Infertility is a major cause of concern for couples looking to start a family. Infertility can occur on its own or result from any other health issues.
There are a host of treatments that can help you conceive if you or your partner are diagnosed with infertility. However, infertility treatments depend on the cause. We tell you about the most common causes of infertility in men and women.
Causes of infertility in females
Here are some of the most commonly known causes of infertility in females.
Age
The quality of egg deteriorates as women age. The risk of miscarriage also increases due to a combination of anatomical factors as age increases. This leads to trouble conceiving. However, IVF treatments can easily help overcome this.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is amongst the major causes of infertility in females. In this, the uterine lining starts growing on the exterior of the uterus. Apart from causing heavy and painful menstruation, it leads to infertility.
Issues with fallopian tubes
Fallopian tubes connect the uterus and the ovaries. After the process of fertilisation, the egg travels to the uterus from the ovaries via the fallopian tube. Any issue with the fallopian tube can thus prevent the egg from reaching the uterus and hamper the chances of getting pregnant.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
It is a hormonal disorder that leads to enlarged ovaries and formation of small cysts on the outer edges. It may be caused due to genetic and environmental factors and leads to irregular periods, acne, obesity and infertility.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle choices have a significant effect on female infertility. Smoking cigarettes and excessive consumption of alcohol or other drugs can cause difficulty in conceiving. Other things like long-term use of birth control pills or other forms of contraception can also hamper your chances of getting pregnant. Even though infertility treatments like IVF are useful in helping you conceive, lifestyle changes are crucial for a healthy pregnancy.
Causes of infertility in males
Some of the common causes of infertility in males are listed below.
Varicoceles
The sperm needs an optimum temperature to develop. In Varicoceles, the internal temperature in the scrotum rises, affecting the quality of the sperm. This medical condition has been linked with low sperm count and quality of the sperm.
Ejaculation disorders
Ejaculation disorders are a significant reason for infertility in males. Even though you may have healthy sperms, anejaculation (the inability to ejaculate), premature ejaculation (ejaculating too early) and retrograde ejaculation (semen entering the bladder instead of coming out) can cause difficulty in conceiving. There are several infertility treatments that can help you if you are suffering from ejaculation disorders.
Tubal issues
There are multiple tubular connections in men’s reproductive system. These include the vas deferens, epididymis, the urethra and ejaculatory ducts, amongst others. Any blockages or abnormalities within these tubules can lead to infertility in males.
Infections
Untreated infections of the reproductive or the urinary tract can cause difficulties to the travel of the sperm leading to infertility in males.
Lifestyle
Just like in females, an unhealthy lifestyle is a common cause of male infertility. Smoking, consuming excessive alcohol, and intake of drugs have been linked to infertility in males. In addition to this, obesity or taking steroid and supplements can harm your chances of successful conception. In addition to this, exposure to chemicals and radiation can also cause infertility. Whatever the cause of infertility, modern science has made it possible to conceive. You can realise the dream of becoming parents via medical treatments like IVF, among others. These infertility treatments are affordable and within the reach of everyone. Ensure that you consult your doctor, get all the necessary medical tests done and then opt for infertility treatment.