Infertility vs. Sterility : What’s the Difference?

UPDATED ON 31 OCT. 2022

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There’s a lot of confusion about the differences between infertility and sterility. Both terms describe a situation where a person is unable to conceive a child, but they don’t mean the same thing. Infertility is when there’s a problem with the couple’s ability to get pregnant after one year of unprotected intercourse.

Sterility, on the other hand, is when there’s a problem with either the man’s ability to impregnate someone or with the woman’s ability to carry a baby to term. Let’s take a closer look at each one and explore some of the causes and treatment options.

Understanding Infertility

It requires understanding how pregnancy happens. In order for a woman to become pregnant, several things need to happen in the right order. First, the man’s sperm must travel through the woman’s vagina and into her uterus. Once there, the sperm must fertilize the woman’s egg. The fertilized egg then needs to travel down the fallopian tube and implant itself in the lining of the uterus. If any of these steps doesn’t happen properly, it can lead to infertility.

There are many different causes of infertility, but some of the most common include problems with ovulation, blockages in the fallopian tubes, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and age. Treatment options will vary depending on the underlying cause of infertility , but some common treatments include fertility drugs, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and surgery.

It’s important to remember that infertility is not a woman’s problem. In fact, about one-third of all cases of infertility are due to problems with the man’s reproductive organs. Another third are due to problems with the woman’s reproductive organs, and the remaining third are due to a combination of male and female factors or unknown causes.

Also Read : How Common is Male Infertility?

Understanding Sterility

Sterility, on the other hand, is a permanent condition that cannot be reversed. It can be caused by genetic abnormalities, damage to the reproductive organs, or certain illnesses or infections. People who are sterile cannot conceive a child, even with medical intervention.

While there is no cure for sterility, there are still ways for couples to have children. One option is to use donor sperm or eggs. This involves artificially inseminating the woman with sperm from a donor or using donor eggs in IVF. Another option is to adopt a child.

Making the distinction between infertility and sterility is important because it can help you better understand your reproductive options and make informed decisions about treatment. If you’re struggling to conceive, talk to your doctor about your options. They can help you figure out whether you have infertility or sterility and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Can you reverse sterility?

No, sterility is a permanent condition that cannot be reversed. However, there are still ways for couples to have children, such as using donor sperm or eggs, or adopting a child.

Common myths about infertility and sterility

Myth: Everyone experiences infertility at some point in their life.

Fact: While it’s true that about 15% of couples will experience infertility, it’s not something that everyone goes through. In fact, most couples will conceive a child within the first year of trying.

Myth: Infertility is always a woman’s problem.

Fact: While infertility can be caused by problems with the man’s reproductive organs, this is not always the case. In fact, about one-third of all cases of infertility are due to problems with the man’s reproductive organs. Another third are due to problems with the woman’s reproductive organs, and the remaining third are due to a combination of male and female factors or unknown causes.

Myth: You can’t get pregnant if you have fertility problems.

Fact:  While infertility can make it more difficult to conceive, it’s not impossible. There are many different treatment options available, such as fertility drugs, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and surgery. With the help of a fertility specialist, many couples are able to have children despite struggling with infertility.

Myth: Sterility is always caused by genetic abnormalities.

Fact: While sterility can be caused by genetic abnormalities, it can also be caused by damage to the reproductive organs, or certain illnesses or infections. People who are sterile cannot conceive a child, even with medical intervention.

Myth: There’s no point in getting treatment for sterility because it’s incurable.

Fact: While there is no cure for sterility, there are still ways for couples to have children. One option is to use donor sperm or eggs. This involves artificially inseminating the woman with sperm from a donor or using donor eggs in IVF. Another option is to adopt a child.

Making the distinction between infertility and sterility is important because it can help you better understand your reproductive options and make informed decisions about treatment. If you’re struggling to conceive, talk to your doctor about your options. They can help you figure out whether you have infertility or sterility and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

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