Sterility. Infertility.
In some areas both terms are used as synonyms to define couples with a problem in having a child, but medically speaking there is a clear distinction:
Sterility is defined as the difficulty to achieve pregnancy after a year of frequent sexual relations near the day of ovulation and without protection. This definition is based on the estimate of an 85% probability of becoming pregnant over one year in normal conditions. It is important to know that the human species does not have a high reproductive ability. It is said there is a 25% chance of pregnancy during sexual relations maintained when the woman is ovulating. Approximately 1 out of 6 couples of fertile age will be affected by sterility (15% - 17%). Primary sterility is when the couple has never achieved gestation, and secondary sterility is when the couple already has a history of one or various pregnancies.
One talks of primary infertility when the pregnant couple achieves spontaneous pregnancy on one or more occasions, but it is impossible to follow this pregnancy through to its full term and achieve a normal newly-born baby. If after a pregnancy and normal birth the couple does not achieve a new gestation that is followed through to a normal newly-born baby, this is called secondary infertility. So, we are talking about couples that suffer repeated abortions or miscarriages. It is important to take into account that suffering from an occasional abortion or miscarriage is considered normal in a woman’s reproductive medical history.
We must take into account that what has been explained up to here refers to the percentages of pregnancies in women under 35 years of age. We know that as of this age the reproductive potential drops and that after 40 years of age the possibility of pregnancy per month is less than 10%.
When do we recommend beginning a sterility study? Given what has been explained so far, we believe that this will depend on the woman’s age and the possibilities of pregnancy that she is going to have with the treatment that our Centres can provide.
Therefore, for a woman of 35 years of age or under, it would be most advisable to wait a year. On the other hand, if she is over 35 it is advisable to begin a study after six months. So, if you think you have a sterility problem based on what is written above, or you suspect there is one of the risk factors described as follows, consult a gynaecologist for your case to be assessed and you may be considered if necessary for referral to a specialised centre to receive more suitable personalised treatment.