Infertility vs Sterility: What’s the Difference?

Infertility vs Sterility is important to understand for couples who are trying to understand the reasons behind their inability to get pregnant. These two terms are frequently used interchangeably, but they have different meanings that are important to know. So, it’s very essential to understand why these terms matter and how they can affect a couple’s fertility journey.

Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist) at RISAA IVF has over 35 years of experience. She has helped many couples to become parents. So, today in this blog will explain about infertility and sterility and help you in your journey.

What is Infertility?

Infertility definition is very simple to understand. When someone faces issues to get pregnant even after trying for a long time, usually for one year or more without using any birth control. It can affect both men and women and there are many different reasons behind it. There are some couples who may not be able to conceive at all and there are some who might get pregnant but have problems in keeping that pregnancy.

In women, infertility can happen due to issues with ovulation, blocked fallopian tubes, or problems with the uterus. In men, it may be caused by low sperm count, poor sperm movement, or other health problems. However, infertility does not always mean that a couple cannot have a child. There are many couples who are able to conceive and become parents with the right treatments.

Sterility Meaning

Sterility means when there’s complete inability to have children. It is a condition where a person cannot get pregnant or make someone pregnant, no matter how many times they try or how long they try. There may still be a chance of treatment in infertility but sterility usually means that natural pregnancy is not possible at all.

In women, sterility can happen if the uterus has been removed through surgery (like a hysterectomy), or if there are severe problems with the reproductive organs that cannot be managed. In men, it can occur if they produce no sperm at all or if there is a condition that fully blocks sperm from reaching the semen.

Key Differences Between Infertility and Sterility

Infertility and sterility are both related to the inability to have a child but they are not the same. Here is a simple table to understand the main differences of Infertility vs Sterility:

Common Causes of Infertility

Infertility can affect men and women. It often happens due to problems with the reproductive system, hormones, or lifestyle. There are some causes that are temporary and can be treated. However, there are some other issues that may need medical support to improve the chances of pregnancy. Here are some of the most common reasons:

In Women:

• Irregular or no ovulation (often due to PCOS or hormonal issues)
• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
• Endometriosis (tissue growing outside the uterus)
• Uterine problems (like fibroids or scarring)
• Age related decline in egg quality
• Thyroid disorders

In Men:

• Low sperm count

• • Poor sperm movement or shape
  • Hormonal imbalance

• Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)

• Past infections or injuries
• Smoking, alcohol, and obesity

What Causes Sterility?

Sterility happens when a person is completely unable to have children naturally. This condition can affect men and women and the causes are usually permanent. Sterility means that pregnancy cannot happen without help like donor eggs, sperm, or surrogacy.

In women, sterility may be caused by:

• Surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy)
• Severe damage to the fallopian tubes or ovaries
• Birth defects which affects the uterus or reproductive system
• Early menopause (when periods stop much earlier than normal)

In men, sterility may be due to:

• No sperm production at all (azoospermia)
• Surgical removal or damage to testicles
• Genetic problems that affect sperm creation
• Blockages that fully prevent sperm from reaching the semen

Can Infertility Be Treated?

Yes, infertility can be treated with the right guidance. The treatment depends on the cause of infertility, age, and overall health of the couple. Here are some common treatment options that are used for infertility:

Some common Infertility Treatment are as follows:

• Lifestyle changes
• Ovulation medicines
• Hormone therapy
• Surgery
• IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
• IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
• Donor eggs or sperm
• Surrogacy

Is There Any Treatment for Sterility?

Sterility is usually permanent and cannot be treated in the way like infertility. However, that doesn’t mean the dream of becoming a parent is not there. Today, there are many alternative ways to build a family even if natural conception isn’t possible.

Here are some options for couples who are facing sterility:

• Donor sperm – This can be used when the male partner cannot produce sperm
• Donor eggs – This is helpful if the female partner cannot produce healthy eggs
• Surrogacy – When the woman cannot carry a pregnancy then another woman carries the baby
• Donor embryos – This is a good option when both partners are unable to contribute sperm or eggs
• Adoption – This is one of the best ways to become parents and give a child a loving home

When Should You See a Fertility Doctor?

It’s important to understand Infertility vs Sterility to help you decide when to consult an Infertility Specialist. Generally, if you have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year without success (or 6 months if the woman is over 35) then it’s important to see a fertility doctor.

Someone should also consider consulting a Infertility Specialist if they:

• Have irregular or missed periods
• Have experienced multiple miscarriages
• Either partner has a known health condition which affects their fertility, like PCOS or low sperm count
• Have undergone cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation
• Have a history of pelvic infections or surgeries
• Want to check their fertility before delaying pregnancy

Final Words

It’s important to understand Infertility vs Sterility for those couples who are trying to start a family. In this blog, we’ve explained what each term means, how they are different, what causes them, and what treatments are available. So, it’s important to know about the right information that can help you to make better decisions.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist) has helped many couples who are facing infertility vs sterility issues. If you are unsure about your condition or looking for the right fertility support, we’re here to guide you. Call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at [email protected] for expert advice.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• Is sterility the same as infertility?

No, infertility means it’s hard to get pregnant but still possible, while sterility means natural pregnancy is not possible at all.

• What is the difference between impotency, sterile, and infertile?

Impotency is the inability to have or keep an erection. Infertile means difficulty in getting pregnant. Sterile means pregnancy is not possible.

• What is the difference between infertility?

If you mean infertility vs sterility—infertility can be treated, while sterility is permanent and cannot be reversed.

• What do you mean by sterility?

Sterility is when a person cannot get pregnant or make someone pregnant due to a permanent condition.

• What is the cause of infertility and sterility?

Infertility may be due to hormone issues, blocked tubes, or low sperm. Sterility is usually from surgery, no sperm/eggs, or birth defects.