Human fertility definition

What is fertility? We provide you with a clear fertility definition.

fertility definition sperm egg conception

So what exactly is the meaning of fertility? This might seem like a simple question, but a lot of people are not quite sure about the answer! Let's help explain. We'll also discuss the meanings of infertility and sterility.

What is fertility?

A few different factors combine into one to describe the term fertility -

♦ Capability of producing healthy offspring through normal sexual activity

♦ Health of the entire reproductive system

♦ Degree of how fertile a man or woman is

Even though our fertility definition covers both genders, lets look a little more in depth to what this means for men and women separately -

Fertility definition for men

Correct balance of hormones (chemical messengers)
Condition of the sexual organs
Healthy semen - fluid which carries, nourishes, and protects sperm cells
Sperm production capability (overall health plays a large role)
Sperm quality - count, motility, and morphology

Fertility definition for women

Correct balance of hormones
Condition of the sexual organs
Number of healthy eggs, as they decline with age
Immature egg to mature and be released during ovulation - normal menstrual cycle
Fertilized egg to successfully implant into the uterus lining
Ability to nourish and carry a pregnancy to full term

What is infertility?

Medical experts describe infertility as the failure to conceive after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse (this term applies for both men and women). Once a female reaches the age of 35, this time period decreases to six months.

A full evaluation by a physician is required to determine the cause of infertility. Certain common health disorders or medications can contribute towards delayed conception. Monitoring of existing medical conditions may be required, or adjustments to any prescription medications. If a problem is diagnosed within the reproductive system, treatments may be possible to help restore fertility.

Infertility may only be a temporary condition. It can be brought about by numerous factors such as poor nutrition, lifestyle (bad habits) toxins, or even just bad timing. A change to a healthier way of living (for both partners) can influence your chances of becoming parents.

Primary infertility - this is when a couple have never achieved a successful pregnancy.

Secondary infertility - a couple who have previously had at least one child, but have been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for a year.

Sub-fertility - described as having a diminished (less than normal) reproductive capacity. Such examples may be a woman who has been diagnosed with fibroids, or a man with a low sperm count result. This term is often used interchangeably with the word infertility.

Unexplained infertility - a common diagnosis from doctors, which means that no identifiable medical explanation has been found.

What is sterility?

Sterility is the permanent inability to produce offspring.

A person may have been born with a genetic disorder, structural defect, or a missing sexual organ. Complications from disease, injury, or surgery may also lead to sterility (irreversible damage or severe scar tissue). In certain circumstances (such as cancer) surgical removal of part of the reproductive tract may have been necessary. Options for couples in this situation may include sperm or egg donors, surrogacy, and also adoption.