What Causes Infertility?

Infertility is the biological or psychological inability of a couple to conceive after repeatedly having unprotected sexual intercourse (while no other form of birth control is being used) for a period of time, usually twelve months or more. Infertility also refers to a woman’s inability to carry a pregnancy to full term. There are many reasons for infertility. Studies show that female conditions account for over two thirds of the cases of infertility. The rest are caused by sperm irregularity and other unidentifiable factors.

So what causes infertility in women? 
Most cases of infertility are caused by hormonal deficiencies or imbalances, structural problems in the reproductive organs and some illnesses. Mechanical trauma and chemical disturbances from surgeries and potent medications can also negatively affect a woman’s fertility.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is probably the most common cause of female infertility in the world. It is an infection of the reproductive organs and the pelvis in general. The inflammation and trauma to the organs can affect their structural integrity, making conception difficult. Moreover, the prolonged exposure to microorganisms and the scarring that result after the infection may cause blood poisoning and ectopic pregnancy.

Problems related to the adrenal gland and thyroid deficiencies may cause ovarian and hormonal problems. Any problem with the two organs can increase the production of prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates the production of breast milk and prevents ovulation. High levels of prolactin in the body not only cause difficulty in conceiving but may also indicate a pituitary tumor.

Scarred tissues left after abdominal or vaginal surgeries may also impair conception. The traumatized areas may cause problems with regards to the movement of egg cells from the ovaries to the fallopian tubes and the uterus. Frequent abortions also leave scar tissues that can obstruct the uterus, leaving the egg cell and the sperm unable to meet.

Some medications such antibiotics, antidepressants and anti-inflammatory agents can impair infertility. Indirectly, these drugs can decrease estrogen and luteinizing hormones in the body which are needed for the maturation and release of mature egg cell.

So, what causes infertility in males?



The most common factors contributing to male infertility are associated with sperm and its characteristics. Either the sperm count is too low or the sperm is low quality. Sperm cells made of poor quality move slowly or swim in the wrong direction. The cells may be abnormally-shaped, making transportation difficult. There are a lot things that can contribute to the production of poor-quality sperm cells, such as the failure of the testes to develop and properly descend. These two conditions may be congenital, meaning the testes remain within the body cavity. The chronic exposure to metals and medications can also impair the release of potent sperm cells from the body. The chemicals can alter the molecular and physical structure of the cells, making movement and conception difficult.

As to the question ’what causes infertility,’ there are many answers. The problem cannot be pinned to either men or women as it is an issue than can affect both sexes. If you or your partner are unfortunate enough to receive an infertility diagnosis, don’t lose heart. There are many conservative and natural treatments to help remedy fertility issues today.

Top Reasons for Infertility

One of the worst nightmares that a couple trying to conceive could have is to discover that either he or she is infertile. It is most couple’s dream to have kids and rear them in the best way they know how. All that could be shattered with just a single diagnosis—infertility. The cold, hard truth is that infertility isn’t just a ‘woman’ problem. About one-third of the infertility cases rest with the males.

So what exactly is infertility? One of the most common definitions, for women, is the inability to get pregnant after one year of trying and for men, the inability to impregnate.

There are various reasons for infertility. In males, infertility is most often caused by problems related to the production of sperm. Either the male is producing too few sperm or none at all. Another problem may be the sperm’s inability to reach the egg and fertilize it, and this may be because of its abnormal shape or structure that prevents it from propelling itself forward correctly. Oftentimes, an infertile man is born with defects in sperm production.

Sometimes, the reasons for infertility may start in the later part of life which may be brought about by illness or injury. For example, cystic fibrosis often causes infertility in men. There are factors which may heighten the occurrence of this problem since the number and quality of a man’s sperm greatly depends on his overall health and lifestyle. Some things that may reduce a man’s sperm count and the quality of that sperm are the use of alcohol, drugs, the presence of environmental toxins in the body such as pesticides and lead, smoking, health problems, certain medications, radiation treatment and chemotherapy.

When it comes to infertility in women, the most common problems relate to ovulation. Without the occurrence of ovulation, there will be no eggs to be fertilized. Some of the signs that a woman is not ovulating is that she is having irregular menstrual periods, or even lacks the periods entirely. Things that increase a woman’s risk for infertility are the following: age, stress, poor diet, being overweight or underweight, smoking, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and other health problems that may cause hormonal changes.

If you wondered why age was listed first among the factors that influence female infertility, it is because aging decreases a woman’s ability to bear children and this may be because of the ovaries’ deteriorating ability to produce eggs as well as the deteriorating quality of the eggs she already possesses. We know that aging is associated with different health problems in both men and women, but when it comes to fertility, an increase in age also means an increase in risk of birth defects and miscarriage.

Finding the reason for infertility is a long process. It is a complex course and it is emotionally draining. Take your time and do not hesitate to undergo the necessary tests and exams that will help you and your doctors get a better understanding of your present state of health and any possible fertility issues. Your doctors are there to help you. Let them.