Reasons For Infertility: What Causes Infertility?
There can be many reasons for infertility. In this article we will look at some of the most common causes of infertility. We will focus on reasons for infertility in women first, but if you suspect that you and your partner have a fertility problem, you should both be tested because infertility is equally likely in men and women.
Problems With The Menstrual Cycle – Women
Irregular periods may be a sign of infertility, especially if your periods were regular in the past and have changed.
If a woman does not have a period at all, she is very unlikely to conceive because she is probably not ovulating. There may be many reasons for this. Being underweight can cause periods to stop, as can a prolonged crash diet even if you are overweight.
Reasons For Infertility: Problems In The Uterus – Women
Health conditions that affect the womb, such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or uterine fibroids, are common reasons for infertility in women. If these conditions are successfully treated, fertility is usually restored.
Varicoceles – Men
A varicocele or varicose vein in the scrotum is the most common cause of infertility in men. The vein produces heat which raises the temperature in the scrotum and makes it difficult for sperm to survive. In most cases this can be treated with simple surgery.
Anything else that raises the temperature in the scrotum can also lower the sperm count. For example, hot baths and saunas, fever, and cycling or driving for long periods.
Reasons For Infertility: Other Causes Of Low Sperm Count – Men
A blocked duct in the male sexual organs is another of the common reasons for infertility in men. This prevents sperm from exiting to fertilize the egg. Again, it can usually be treated quite easily once it has been diagnosed.
If sperm production is low, then fertility drugs may be recommended. In a few cases, sperm may not be produced at all. The cause may be genetic, or a previous illness may have caused infertility. Then fertility drugs may not be successful and sperm from a donor may be suggested.
Drug abuse can also affect fertility. Cocaine and heavy marijuana use have been shown to reduce sperm count in men. Marijuana also affects the sperm’s ability to swim and to penetrate the egg.
Exposure to certain chemicals may be one of the reasons for infertility in men. These include pesticides, industrial chemicals, and estrogen or compounds like it. Estrogen is a female hormone that is found in milk and other dairy products.
Smoking – Both Sexes
Smoking has been linked to reduced fertility for both men and women. To increase your chances of conceiving, as well as improving your own health and the health of your future children, one of the best things that you can do is to quit smoking.
Diet Issues – Both Sexes
If you suffer from any nutritional deficiencies, your fertility may be reduced. The same is true if you are significantly overweight or obese (BMI over 30). This applies to both men and women.
Diseases And Health Conditions – Both Sexes
If you have a chronic or serious health condition such as diabetes or cancer, the body may respond by reducing fertility. Some medications and treatments can also have an effect on fertility for both sexes. Radiotherapy for cancer is especially likely to cause a permanent problem if it is given near to the reproductive organs.
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Sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause inflammation in the reproductive system, becoming possible reasons for infertility. The problem is usually solved by effective treatment of the disease, but there may be no symptoms so it is important to be tested for these diseases if you want to rule them out as reasons for infertility.