Sub-fertility and Infertility are related terms that refer to the inability of a couple to conceive a child naturally.
-
Sub-fertility: Sub-fertility, also known as subfecundity or reduced fertility, indicates a reduced ability to conceive or maintain a pregnancy, but it does not necessarily mean a complete inability to have children. Couples experiencing sub-fertility may take longer to conceive than the average time it takes for a fertile couple, but they can still achieve pregnancy through natural means.
-
Infertility: Infertility is a more severe condition and is diagnosed when a couple is unable to conceive a child despite regular, unprotected intercourse for an extended period, typically 12 months or more. Infertility can result from various factors, including issues with the female reproductive system, male reproductive system, or a combination of both. In some cases, infertility may be irreversible, while in others, it may be treatable through medical interventions like fertility treatments or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Treatment
- Medical : anti-oxidants, vitamins, ovulation inducing drugs, hormones including gonadotropins releasing hormones
Surgical
- Surgical correction of varicocele for males
- Adhesiolysis, septum resection, myomectomy, polypectomy etc. for femaels
Role of ART ( Assisted Reproductive Techniques )
- Indication of IUI when male factor is present but fallopian tubes of females are patent
- Indication of IVT when male factor is present, tubes are blocked and unexplained infertility