Causes oF Infertility

Pregnancy, the complex processes of ovulation and fertilization are done just right. For some couples who wish to become pregnant, something goes wrong along the way, that is infertility.

Cause or causes of infertility can involve one or both parties. In general:

In approximately one third of cases infertility is due to a case involving only the male partner.

In another third of infertility cases are due to reasons involving men and women.

In the remaining third of infertility cases are due to a case involving only women.

The causes of male infertility

Many things can affect sperm quality, the ability to move (motility) or the ability to fertilize the egg. The most common causes of male infertility are:

Abnormal sperm production or function due to various problems such as undescended testes, genetic defects or recurrent infections.

Problems with the delivery of sperm due to sexual problems like premature ejaculation or painful intercourse (dyspareunia), health issues, such as retrograde ejaculation, some genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis, or structural problems such as blocking part of the testicle that contains sperm (epididymis).

General health problems and lifestyle, such as poor diet, obesity, or use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

Excessive exposure to certain environmental factors, such as pesticides and other chemicals. In addition, repeated exposure to excessive heat such as saunas and hot tubs can elevate body temperature. This can impair sperm production and lower sperm counts.

Damage related to cancer and its treatment. Both radiation and chemotherapy for cancer can impair sperm production, sometimes severely. Closer to radiotherapy in the testes, the greater the risk of infertility. Removing one or both testicles due to cancer can also affect male fertility.

Age. Men aged over 40 years may be less fertile than younger men.

The causes of female infertility

The most common causes of female infertility are:

Fallopian tube damage or blockage, which is often caused by inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis). Chlamydia, sexually transmitted infections, is the most common cause.

Endometriosis, which occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus and implants - often affect the activity of sperm, eggs and ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes.

Disorders of ovulation, which can prevent the ovaries to release eggs (anovulation). Possible causes include injury, tumors, excessive exercise and starvation. In addition, some drugs may be related to ovulation disorders.

Elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinemia), a hormone that stimulates milk production. High levels in women who are pregnant or nursing may affect ovulation.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition in which the body produces too much androgen hormones that cause ovulation problems. PCOS is also associated with insulin resistance and obesity.

Early menopause, which is the absence of menstruation and the rapid depletion of ovarian follicles before the age of 40 Although the cause is often unknown, certain conditions associated with early menopause, including immune system diseases, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and smoking.

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors of the lining of the uterus and are common among women in their 30s and 40s. In rare cases they can cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes. Most often, fibroids interfere with proper implantation of the fertilized egg.

Pelvic adhesions, bands of scar tissue that bind organs after pelvic infection, appendicitis, or abdominal or pelvic surgery. This scarring can impair fertility.

Other reasons for women

Drugs. Temporary infertility may occur with the use of certain drugs. In most cases, fertility returns after stopping the drug.

Thyroid problems. Thyroid disorders, thyroid hormone is too high (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) can interrupt the menstrual cycle and cause infertility.

Cancer and its treatment. Certain cancers - particularly women's reproductive cancers - often severely impair female fertility. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can affect the ability of a woman to reproduce. Chemotherapy may impair reproductive function and fertility in men and women.

Other diseases. Diseases associated with delayed puberty or amenorrhea, such as Cushing's disease, sickle cell anemia, kidney disease and diabetes, can affect female fertility.