

* Ultrasonography

In Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol’s approach, the diagnostic process is not rushed; instead, **targeted evaluation** is conducted while avoiding unnecessary tests.

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What Happens If Infertility Is Not Treated?

* Psychological stress increases

* A romantic relationship may suffer

* A decrease in sexual desire may occur

* Depression and anxiety may develop

For this reason, infertility is not merely a biological condition; it also has psychosocial aspects.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis in Infertility

* A woman's egg reserve decreases as she gets older

* Sperm quality in men may decline over time

* Early diagnosis offers simpler treatment options

Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol emphasizes that the “let’s wait and see” approach can lead to a significant loss of time, particularly for older couples.

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What Are Some Recommendations for Couples Dealing with Infertility?

* Don't put off dealing with the problem

* Request a joint evaluation

* Don't trust misinformation on the internet

* Quit smoking and drinking

* Try to reduce stress

* Don't hesitate to seek expert advice

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Conclusion

Infertility is a health issue that can be diagnosed and treated today. With the right evaluation at the right center, many couples are able to have children either naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies.

The important thing is to acknowledge the problem and seek professional help in a timely manner.

The goal of the approach adopted by Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol is not to direct the couple toward a single treatment, but rather to develop a cause-based, scientific, and personalized roadmap.