Causes of infertility can be a difficult and emotional topic for those who are trying to have a baby. Many people do not realize how common infertility is and it can happen to both men and women. In this blog, we will talk about the different causes of infertility and help you understand it better.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, a senior IVF specialist and has over 35 years of experience. She has helped many couples to achieve their dream to become parents. In this blog, we will share complete information about the causes of infertility and guide you through every step.
What is Infertility?
Infertility is when a couple tries to have a baby but is not able to get pregnant, even after trying for a long time. Usually, doctors say it is infertility if pregnancy does not happen after one year of trying. If the woman is over 35 years old then it is checked after six months.
Infertility can happen because of problems in the man, the woman, or sometimes both. But having infertility does not mean you can never have a baby. It’s essential to seek proper treatment and support to achieve your dream to become parents.
Types of infertility
Infertility can be of two main types and it depends on whether a couple has ever had a successful pregnancy before or not. Knowing the type of infertility can help doctors to suggest the right treatment for the patient.
- Primary Infertility: When a couple has never been able to get pregnant after trying for at least one year.
- Secondary Infertility: When a couple was able to get pregnant at least once before. However, now they are facing issues in conceiving again.
How Common is Infertility?
Infertility is more common than many people realize. It affects about 1 in 8 couples in the whole world. It can impact both men and women and can occur at any age. However, it becomes more common as people get older. Some factors like lifestyle, health conditions, and environmental factors can also play a role. There are many couples with infertility who have been able to conceive and have healthy pregnancies with proper treatment.
Causes of Infertility in Women
Infertility in women can be caused by various factors. So, it’s important to understand the causes of infertility to find the right solution. Below are some of the most common causes of infertility in females.
- Ovulation Disorders: Problems with releasing eggs regularly, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis can block or damage the fallopian tubes.
- Uterine Conditions: Issues like fibroids, polyps, or abnormal shape of the uterus can interfere with pregnancy.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones control the reproductive system, and imbalances can affect ovulation and fertility.
- Age: As women get older, especially after 35, fertility naturally decreases.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, being overweight, excessive stress, or poor diet can impact fertility.
Causes of Infertility in Men
Infertility in men can be caused by various factors that affect sperm production, quality, or delivery. It’s important to understand these causes to determine the right treatment. Below are some of the common causes of infertility in males:
- Low Sperm Count: A low number of sperm can make it difficult for fertilization to occur.
- Poor Sperm Motility: If sperm can’t swim properly then it can’t reach the egg.
- Abnormal Sperm Shape: Irregularly shaped sperm can also reduce the chances of successful fertilization.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Issues with testosterone or other hormones can also affect sperm production.
- Varicocele: Swelling of veins in the scrotum can also lower sperm quality.
- Blockages: Blockages in the sperm ducts can prevent sperm from being released during ejaculation.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol, and exposure to chemicals or heat can negatively affect sperm health.
What is Unexplained Infertility?
Unexplained infertility happens when a couple is unable to conceive after trying for a significant amount of time. In this, no clear cause can be identified despite tests and evaluations. Both partners may appear healthy, with normal reproductive health, but conception still doesn’t happen.
Unexplained infertility can be frustrating and confusing because there seems to be no specific reason for infertility. In many cases, couples with unexplained infertility may eventually conceive with time, lifestyle changes, or assisted reproductive techniques like IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation), though the exact cause remains unclear.
Risk Factors That Increase Infertility
There are several risk factors that can make it more difficult for both men and women to get pregnant. These factors can affect reproductive health and increase the chances of infertility. Some of the most common risk factors include the following:
- Age: With increasing age, fertility tends to decline, especially for women who are over 35 years.
- Health Conditions: Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or diabetes can impact fertility.
- Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol, and drug use can lower fertility.
- Obesity or Being Overweight: Carrying excess weight can also affect hormone levels and fertility.
- Stress: High levels of stress can interfere with reproductive health and ovulation.
- Environmental Toxins: Exposure to chemicals, pesticides, and other environmental toxins can also reduce fertility.
- Poor Diet: A poor diet which lacks essential nutrients can also affect fertility in both men and women.
Final Thoughts
Infertility can be a difficult journey for many couples and understanding the causes of infertility is the first step to finding a solution. In this blog, we’ve discussed the common causes of infertility in both men and women, including factors like ovulation issues, blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, and lifestyle choices. We also highlighted other risk factors that can impact fertility, such as age, health conditions, and environmental influences.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, a senior IVF specialist has helped many couples with infertility issues. Many couples have successfully overcome these hurdles and become parents. If you also have any concerns or questions about infertility or fertility treatments, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email us at doctor@risaaivf.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What tests are done to diagnose infertility?
There are some common tests to diagnose infertility including blood tests to check hormone levels, semen analysis for men, ultrasound for women, and tests to check the fallopian tubes for blockages.
What is IVF, and how does it help with infertility?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a procedure where an egg and sperm are combined outside the body, and the resulting embryo is implanted into the woman’s uterus. It helps when there are issues with ovulation, fallopian tubes, or sperm quality.
Can lifestyle changes improve fertility?
Yes, healthy lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, reducing stress, quitting smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol can improve fertility in both men and women.
Can I still get pregnant if I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)?
Yes, many women with PCOS can conceive with the help of medication to regulate ovulation. In some cases, IVF may be recommended.
What role does diet play in fertility?
A healthy diet can support overall reproductive health. Eating nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can improve hormone balance and fertility.
How does age affect male fertility?
While age is a more significant factor for women, male fertility also declines with age. Sperm quality, quantity, and motility can decrease as men get older, although it is less dramatic than in women.