Infertility is more widespread than most people realize. It is a problem that affects one in six couples worldwide in the World Health Organization (WHO). While some couples are able to conceive naturally some couples spend many months, or years attempting without results. The emotional cost is significant, however advancements in medical science today enable us to identify the root causes of difficulties with fertility and treat them appropriately.

In this blog, we’ll examine the reasons for both genders of infertility and discuss the range of hormonal and anatomical concerns to choices in lifestyle that could influence the reproductive health. If you’re just beginning of your journey to fertility or are seeking clarity, this guide will provide the knowledge you need to know the underlying causes and seek out timely assistance.

What Is Infertility?

Infertility is medically referred to by an inability to get pregnant in the first one year of normal intercourse that is not protected, or after 6 months if a woman is more than 35 years old. It also covers cases of persistent loss of pregnancy when conception takes place but the pregnancy does not proceed.

Contrary to what people think Infertility isn’t something that’s a “women’s problem.” Male causes are responsible for around 40% to 50 percent of all cases of infertility while female causes make the same percentage. In roughly 10% to 20 percent cases, the reason is unknown or not understood following tests.

Common Causes of Female Infertility

Female infertility may result due to problems with the ovulation cycle and hormonal levels, reproductive organs or other age-related issues. Let’s look at the most frequent reasons:

1. Ovulation Disorders

Ovulation is the time when a fertilized egg comes out of the Ovaries. The disruption of this process could drastically reduce the likelihood of conception.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) :- The most commonly-repeated hormonal disorder that affects the ovulation. PCOS causes irregular menstrual cycles and weight gain, acne and elevated levels of androgen.
Hypothalamic Anovulation :- It is caused by stress, body weight loss or over-exercise. It can disrupt hormone signals that travel from the brain to the Ovaries.
PREMATURE Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) :- When the ovaries cease functioning prior to reaching the age 40. It could be caused by an autoimmune disease, genetics or treatments for cancer.
Hyperprolactinemia :- The elevated levels of prolactin, a hormone, interfere with ovulation and menstrual cycle regularity.

2. Fallopian Tube Damage or Blockage

The fallopian tubes are the place where the egg and sperm come together. If they’re damaged, or blockage, fertilization won’t take place.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disorder (PID) :- Often due to untreated STIs the infection can cause scarring and damages to the fallopian tube.
Tubal Ligation, or surgery :- Previous surgeries, such as those for ectopic pregnancy may result in scar tissue.
Endometriosis :- It can cause adhesions and inflammation that cause damage to the tubes.

3. Endometriosis

The tissue that lines the uterus, to grow outside it. It can be found on the ovaries and fallopian tubes and the pelvic organs. It can also:

Stop the ovulation
Inflict adhesions and scarring.
This can cause painful menstrual cycles and pelvic pain.

4. Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities

Polyps and Fibroids :- The benign growths can alter the shape of the uterus and hinder the implantation of embryos.
Genetic Uterine Anomalies :- Women have abnormalities that affect the size or shape of the uterus.
Cervical Mucus Problems :- Thick or hostile mucus could block the egg from absorbing sperm.

5. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones play an important function in controlling the menstrual cycle as well as the ovulation. The imbalances can be seen are a result of:

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
Estrogen and Progesterone
Thyroxine hormones
Insulin and Androgens

All of these can negatively impact reproductive health.

6. Age-Related Decline in Fertility

As women get older as they age, both the quantity and the quality in their egg production decrease. After 35 years of age fertility starts to decline more dramatically, thereby increasing the chance of miscarriage and chromosomal anomalies.

7. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Alcohol and smoking Alcohol :- Reduce egg quality and hormone balance
Obesity, or being overweight :- Can lead to Ovulation issues
Chronic stress :- Hormone regulation is affected
Chemicals and Toxins :- Prolonged exposure to pesticides or BPA can lower fertility

Common Causes of Male Infertility

Male infertility is usually related to the production of sperm, its function or delivery issues. These are the most prevalent causes:

1. Low Sperm Production

This is among the most frequently reported male infertility problems.

Oligospermia :- Low Sperm count
Azoospermia :- There is no sperm in the ejaculate
Disorders of the genetic code :- Like Klinefelter syndrome
The hormone imbalance described above :- low testosterone, or dysfunction in the pituitary gland.

2. Poor Sperm Motility or Morphology

Even if the sperm count is sufficient, fertility could be affected by:

Sperm cannot swim correctly (poor mobility)
They are of unusual shape or structure (poor Morphology)

The problems could result from:

Infections (e.g. Mumps and prostatitis)
Infections or fever
Exposure to heat (e.g., saunas, hot tubs)
Oxidative stress

3. Varicocele

An varicocele is an increase in the veins of the scrotum. It is a very common, but treatable cause of lower sperm production as well as a decrease in quality of sperm.

4. Ejaculation Problems

Retrograde ejaculation :- Semen is injected into the bladder, instead of leaving the penis
Ejaculation that is premature :- It can alter the timing and delivery of sperm
Erectile dysfunction :- May prevent intercourse entirely

5. Blockages or Obstructions

Any obstruction in the the ducts carrying the sperm (vas epididymis, deferens) can block the sperm from getting to the ejaculate.

Congenital disorders (e.g. absence of vas deferens in cystic Fibrosis)
Scarring from surgery (e.g. caused by vasectomy or hernia repair)

6. Hormonal Causes

Hormones in the brain stimulate the testes to make Sperm. Disorders in:

FSH
LH
Testosterone
Thyroxine hormones

may cause infertility.

7. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Alcohol or drug usage
Obesity or poor diet
Use of testosterone or steroids supplements
Exposition to radiation or industrial toxic substances
The stress of smoking and the effects on your health.

All of these could affect the quality of sperm and its quantity.

What About Unexplained Infertility?

In as high as 20 percent of cases the tests for diagnosis are normal however, couples fail to become pregnant. This is referred to as unproved infertility. Although the reasons for this are unknown, other concerns like egg quality and sperm DNA fragmentation or immune responses could be at play.

In these situations doctors typically recommend advanced methods of reproduction like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to improve chances of conception.

When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?

You should think about seeing an expert in fertility if:

You’ve been trying to get pregnant for more than twelve months (or 6 months if you’re over 35)
You’ve experienced at least two miscarriages
You are suffering from a condition like PCOS endometriosis, PCOS, or thyroid disease.
Your partner or you have previous past history of pelvic surgery or infections
You’re thinking about the preservation of fertility (e.g. egg freezing, the freezing of sperm)

Conclusion

Infertility can be very emotional, but it’s also treatable in the majority of instances. First step to take is knowing what’s causing the issue. If it’s an imbalance in hormones, structural issue or a lifestyle issue, finding out the root of the issue will open the way to effective solutions.