Wann sollte ich wegen Unfruchtbarkeit einen Arzt aufsuchen?

Infertility treatment includes all medical and assisted reproductive methods aimed at helping couples conceive a child. Although insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are among the most well-known methods, there are also different treatment options that can be applied depending on the underlying cause of infertility. In order to determine which treatment is most suitable for a couple, an accurate and detailed infertility diagnosis must first be established.

During this evaluation process, the following criteria are generally taken into consideration:

• If the female partner is under the age of 35 and pregnancy does not occur despite at least one year of regular and unprotected intercourse, consultation with a specialist is recommended.
• Even if the female partner is under 35, if there are known conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, or other health issues, a doctor should be consulted as soon as pregnancy is planned, without waiting for one year.
• If the female partner is over the age of 35 and has no known health problems, an evaluation should be carried out if pregnancy does not occur after 6 months of regular and unprotected intercourse.
• If the female partner is over the age of 35 and has additional health conditions, it is recommended to consult a specialist immediately when the decision to have a child is made.

What Are the Symptoms of Infertility?

Since infertility can result from many different health conditions, it may not present with the same symptoms in every couple. Therefore, infertility does not have specific, clear, or standard symptoms. The most obvious and definitive sign is the inability to achieve pregnancy despite regular and unprotected intercourse.

However, some women and men may experience indirect symptoms that can indicate infertility. In women, menstrual irregularities, intermenstrual bleeding, severe menstrual pain, and ovarian cysts may be observed; in men, symptoms such as discharge, swelling, or pain in the testicles may point to an underlying condition or fertility problem.

These symptoms alone are not sufficient for a definitive diagnosis. An accurate evaluation and diagnosis must always be made by a qualified specialist.

How Is Infertility Diagnosed?

When couples consult a specialist for infertility evaluation, both the woman and the man are examined in detail. The investigation of infertility causes in women is generally more comprehensive and involves multiple stages compared to men.

For this reason, semen analysis is usually the first test requested from the male partner. At the same time, the female partner’s uterine structure, fallopian tubes, ovarian reserve, and hormonal status are evaluated through various tests and imaging methods.

By assessing the results of the semen analysis together with the examinations of the female partner, the cause of infertility is identified and the most appropriate treatment plan is created for the couple.

How Is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Performed?

In vitro fertilization is a planned treatment process consisting of several stages. In the first stage, the ovaries of the female partner are stimulated with medications to obtain multiple eggs. During this period, egg development is closely monitored through regular ultrasound examinations and hormone tests.

Once the eggs reach sufficient maturity, they are collected through a short and simple procedure. On the same day, a sperm sample is obtained from the male partner. In the laboratory, the eggs and sperm are evaluated, the highest-quality cells are selected, and fertilization is carried out.

After fertilization, embryos are formed and their development is carefully monitored. The highest-quality embryos are selected and transferred into the woman’s uterus. Approximately two weeks after the transfer, a pregnancy test is performed to evaluate the outcome of the treatment.

Today, in vitro fertilization is considered one of the most successful assisted reproductive methods in the treatment of infertility.