Infertility lingo explained!

An infertility diagnosis usually comes after a couple has been having unprotected sex for more than a year without falling pregnant. If you have been actively trying for that long, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your gynaecologist for further testing.

Permanent infertility

Unfortunately, this means that a couple is unable to achieve natural conception at all. Ulterior conception methods, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) usually follows a permanent infertility diagnosis.

The following conditions may cause permanent infertility;

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Problems with Ovulation
• Poor egg quality
• Problems with a woman’s fallopian tubes

Secondary infertility

This diagnosis is given to couples who struggle to fall pregnant after already having conceived a child. Secondary infertility is usually a tough pill to swallow after a previous uncomplicated conception and pregnancy.

The causes of secondary infertility are usually the same as primary infertility. These issues have just developed after you have had your first child.

Sub-infertility

A Sub-infertility diagnosis is given to couples who are less fertile than the average couple. Being diagnosed with sub-fertility doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to conceive, it just means that the road to conception will be a little longer (and harder) for you.

Where does the problem lie?

It’s a common misconception that fertility problems lie only with the woman. But, research shows that 30% of the time, it’s actually the man that is the problem. Another 30% is attributed to the woman’s inability to fall pregnant, while the remaining 40% goes to a combination of both the woman and man having fertility problems.

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Lara Bestbier

Writer. Creative. Word-nerd. Aspiring photographer. Old wife. Brand new member of the elite society called mommy-hood. Mom to the only drama queen more demanding than me. “Life’s too short to keep a straight face”.

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