Difficulty getting pregnant or infertility is a condition that is often found in millennial couples today. Infertility can be caused by female, male, or both factors.

Infertility is divided into 2 (two), namely:
Primary infertility and secondary infertility.
A. Primary infertility is defined as the failure of a couple to conceive after 12 months or more of regular sexual intercourse without contraception.
B. Secondary infertility is the inability of a person to have children or maintain a pregnancy.



Infertility Risk Factors

- Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption can reduce sperm quality.
- Smoking
Cigarettes contain substances that are harmful to eggs, sperm and embryos
- Weight
Women who have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 29, tend to take longer to get pregnant.
- Sport
Light-moderate exercise can increase fertility. Strenuous exercise can reduce fertility.
- Stress
- Drugs
Some medications can reduce sperm production and development.
- Profession
There are several occupations that involve exposure to substances harmful to the fertility of both a woman and a man. Materials that have been identified that can affect fertility include heat, X-ray radiation, metals and pesticides.

Causes of Infertility

1. Female Factor

a) Ovulation disorders
Such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, disorders of the menstrual cycle, primary ovarian insufficiency
b) Tubal and pelvic disorders
Tubal damage can be caused by infection (Chlamidia, Gonorrhoea, TB) or endometriosis.
c) Uterine disorders, including submucosal myomas, endometrial polyps, leiomyomas, Asherman syndrome

2. Male Factor
a) Congenital or acquired urogenital disorders
b) Urogenital tract infections
c) Elevated scrotal temperature
d) Endocrine disorders
e) Genetic disorders
f) Immunological factors

Author : Dr. Clarinda Hermanto (Medical Consultant Doctor at PRAMITA Clinical Lab Branch Jl. Bambang Sugeng No. A2 Magelang)