Most healthcare centers, including infertility clinics, interpret infertility in various forms. For instance, they make a distinction between an infertile and subfertile couple. The difference between the two might seem minimal, but it can seriously impact the kind of assisted reproductive technology recommended as a part of the infertility treatment.
Subfertility doesn’t mean the inability to reproduce or being infertile; it is simply a state of reduced fertility. A common example of this is couples unable to conceive due to psychological issues or stress that is often temporary.
Understanding Infertility
A couple is regarded as infertile if they have not been able to conceive after 12 months of intercourse without the use of contraceptives. However, this definition is applicable when the female partner is below 34 years of age. It should be noted that the period of 12 months might be slightly extended by some infertility clinics, depending upon the medical history of the couple.
This is usually done when there is a diagnosed reproductive pathology--medical conditions that are impairing chances of establishing natural pregnancy in either of the partners. Twelve months is usually quoted since this is the lower TTP (Time to Pregnancy) limit according to the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Understanding Subfertility
In terms of being an obstacle in establishing pregnancy, subfertility is regarded as more benign or a more treatable condition than infertility. Just like infertility, subfertility too is diagnosed after a year of repeated attempts at conceiving.
Subfertility is essentially a diminished ability to reproduce. In fertile couples, pregnancy is most likely to happen within the first six attempts. If the couple cannot conceive during this phase, subfertility is indicated.
Common Causes of Male Subfertility
- Lowered sperm count
- Lowered sperm volume
- Ejaculation problems
- Seminal fluid disorders
- Blockage of seminal ducts
- Psychological factors
Common Causes of Female Subfertility
- Disturbed ovulation cycle
- Hormonal disturbance
- Uterus defects
- Insufficient cervical mucus
- Psychological factors
Please note that subfertility might be induced by any illness that affects the overall health of the individual. Such cases of subfertility often self-resolve once the illness is comprehensively treated.
