In this article:
What is Infertility?
Infertility is when you’re unable to get pregnant after trying for a specific period. For couples under 35, this means having regular, unprotected intercourse for a year without conceiving. If you’re over 35, the timeframe shortens to six months. It’s a common issue affecting around 48 million couples worldwide. Infertility doesn’t mean you can never have a child; it often just means you need some medical help to make it happen.Causes of Infertility
These are some common causes of infertility:- In women: Conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, thyroid disease, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can interfere with conception. Other issues include blocked fallopian tubes, poor egg quality, or hormonal imbalances.
- In men: Low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or conditions like varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum) can cause infertility. Genetic issues like Klinefelter syndrome or low testosterone levels may also play a role.
Types of Infertility
Infertility comes in two forms:- Primary infertility: When you’ve never been pregnant despite trying for a year (or six months if over 35).
- Secondary infertility: When you’ve had at least one pregnancy but are now struggling to conceive again.
What is Sterility?
Sterility is different from infertility. It means you’re completely unable to conceive naturally, even with medical help. It’s a permanent condition caused by specific medical issues or procedures. Unlike infertility, sterility leaves no chance of natural conception without third-party assistance like donor eggs or sperm.Causes of Sterility
Sterility can result from:- In women: Absence of ovulation, missing reproductive organs (like the uterus or ovaries due to surgery or birth defects), or procedures like tubal ligation.
- In men: No sperm production (azoospermia), absence of testes (from birth or surgery), or vasectomy.
Key Difference Between Infertility and Sterility
It's important to know the difference between infertility and sterility. The two may seem similar, but they have different meanings:| Difference | Infertility | Sterility |
| Possibility of Conception | Difficult, but often possible with treatment. | Natural conception is impossible. |
| Cause | Treatable issues like hormonal imbalance or low sperm count. | Irreversible conditions like missing reproductive organs or permanent surgical changes. |
| Duration | Can be temporary or permanent depending on the cause. | Always permanent. |
| Diagnosis | Diagnosed after repeated failure to conceive over time. | Confirmed by clear evidence of irreversible reproductive issues. |
Sterility and Infertility Difference: Busting Common Myths
Dealing with these issues can be confusing with all the myths out there. Here’s what you need to know:1. Myth: Infertility is rare.
Fact: Around 1 in 6 adults worldwide face infertility. Many cases go undiagnosed because people assume they’re sterile and don’t seek help.2. Myth: If you have one child, you won’t face infertility later.
Fact: Most couples with infertility already have a child. Secondary infertility is real.3. Myth: Age only impacts women’s fertility.
Fact: Age affects all genders. Women over 35 produce fewer viable eggs, while men over 40 may have reduced semen volume.4. Myth: Male infertility equals sterility.
Fact: Men can be infertile or sterile. Sterility is rarer and involves no sperm production at all.5. Myth: Men with no sperm can never father children.
Fact: If the issue is a blockage, sperm can sometimes be retrieved from the testes for use in treatments like IVF.Diagnosing Infertility and Sterility
Getting the right diagnosis is the first step to finding solutions. This is how each condition is identified:- Infertility in women: Doctors start with your medical history, followed by tests like pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, blood tests for hormone levels, or procedures like laparoscopy to check for issues like fibroids or endometriosis.
- Infertility in men: Diagnosis involves semen analysis to check sperm count and motility, blood tests for hormone levels, and scrotal ultrasounds to detect problems like varicoceles.
- Sterility: This is diagnosed when there’s clear evidence of permanent reproductive barriers, such as no ovulation, no sperm production, or missing reproductive organs. Genetic tests or imaging may confirm this.
Treatment Options for Infertility and Sterility
Infertility is often treatable, depending on the cause. Common treatments include medications to balance hormones or surgeries to correct issues like endometriosis or varicoceles. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) can also be used, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Lifestyle changes, like maintaining a healthy diet, quitting smoking, or reducing stress, can also improve fertility.Sterility, on the other hand, usually means natural conception isn’t possible. But there are still ways to build a family. Options include using donor eggs, sperm, or embryos, or gestational surrogacy. Adoption is another meaningful option for those facing sterility.
Both conditions can take a toll on your mental health. Feelings of frustration, sadness, or guilt are common and societal pressure can make things harder. But early action can improve your chances of success. Whatever your situation, consulting a fertility expert can open doors to building the family you dream of.
FAQs on Infertility Vs Sterility: What's The Difference?
- What is the difference between infertility and sterility?
Infertility means having trouble getting pregnant, but it may still be possible with treatment or assistance. Sterility means natural conception is not possible at all due to a permanent condition, like missing or non-functioning reproductive organs. - Can men be naturally sterile?
Yes, men can be naturally sterile. This can happen due to genetic conditions, birth defects, or problems with the development of reproductive organs.
