Sterility, Fertility, and Everything In Between
In cases of infertility, sterility is the term used to refer to a complete medical inability to produce the necessary cells for pregnancy and conception. A woman with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes or a man with no testes would be considered truly medically sterile. However, these cases are very rare, and are usually either the result of an inborn deformity, an accident, or an unrelated disease that necessitated removal of these organs.
Sterility is often confused with infertility. While infertility may be the result of sterility, being sterile is no longer an end to the possibility of conception. Thanks to in vitro fertilisation and intra-uterine insemination, it is possible for partners who are sterile to conceive.
Reproducing with Medical Help
Medically assisted reproduction is a delicate process that requires expert timing. Most importantly, the woman must have ovulated in order to conceive. Women who have not ovulated are not fertile, and any sperm used will be wasted.
The quickest and most convenient way to predict ovulation is with an at-home ovulation test. There are two popular types of ovulation test available. One is a seven-day ovulation test, pinpointing the two most fertile days out of one week, and the other is a twenty-day ovulation test, which is able to give a better overall picture of the woman's menstrual cycle in addition to her two most fertile days.
The seven-day ovulation test is most useful and popular among women who are already familiar with their menstrual cycle, as in those who may be practicing fertility awareness, or who are accustomed to predictable menstrual periods. The twenty-day ovulation test is much better for the average woman who may not be familiar with her cycles, or for one who has irregular and unexpected periods.
How an Ovulation Test Works
When a woman ovulates, the follicles inside the ovary are stimulated until one of them erupts, releasing an egg. The release of the egg and the ensuing trip through the fallopian tube are caused by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH). An ovulation test works by detecting the presence of this hormone, looking for levels above the norm.
However, similar to a pregnancy test, an ovulation test cannot guarantee accuracy. If the woman's natural luteinizing hormone levels are higher than average, the ovulation test might read this as false 'proof' of ovulation. Additionally, some hormone medications and diseases may cause an increase in LH and thus a false positive.
Achieving Conception Through Science
Conception can still be a feasible goal for people whose reproductive systems are permanently damaged. There are numerous scientific, homeopathic, and medical procedures designed to aid couples in reproduction, ranging from low-cost and low-effort to high-cost and labor-intensive. If you're having difficulty conceiving, talk with a fertility specialist today about making a child part of your future.
