For couples, infertility is a deeply personal and emotional journey. Infertility refers to the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular and unprotected intercourse. That being said, infertility can impact both men and women equally, and understanding the causes is the first step towards finding a solution.
This article explores the most common causes of infertility in both men and women
Understanding Female Infertility: Key Factors
Infertility in women is complex. It can be due to several biological, hormonal, and lifestyle factors at play. Here are the most common causes:
1.Ovulation Disorders
The main common cause of female infertility is issues with ovulation. Almost 25% of female infertility cases are reported to be due to ovulation disorders. Conditions like PCOS, early menopause, or thyroid issues can interfere with the body’s ability to release a mature egg, which is essential for pregnancy.
2.Blocked Tubes and Pelvic Health Concerns
Another common reason for infertility is blocked or damaged fallopian tubes. This can happen because of issues like pelvic infections, endometriosis, or past surgeries. When the tubes are not working properly, it can stop the sperm from meeting the egg or prevent a fertilized egg from reaching the uterus.
3.Uterine or Cervix-Related Challenges
Issues such as fibroids, polyps, or a septate uterus can increase the risk of miscarriage. Moreover, having cervical mucus issues can also block sperm movement.
4.Declining Egg Quality and Ovarian Reserve
Age plays a significant role in female infertility. Women over 35 often experience a natural decline in both the quantity and quality of eggs. This leads to an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities and lowers the chances of successful fertilization.
5.Lifestyle and Health Factors
Issues such as obesity, eating disorders, excessive stress, and chronic illnesses like diabetes or autoimmune diseases can affect fertility. Habits like smoking, alcohol use, and exposure to environmental toxins can also negatively impact reproductive health.
Understanding Male Infertility: Key Factors
Men are responsible for about one-third of infertility cases. Here are the most common factors for infertility in men:
1.Low Sperm Count or Poor Sperm Quality
Problems related to sperm production, like when a man’s body doesn’t produce enough healthy sperm, or the sperm may not move well or have the right shape. This can make it harder to fertilize an egg. Common causes include swollen veins in the testicles (varicocele), infections, or inherited conditions.
2. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones play a big role in sperm production. Problems like low testosterone, issues with the pituitary gland, or thyroid disorders can throw off hormone levels and make it harder for the body to produce sperm properly.
3. Ejaculatory and Sexual Dysfunction
Difficulties such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or blockages in the reproductive tract can prevent the successful delivery of sperm.
4. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Frequent exposure to heat, for instance, like using hot tubs or laptops on laps, or industrial chemicals, or even radiation, can damage sperm quality. Lifestyle habits like smoking, heavy alcohol use, and being overweight can also reduce fertility potential.
5.Chronic Illnesses and Medications
Medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or undergoing treatments like chemotherapy can sabotage sperm function or hormone levels.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Fertility
While not every cause of infertility can be prevented, slight lifestyle changes can help improve reproductive health for both men and women:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity and being underweight are linked to hormonal imbalances and ovulatory disorders. It is advised to always maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Avoid these habits as they negatively impact sperm and egg health.
- Reduce stress: High cortisol levels may disrupt hormone production and ovulation. Practice stress-reducing techniques.
- Eat a balanced diet: Always maintain a balanced diet. A nutrient-rich diet supports both hormonal balance and reproductive function.
- Avoid toxins: Limit exposure to pesticides, BPA (found in plastics), and heavy metals.
- Exercise moderately: Avoid heavy training. Even though staying active is beneficial, excessive training can disrupt hormonal levels.
When to Seek Help
If you have been trying to conceive for over a year (or 6 months for women over 35), it is wise to consult a fertility specialist. It is also recommended to seek professional help if you or your partner has:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Reproductive health issues such as PCOS, endometriosis
- A history of STIs or pelvic surgeries
- Erectile or ejaculatory problems
- Previous cancer treatments
- Miscarriage history
Conclusion
Infertility can be overwhelming, but the key to getting through this is to understand its causes. From ovulation issues in women to low sperm count in men, many contributing factors are manageable with the right care. Small lifestyle changes and early medical intervention often lead to big results.
If you or your partner is struggling to conceive, immediately consult a fertility expert, understand your options, and take the first step towards parenthood.
