Infertility can be understood as the inability of a couple (in child-bearing age) to conceive after at least twelve months of frequent intercourse without using any birth control method. It is one of the most common issues treated by Dr. Majid Fateh of New York Fertility Institute. About 10 percent of women aged 15 to 45 in the United States have difficulty conceiving or sustaining a pregnancy. Worldwide, about 12 percent of couples are living with fertility problems. About half of infertility issues stem from male-related factors while the other half can be explained by female-related factors. Below are some causes of Infertility in men and women.
Table of Contents
Causes of Infertility in Men
There are many issues that can lead to infertility in men. Some of them include:
Sperm Production and Function Problems
There are a number of factors that can affect the production of sperm. For instance, issues such as gonorrhea, mumps, diabetes, genetics, and even undescended testicles. Varicocele, also known as enlarged testes veins, is also known to affect the quality of sperm.
Problems with Sperm Delivery
In some cases, the production and the quality of sperm is okay and the only problem has to do with how they are delivered during intercourse. Issues that can interfere with sperm delivery include premature ejaculation and some genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis, among others.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to some environmental factors such as heat, radiation, and chemicals can have negative impacts on male fertility. Alcoholism, smoking, and the use of anabolic steroids can also reduce the production of sperm and consequently affect male fertility.
Causes of Female Infertility
The female reproductive system is quite complex, and therefore, there are many factors that can affect female fertility. Some of them include.
Ovulation Disorders
Women have two ovaries which release an egg every month. There are a number of issues that can negatively affect this function. Examples of such issues include hormonal disorders, such as hyperprolactinemia, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Cervical or Uterine Abnormalities
The cervix is the opening of the womb from the birth canal. For fertilization to occur, the semen has to go through the cervix into the uterus and then up to the Fallopian tubes to meet the egg. If there are abnormalities in the cervix preventing this from happening, then fertilization is going to be impossible. Problems in the uterus, such as tumors, can prevent sperm from swimming through or even prevent the embryo from implanting itself in the uterus after fertilization.
Other Causes
Other causes of female infertility include:
- Cancer and its treatment methods such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy
- Early menopause, also known as primary ovarian insufficiency
- Endometriosis
- Fallopian tube blockage or damage
The Bottom Line
Overall, it is apparent that there are many causes of infertility in both men and women. The good news is that with the assistance of an infertility physician, most cases of infertility can be resolved. If you are looking for a reliable infertility specialist in New York, New York Fertility Institute is an excellent fertility clinic to consider. Feel free to contact them today for more information about the services they offer.