What Are the Causes of Infertility?

What Are the Causes of Infertility? : Infertility is an illness of the reproductive system. It affects the body’s capacity to carry out the fundamental reproduction process. It is not an inconvenience.

It affects between 48 million couples and 186 million people worldwide. If you or someone you love has struggled with infertility, you already know how stressful it can be. Problems can arise among women and men. At times, it’s a combination of circumstances that cause infertility.

Fortunately, there are many treatments that can dramatically increase your chances of getting pregnant.

But first, what is infertility, and what are the causes?

What Is Infertility?

Infertility is the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse. It is a disorder that affects one of the body’s most fundamental processes, child conception. Individuals experience fertility issues due to:

Age
Lifestyle choices
Genetics
Ovulation disorders
Tubal blockage
Uterine abnormalities
Hormonal imbalances

There are many reasons why couples may experience fertility issues. These can range from physical problems to emotional ones. In some cases, medical conditions or medications are the causes of infertility.

Causes of Infertility in Women

Stress

Stress is a significant cause of infertility in women. Stress hormones disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause ovulation problems. Stress can also lead to low progesterone levels necessary for conception.

Hormones

Hormonal imbalances can hurt fertility. For example, high estrogen levels can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Conversely, low levels of progesterone can result in miscarriage.

Infections

Infection can cause inflammation of the fallopian tubes, which may prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. BV increases the risk of infection-related infertility.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by excess hair growth, acne, irregular menstruation, and weight gain. PCOS affects about 5% of reproductive-age women. PCOS causes insulin resistance, which can interfere with ovulation. Insulin resistance can also make it difficult for the body to use testosterone.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those lining the uterus grow outside the uterus. These cells can attach to the uterine wall, causing pain and infertility.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors of the uterus that occur in 20% of women. However, fibroids can cause heavy bleeding, painful intercourse, and infertility.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive tract. PID can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes and blockage of the cervix. Besides, PID can lead to infertility.

Causes of Infertility in Males

Abnormal Sperm Function or Production

Abnormal sperm function/production is caused by:

Undescended testicles
Genetic flaws
Medical conditions like diabetes
Infectious diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, measles, or HIV
Varicocele, or enlarged veins in the testes, can also lower sperm quality

Sperm Delivery Issues Due to Sexual Issues

Sexual issues include:

Early ejaculation
Certain hereditary illnesses, such as cystic fibrosis
Structural problems
Blockage in the testicle
Damage or injury to the reproductive organs or issues with sperm distribution
Overexposure to radiation and other environmental toxins, such as pesticides and other poisons

Fertility can also be affected by:

Cigarette smoking
Alcohol consumption
Marijuana use
Anabolic steroids
Prescription drugs for depression, high blood pressure, and bacterial infections

Besides, regular heat exposure, like in saunas or hot tubs, can increase body temperature and impact sperm production.

Damage Brought on By Cancer and the Therapies Used to Treat It

Damage such as chemotherapy or radiation can hinder sperm production sometimes significantly.

FAQs

How Is Infertility Treated?

Traditional procedures treat 85 to 90 percent of infertility cases. They include medication therapy or reproductive organ surgery. Visit a reputable reproductive fertility center for the best outcome.

In Vitro Fertilization: What Is It?

IVF gives infertile couples who before would not have had a shot at having a child a chance at parenthood. This advanced reproductive technology (ART) combines a woman’s egg (either the intended parent or a donor) with sperm (either the intended parent or a doner) externally to create an embryo that is implanted into the uterus of the intended mother or a surrogate.

What Is the Leading Cause of Female Infertility?

According to the Mayo Clinic, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is women’s leading cause of infertility.