Infertility is defined as a couple's inability to conceive within one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.
Affecting one in six couples in society, this problem is noteworthy not only for its medical aspects but also for its psychological and social dimensions. While the causes are roughly equal in both men and women, in some cases the exact cause cannot be determined.
The most common causes in women include ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, and advanced age.
In men, abnormalities in sperm count, motility, or structure are prominent. Factors such as smoking, obesity, high stress, and exposure to environmental toxins can also negatively affect fertility.
Significant progress has been made in infertility treatment today. Initially, methods such as inducing ovulation with medication or artificial insemination are preferred, while in more advanced stages, assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (ICSI) are applied. Thanks to these methods, many couples have the chance to have a healthy baby.
One of the prominent innovations in treatment in recent years is the development of embryo culture media. These special environments, which provide more physiological conditions, improve embryo quality and increase pregnancy rates.
Furthermore, AI-assisted imaging systems used for embryo selection help to more objectively determine which embryo has a high potential for implantation in the uterus.
Advances in genetic diagnostic methods are also noteworthy. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) examines the chromosomal structure of embryos, ensuring that only healthy ones are transferred.
This reduces the risk of miscarriage and increases the chance of live birth. In addition, research on stem cell and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) applications in women with low ovarian reserve is yielding promising results.
Infertility treatment is not only a technical process but also a journey requiring patience, solidarity, and psychological support for couples.
Planning treatment options individually is one of the most important factors in increasing the chances of success.
