Distinguishing Sterility and Infertility

The words sterility and infertility are very commonly used terms in reproductive health. Some people use these words interchangeably. However, both have a different meaning.

Sterility means that a person can’t conceive even with the help of different treatment options. A sterile person can never give birth to a biological child.

On the other hand, infertility means that a person fails to conceive after trying for certain periods of time. There is a chance that the person may conceive after that duration, naturally or with the help of treatment options.

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Let’s explore different aspects of sterility and infertility in detail:

What is Sterility?

If you are sterile, it means that you can’t conceive a child at all. It can be due to genetic factors or irreversible damage to the reproductive organs [1 ]. Sterility can affect both men and women.

For example, a man is sterile if there is no sperm production. Sterility infertility in women can be defined as the absence of eggs, blocked fallopian tubes, or permanent damage to the uterus.

Causes of Sterility

Some common causes of sterility and pregnancy losses in females and males are:

Genetic disorders (e.g., Turner syndrome)
Complete testicular failure
Irreversible damage due to untreated sexually transmitted infections
Surgical removal of reproductive organs
Damage to the reproductive system by autoimmune disorders

Diagnosis For Sterility

The diagnosis of sterility involves patient history, medical testing, and physical examination.

For example, semen analysis in men can tell if sperm cells are present in the semen. No sperm cells in the semen is an indication the person is sterile.

Treatment for Sterility

Sterility is an irreversible process, which means that a sterile person can’t conceive. No treatment option can help a sterile person give birth to a biological child.

However, treatment options for sterility can focus on improving overall health.

What is Infertility?

World Health Organization (WHO) defines infertility as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse or without birth control [2 ].

The inability to conceive within one year doesn’t mean that you will never be able to conceive.

Unlike sterility, the causes of infertility can be reversed and an infertile person can become able to parent a biological child. Understanding infertility is crucial, especially since many individuals may unknowingly experience early signs of infertility, which can sometimes be addressed with timely medical intervention.

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Difference Between Primary and Secondary Infertility

Primary infertility is a condition where a person is unable to conceive for the first time. This means that a person with primary infertility has no history of conception.

On the other hand, a person with secondary infertility is one with a history of successful pregnancy [3]. The person may not be able to conceive for the second, third, or fourth time for any problem.

Causes of Infertility

Some common causes of infertility in males and females are:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Blocked fallopian tubes
Low sperm count
Hormonal imbalances
Poor egg quality
Poor sperm quality
Varicocele — enlarged veins in the scrotum

Diagnosis for Infertility

Diagnosis for infertility includes evaluating both partners for potential fertility problems.

For example, diagnosis for female infertility can include hormonal analysis, imaging tests, and physical examination. Similarly, the diagnosis of infertility in males includes semen analysis and evaluation of reproductive structures.

Treatment for Infertility

Some causes of infertility are reversible and you can achieve pregnancy by correcting them. For example, if a male is failing to conceive and the problem is with sperm motility, taking sperm motility supplements can improve sperm motility and increase the chances of successful fertilization.

Similarly, if there is a structural abnormality responsible for infertility, surgery can affect fertility status and improve the chances of conception. If other treatment options fail, the last treatment option for infertile couples is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

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FAQs

What is the difference between sterility and infertility?

Sterility means a person cannot have children at all. Infertility means it's hard to get pregnant but not impossible. Sterility is a permanent condition with no treatment. You can treat infertility depending on the cause.

Is sterility always permanent?

Yes, sterility is mostly permanent and there is no treatment for it. It means a person cannot conceive naturally.

The Bottom Line

People often confuse the word sterility and infertility, while both words have different meanings. Sterility means that a person can’t give birth to a biological child at all.

However, infertility doesn’t mean that a person can’t conceive by any means. Many causes of infertility are reversible and a person can correct them by medical management, eating a balanced diet, and improving lifestyle habits.