Pregnancy: Conception – Maternity – Trimester
Hormones and male fertility: testosterone and hormonal imbalance

Hormones and male fertility: testosterone and hormonal imbalance

The hormonal axis behind sperm production Spermatogenesis is controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone, or GnRH, in pulses. GnRH signals the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone, or LH, and follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH. LH stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. FSH acts mainly on Sertoli cells, which […]

Semen analysis: how to read results and common abnormalities

Semen analysis: how to read results and common abnormalities

What a semen analysis is, and what it is not A semen analysis is a laboratory test that evaluates the ejaculate. It typically measures semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, motility, morphology, pH, liquefaction, viscosity, and sometimes the presence of round cells, white blood cells, agglutination, or antisperm antibody-related findings. It is commonly used […]

Sperm morphology and abnormal sperm shape impact

Sperm morphology and abnormal sperm shape impact

What sperm morphology means Sperm morphology is the microscopic assessment of sperm shape. A typical sperm has an oval head containing genetic material, an acrosome that helps the sperm interact with the egg, a midpiece rich in mitochondria for energy production, and a long tail that supports forward movement. During semen analysis, trained laboratory personnel […]

Sperm motility and factors affecting sperm movement

Sperm motility and factors affecting sperm movement

What sperm motility means Sperm motility is a core component of semen quality. In practical terms, it asks: how many sperm are moving, how well are they moving, and are they moving in a direction that could support fertilization? A semen sample may contain millions of sperm, but if a substantial proportion are immotile or […]

Sperm count: normal ranges, low count, and causes

Sperm count: normal ranges, low count, and causes

What sperm count measures In everyday language, “sperm count” often refers to how many sperm are present in a semen sample. In laboratory reporting, two related numbers are especially important. Sperm concentration is the number of sperm per milliliter of semen. Total sperm number is the estimated number of sperm in the whole ejaculate, calculated […]

Male fertility basics: how it works, sperm production, and key factors

Male fertility basics: how it works, sperm production, and key factors

What male fertility requires For conception to occur, the male reproductive contribution must meet several biological requirements. The testes need to produce enough functional sperm; sperm must mature and travel through the epididymis and vas deferens; accessory glands must contribute fluid to semen; and ejaculation must deposit semen near the cervix during the fertile window. […]

Fibroids and fertility impact

Fibroids and fertility impact

Understanding fibroids in a fertility context Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, arise from the myometrium, the muscular wall of the uterus. They are hormonally responsive and may enlarge during reproductive years, although their growth patterns vary widely. Some remain small and stable for years; others cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, urinary frequency, […]

Early warning signs of fertility problems and when to suspect an issue

Early warning signs of fertility problems and when to suspect an issue

The earliest sign is often time, not pain or obvious illness For many people, fertility problems are silent. A person may have regular periods, predictable ovulation signs, and no pelvic pain yet still face difficulty conceiving. Similarly, a male partner may have normal sexual function but still have a low sperm count, reduced motility, or […]

Age and female fertility decline

Age and female fertility decline

Why female fertility is strongly age-dependent Unlike sperm production, which continues throughout adult life, the female ovarian reserve is established before birth and declines continuously. During fetal life, the ovaries contain millions of germ cells. By birth, the number is substantially lower; by puberty, only a fraction remains. Through each menstrual cycle, a cohort of […]

Obesity and infertility

Obesity and infertility

Understanding the relationship between obesity and infertility Infertility is commonly defined as not becoming pregnant after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse, or after 6 months if the person trying to conceive is 35 or older. Obesity is usually defined by body mass index, with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, although BMI does […]