Although the conditions, infertility and sterility negatively impact your parenthood dream, they are not the same. These two conditions have huge differences.
Understanding the variation is the most essential thing before start worrying about why can’t I become a parent. Yes, couples need to understand what sterility and infertility mean to welcome their little child.
Look no further, this blog elaborates on the difference between infertility and sterility. Keep reading and know about them in detail.
What is Sterility?
Sterility is a non-reversible condition caused due to genetic abnormalities, reproductive organ damage, or a specific illness or infection.
A sterile person is incapable of having a child. If they are women, it refers to ovulation nonexistence and when they are men, then it can be the absence of sperm in semen.
So, a sterile man can’t make a woman pregnant and a sterile woman can’t become pregnant even if the male’s reproductive health is good.
What is Infertility?
Infertility is a treatable condition that happens due to lifestyle changes, poor reproductive health, ovulation and fallopian tube disorders, ejaculatory disorders, and genetic abnormalities.
An individual can identify their infertility when they cannot conceive a child naturally after planned and unprotected sexual intercourse for a year.
Infertility is not a rare condition, some people experience it even after the success of the first pregnancy. Thus, a woman or man shouldn’t want to get worried after finding he/she is infertile.
Key Differences Between Sterility and Infertility
Infertility and sterility are the two different conditions that have a severe impact on pregnancy and the parenting journey. Still, some people misunderstand that these two conditions are the same.
Here are some key differences provided, take a glance at them.
| Sterility | Infertility | |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition |
Permanent inability to conceive. |
Temporary difficulty to conceive. |
|
Causes |
Genetic abnormalities.
Reproductive organ damages.
Removal of reproductive organs.
|
Ovulation issues and fallopian tube blockage.
Hormonal imbalances and lifestyle factors.
Ejaculatory problems.
|
|
Gender-Specific factors |
No ovulation in women.
No sperm production in men.
|
PCOS and endometriosis in females.
Hormonal issues and Varicocele in males.
|
|
Treatments |
IVF treatment is possible with donor sperm.
Adoption or surrogacy, if both the partners are sterile.
|
Lifestyle modifications.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ART.
|
|
Diagnosis |
Genetic testing
Semen analysis
Imagining tests
|
Pelvic examinations
Blood tests
Ultrasound and ovarian reserve testing
|
Causes of Sterility
People can experience sterility due to several reasons, such as:
- Genetic abnormalities.
- Damages in the reproductive organs.
- Medical procedures like tubal ligation (tying the tubes).
- Removal of reproductive organs such as the uterus.
- Vasectomy, a birth control process for males.
Causes of Infertility
Lifestyle changes are one of the most important factors for causes of infertility in both males and females. They are,
- Following a sedentary lifestyle.
- Lack of exercise or any other physical activity.
- Obesity and nutritional imbalances in diet.
- Smoking, alcohol, and drug consumption.
- Sexually transmitted infections STIs.
In Women
Apart from the common causes, women can experience infertility problems due to PCOS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Hypothalamic dysfunction, primary ovarian insufficiency, excess prolactin production, fallopian tube damage, and endometriosis.
In Men
Men experience infertility issues because of these medical treatments and health problems.
It includes varicocele (veins swelling that drain testicles), ejaculation issues, tumors, hormonal imbalances, chromosome defects, sexual intercourse problems, and surgeries in private parts (testicular or prostate surgeries).
Diagnosis of Sterility vs. Infertility
Whatever the problem is, diagnosing the issue at the right time is essential to prevent worsening it.
So, when you sense any trouble in conceiving after 6 months of planned or unprotected sex, then make sure to check with your gynecologist.
Tests for Sterility
If a man is sterile, he can undergo genetic testing, semen analysis, sperm counting, testicular biopsy, vasography, and sperm penetration assay.
Women can undergo ovulation testing, hormone tests, imaging tests, thyroid function tests, and pelvic examinations.
Undergoing these tests may help to identify whether you are sterile or not.
Tests for Infertility
Women’s fertility mostly relies on the ovaries, egg health, and hormone levels. So, if a woman actively tries to conceive for more than a year and hasn’t seen results, then she can do these tests.
Pelvic examinations, blood tests, a transvaginal ultrasound, Hysteroscopy, ovarian reserve testing, endometrial biopsy, blood tests, and follicle-stimulating hormone tests.
Men also can examine their reproductive health, because healthy sperm are pivotal for a successful pregnancy.
Semen analysis, scrotal ultrasound, hormone testing, post-ejaculatory urinalysis, and specialized sperm function tests are essential tests to identify the reason for infertility.
Treatment Options for Infertility
Infertility is becoming a common issue because of many reasons. In some cases, women who had a successful first pregnancy can even face infertility issues with their following conceptions.
So, be aware of your fertility health and make sure to do these fertility treatments to increase the chances of conceiving.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
ART helps many couples with unexplained infertility issues to conceive successfully. In Vitro Fertilization IVF and ICSI Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection are two Assisted Reproductive Technologies.
IVF treatment offer several advantages including a high success rate of pregnancy, reduced chances of miscarriages, donor eggs, and sperms can be used, and women over 35 years old who face difficulties in conceiving can also get pregnant.
Lifestyle Changes to Improve Fertility
Lifestyle plays a vital role in a healthy pregnancy and happy life. Thus, consider lifestyle changes also an essential treatment for infertility and implement these changes.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Cutting off alcohol and smoking.
- Eat whole grains like brown rice, barley, oatmeal, and whole-wheat items.
- Get a personalized diet plan from your fertility expert to increase your chances of conceiving.
- Stay away from processed foods and high-sugar carbonated drinks.
- Never skip breakfast.
- Prioritize self-care and practice mindfulness.
- Manage stress and do activities that you love.
- Have a proper sleep schedule.
- Spend quality time with friends and family and reduce your screen time.
Implementing these things in daily life not only reduces infertility issues but also improves your overall health.
Can Sterility Be Treated?
As stated earlier, sterility is an irreversible condition that doesn’t have any specific treatments.
However, a female can get pregnant with IVF treatment through donor sperm if her husband is sterile. In case, both partners are sterile, then they can choose surrogacy and adoption.
When to Consult a Doctor
Sterility
Sterility is an irreversible issue and early medical procedures can be a reason for this condition.
Infertility
If you’re a woman under 35 years old trying to conceive for over a year or six months with regular and unprotected intercourse without success. Then, you can consult a fertility expert.
Last Few Words
In conclusion, while both sterility and infertility are related to difficulties in conceiving, they have different meanings. Understanding these differences is crucial for determining appropriate treatment options for individuals or couples facing troubles in conception.
Try to consult a fertility expert, they help diagnose the issue and offer timely treatments that improve the chance of pregnancy.
Fertility medications work like natural hormones such as Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating (Hormone FSH) that help to trigger ovulation.
Male fertility pills change men’s endocrine system in plenty of ways. It increases the amount of testosterone and decreases the estradiol amount.
Women can choose Assisted Reproductive Treatment like ICSI and IVF when they don’t produce healthy eggs to fertilize or with unexplained infertility.
Men can choose ART when there is any blockage in the reproductive tract or a low sperm count.
Follow these effective strategies to manage the emotional challenges of sterility.
- Open up your feelings such as anger, guilt, and resentment, and stay honest to save your relationship at any cost.
- Practice yoga, mindfulness, and meditation to overcome anxiety, stress, and mixed emotions.
- Avoid blaming yourself or your partner for everything and prioritize self-care habits.
- Seek professional help and fix an appointment with a fertility expert or therapist.
Genetic abnormalities in women result in ovulation disruption and infertility.
Single gene defects can cause fertility issues like cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, sickle cell disease, Canavan disease, and Thalassemia.
Stress, poor diet, obesity, medications, sleep deprivation, and others are some reasons for hormonal imbalance.
This imbalance in your body can cause irregular menstruation, hormonal acne, and anovulation. These problems lead to infertility issues in your body.
