Causes of infertility

Infertility is the inability to conceive a child. Both men and women can be affected by this problem, the causes of which are many.

What is infertility?
Infertility or the inability to conceive a child is a common problem faced by many couples. Both men and women can be affected by infertility. A couple that fails to conceive after trying for a period of 12 months is known to be suffering from primary infertility. Couples that have been pregnant at least once, but are unable to conceive again, suffer from secondary infertility. According to studies, in 40% cases, the male is responsible for lack of fertility while in 60%, the female is responsible.

Causes of infertility
Some common reasons for both male and female infertility are:

Causes of female infertility:

Hormonal fluctuation This occurs when ovaries dont release eggs on time, and when they do, the hormones stop them from fertilizing on the inner layer of the uterus. Excessive presence of androgen hormones (male hormones). Stenosis, meaning cervical narrowing. Obesity extra bodyweight can increase ones BMI and can cause fertility problems. Benign tumours or scarring of the uterus. Any inborn defect. Lack of cervical mucous inadequate amount of cervical mucus or its poor quality can cause infertility amongst women. Endometriosis, a state in which a tissue covering the walls of the uterus or endometrium starts developing outside the uterus lining. Adhesions, formation of scar tissues due to endometriosis, infections or surgery within the abdomen can cause fertility issues. Certain medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease can trigger off infertility.

Sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia, trichomonas or gonorrhoea can cause pelvic scarring and internal infections. Sperm allergy when a body produces antibodies like CD57+ cells that damage a partners sperm. Stress Lifestyle changes Alcohol consumption Smoking Age the older you get the higher your chances of becoming less fertile. Women above the age of 35 often find it difficult to conceive

Unexplained infertility in around 10% of infertility cases, the causes remain uncertain. But most of the times, these abnormalities arise when:

The sperm fails to fertilize the released egg. The embryo fails to get implanted inside the walls of the uterus. The fallopian tube finds it hard to pick up the fertilized egg.

Causes of male infertility:

A man could become infertile due to reduced sperm count (oligospermia) or low levels of motility (the ability to move spontaneously). Abnormal shapes of sperms, too, can contribute to infertility. When the passage for the sperm gets blocked, due to ejaculation problems. Sexually transmitted infections or STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause fertility issues. If mumps or other venereal infections attack a mans system after the onset of puberty, his chances of becoming infertile increase. Fever. Any damage to the bodys vas deferens part (testicles) can result in infertility. Use of anti-depressants or hypertension drugs. Regular intake of excessive alcohol. Smoking. Prevailing chronic conditions such as hypertension, thyroid disease and diabetes. Hormonal or genetic problems like cystic fibrosis. Varicocele. Exposure to harmful chemicals, hazardous toxins, pesticides or radiation. Certain medicines have an adverse affect on a mans fertility. These include Axulfidine (sulfasalazine), Tagamet (cimetidine), Folex (methotrexate) and Dilantin (phenytoin).