What are the causes of infertility?
Approximately 40% is of male origin, 40% of female origin and in 20 % there is no obvious identifiable cause. Many couples have combined male and female causes. The male causes result in a reduction in quality and quantity of sperms. The female causes can include one or more of the following: Endometriosis Ovulation defects including polycystic ovarian disease (PCO). Fallopian tube blockage or disease.
Infertility is often a couple’s problem, and is commonly due to some contribution from both the male and female partners. On an average, about one-third of infertility cases are caused by problems with the woman’s reproductive system. Another third can be traced to factors in the man. Of the remaining cases, combinations of male and female factors are at play. Interestingly, about 20 percent of infertility cases don’t have a known cause despite all investigations. This is termed unexplained infertility.
The number of couples who face challenges with conception has been increasing over the last decade. For many, the pace of living is faster and stress levels are higher. People are eating devitalized foods on the run, and our bodies are constantly exposed to environmental toxins in the soil, in the water we drink, and in the air we breathe. The causes of infertility can be physical, mental, or emotional. Difficulty in conceiving is an opportunity for you and your partner to re-evaluate your physical, mental, and emotional health in all areas of your life. • Get a complete physical exam to determine if the cause of infertility is in your reproductive organs. The fallopian tubes can be blocked by scar tissue. Endometriosis can cause infertility, as well as ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids. Ovulation may be irregular, so chart the days you are fertile using a basal thermometer. An insufficient number of eggs may be released at ovulation, or there may be an incomplete implantation of the
There are several causes of infertility. In general, male factors include abnormalities in sperm number, movement or shape and difficulties of erection and ejaculation. Female factors include disturbances of regular ovulation, damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis and problems with the uterine lining. Although aging is a natural process, the reduction in fertility associated with advancing female age is a complicating factor for many women. In 10-15% of cases, no cause for infertility is found.
There are numerous causes of infertility and couples should consult a fertility doctor to find the cause that fits their situation. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine reports: “Conception is a complicated process that depends upon many factors: on the production of healthy sperm by the man and healthy eggs by the woman; unblocked fallopian tubes that allow the sperm to reach the egg; the sperm’s ability to fertilize the egg when they meet; the ability of the fertilized egg (embryo) to become implanted in the woman’s uterus; and sufficient embryo quality.” Infertility affects men and women equally. Generally 40% of infertility is attributed to the male, while 40% is attributed to the female. Ten percent is generally a combination of the male and female and the other 10% is unexplained.
