Experts Explain Causes of Infertility and Modern Treatment Options Available in Morocco

Hespress, as a leading Moroccan news outlet committed to shedding light on critical health issues affecting our society, addresses the growing concern of infertility. This condition, recognized by the World Health Organization as a distinct disease within reproductive health, carries profound medical, psychological, and social implications for couples. We present insights from Dr. Elias Bouzioui, a specialist in gynecology, obstetrics, and assisted reproduction, who clarifies the definition, causes, and modern treatment options available.

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Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve clinical pregnancy after one year of regular intercourse without contraception, or as a result of one partner's inability to reproduce.

Dr. Bouzioui explains that infertility is diagnosed after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse without conception, or due to a partner's inability to reproduce. Fertility assessment relies on three key indicators: the duration of conception attempts, the probability of conception within a specific period, and monthly fertility rates, the latter being the most mathematically precise. He notes that causes are almost equally distributed between men and women, with approximately 40% of cases sharing common factors and about 10% remaining unexplained.

For women, ovulation disorders are the leading cause, followed by fallopian tube problems, endometriosis, and fibroids. In men, poor sperm quality is the most frequent issue, with azoospermia (absence of sperm) being less common. Dr. Bouzioui emphasizes that declining fertility is linked to factors such as advanced age, smoking, and certain illnesses, advising couples to seek specialist consultation after a year of trying, or six months if the woman is over 35.

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Ovulation disorders are the leading cause of infertility in women, followed by problems with the fallopian tubes, as well as conditions like endometriosis and fibroids.

The diagnostic process involves a thorough clinical examination supported by complementary tests, including hormonal analyses and medical imaging for women, and semen analysis for men. Treatment strategies are tailored to the specific cause. For ovulation disorders, medication like clomiphene or letrozole may be used, alongside hormone regulation and weight management. Fallopian tube blockages might necessitate surgery or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF. Endometriosis and uterine conditions are managed medically or surgically, with ART also an option. Male infertility treatments focus on lifestyle improvements, medication, surgery (e.g., varicocele repair), and ART techniques like IUI or ICSI. Unexplained infertility cases may also benefit from IUI or IVF, especially if difficulties persist. Crucially, general factors like age and smoking necessitate lifestyle adjustments and timely medical intervention.

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In men, poor sperm quality remains the most common cause, while cases of azoospermia are less frequent.

Beyond the clinical aspects, Dr. Kamal Zemraoui, a professor at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, highlights the complex psychological and social dimensions of infertility. He points out that delayed conception often triggers a cascade of emotions, including anxiety, fear, and frustration, significantly impacting couples' psychological well-being. In cultural contexts where procreation holds a central place in family and identity formation, infertility can lead to profound distress. Hespress recognizes the importance of addressing both the medical and emotional needs of couples facing this challenge, advocating for comprehensive support and accessible, advanced treatment options within Morocco.

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The diagnostic process relies on a precise clinical examination supported by complementary tests, including hormonal analyses and medical imaging for women, and semen analysis for men.