According to data, approximately one in seven couples will be confronted with fertility concerns at some point during their reproductive existence. After at least one full year of attempting for a baby, a diagnosis of infertility can be given. We examine the problem to identify the most prevalent reasons for infertility in women and men.
Chapter Overview
Common causes of female infertility
Ovulation, the fallopian tubes, or issues with the uterus are all common causes of female infertility.
The following are some of the most frequent causes of infertility in women:
Hormone imbalances
The female reproductive cycle is maintained by a delicate balance of hormones that regulate the ovulation process. If these hormones become unbalanced, it will be far more difficult for a woman to conceive. Hormonal changes in women can be affected by several factors, including Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), one of the most prevalent hormone disorders affecting women of reproductive age and disrupting ovulation.
Fibroids
Non-cancerous uterine fibroids are non-harmful tumours that develop in the uterus wall muscle and can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting or obstructing a fallopian tube.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tiny pieces of the womb lining are shed and carried to other internal organs, including the ovaries, where they adhere. The illness can eventually harm the ovaries or fallopian tubes, which might lead to infertility.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
PID is a sexually transmitted disease that affects the upper genital tract in women, specifically the ovaries and womb. The condition can be induced by a sexually transmissible infection, which leads to scarring of the fallopian tubes and blocking an egg’s route to the uterus.
Age
The number of eggs a woman has naturally decreases with age, and after the age of 35, their quantity significantly drops.
Common causes of male infertility
Fertility tests for males can help to identify potential problems that may be causing infertility. For men, infertility is generally caused by problems with their sperm.
The following are some of the most common reasons for male infertility:
Semen and sperm problems
Poor quality semen is one of the most common causes of male infertility, and it can result in a low sperm count, misshapen sperm, or sperm with poor mobility. Many cases of bad semen go unexplained, although there is a relationship between hot scrotum temperatures and lower sperm quality.
Testicular damage
The testicles are responsible for producing and storing sperm, therefore if they are harmed by illness, infection, or trauma, a man’s semen quality can be severely impacted. Sperm quality can also be affected by congenital anomalies and undescended testicles.
If you or your spouse are having trouble getting pregnant, visit your doctor or a fertility clinic as soon as possible to get the proper treatment and improve your chances of becoming a parent.
Infertility is a problem that can affect either gender, but it is more common in women. There are many possible causes of infertility, both male and female. In most cases, however, the cause of infertility is unknown. Infertility treatment is determined by the underlying cause. For couples who are unable to conceive naturally, assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF may be an option.