There are some things that the passing of time just couldn’t change. And the joy of being blessed with children is just one of these things. Generally speaking, children can be considered as God’s most special gifts to couples. However, it is sad to note that at least ten million people in the United States alone cannot enjoy this blessing. They simply do not have the capability to bear children.
It is sometimes bewildering to imagine that at least one out of every six couples of childbearing age in this country will not enjoy the joys and wonders of parenthood. With such a staggering number of couples affected by this situation, it is surprising that the issues surrounding infertility are rarely discussed. What is even more surprising is that even in this technologically advanced era, this condition is understood even less.
Infertility may come as a shock to most couples that desperately wanted to have their own flesh and blood to complete their union. And why not? With the world preoccupied with population issues, such as preventing unwanted pregnancies and controlling the ballooning population in some countries, nobody would expect that some couples simply could not bear their own children. Infertility can be defined as the inability to conceive after trying so for about a year or more. It can also be referred to as the inability to carry pregnancies up to a full term. When such problems take place, it is necessary for couples to undergo a lengthy and quite expensive series of tests called an “infertility work-up” to pinpoint the exact cause (or causes) of the problem.
However, due to the limitations in financial resources, time and motivation of some childless couples, the problem becomes a concern mainly of those who can afford such a lengthy and expensive procedure. Hence, the problem of infertility becomes an issue for the middle and upper-middle class.
If you are taken aback by the sheer number of childless couples today, you will be more aghast by the prediction that infertility will continue to create anguish in many more numbers of couples in the next few years! A good number of people who have postponed marriage and childbearing in favor of their careers may eventually find it difficult or even impossible to have their own children.
Possible Causes of Infertility in Males – Both men and women who are seemingly in the best of health may find themselves incapable to bear their own children. For males, impotence and low sperm count can be considered as the main causes of infertility. Impotence accounts for less than five percent of all the cases of male infertility and can result from a number of possible causes. However, some sexually active men may also be in for an unwelcome surprise. A significant number of men will be shocked to learn that they have low sperm counts; or perhaps their sperms are just not active enough to effect a conception.
Possible Causes of Infertility in Females – Some women, on the other hand, may inadvertently suffer from endometriosis, a condition in which parts of the uterine lining seed themselves in various places along the reproductive tract. This condition was once labeled as the “working woman’s disease” since it is a very common finding in American women past 30. The fact that the medical community still has no conclusive studies to indicate the real causes of this disease adds a sad note to this situation. Another factor that plays a significant role in the increasing cases of infertility in today’s women is the pill. Taking the pill indiscriminately for quite a long period of time may affect a woman’s ability to conceive and bear children.
Some cases of infertility can be corrected. Just do your research and work closely with your doctor to know what options are available for you and your partner.
