What causes infertility is a question that we definitely want a reliable answer to that we can use to find an effective solution, right?
Do you feel responsible for not having a baby? Whose fault is it? Is it me or my partner? When looking for what causes infertility it is important for both partners to recognize that you are in this together, and it is no one’s fault.
It’s easy to ask, Why has this happened to me? There is no need to blame anyone; infertility can happen to men and women of all persuasions–single, married, gay and lesbian.
But what is infertility? How do I know if I have an infertility problem? Maybe my partner and I have not done our homework frequently and we would like to learn more to see if there is a way to achieve fertility.
What is infertility?
Infertility is a medical diagnosis of the reproductive system that can happen to both men and women. It is defined as the inability to achieve a pregnancy, after a year of unprotected intercourse.
Why after a year? If you get pregnant within one year, it is likely that infertility was due to a temporary condition, such a hormonal deficiency or a minor disorder of the reproductive system. But when it comes even after a year of trying, you have to consider more broad causes for the infertility, and start bringing it to the attention of a specialist.
However, there are women over 35 years old who have tried to become pregnant and may receive a diagnosis of infertility even before a year.
Some studies indicate that one out of every 6 people experience an infertility problem. About 35% of infertility is due to women, 30% due to men, 20% due to a combined factor and 15% is due to unexplained factors.
What is the cause of infertility?
Some couples think that infertility may be due to not having sex frequently. This is not true and it is no a cause of infertility. It is probably that you are not having sex during the most fertile days. You have to find out when is your ovulation period to raise the chances of conception. Having sex on the most fertile days will increase your chances of getting pregnant. Try a little additional help by implementing a fertility diet.
What causes infertility in women?
- Difficulties with ovulation: Normally happen prior to menopause with a decreased ovarian functioning. The ovaries cannot release an egg regularly or it is released but it is not a healthy egg.
- The uterus is not receptive to the implantation of a viable embryo.
- Blocked fallopian tubes: A pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the female reproductive tract that can cause inflammation and scar tissue that blocks the tubes. This problem commonly happens when there is a sexually transmitted infection (STD). So you should be careful with whom you have sex. Preferably use condoms to protect yourself.
- Physical abnormalities in the uterine wall and benign fibroid tumors. This condition can result in a sever pain.
What causes infertility in women can differ enormously from case to case. So do not get stressed and think about there is always an opportunity to reverse and solve infertility.
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome): This is one of the most common causes of infertility, and is thought to be the leading cause. High levels of insulin are produced and the hormones get out of balance. This situation causes problems with your periods and makes it difficult to get pregnant.It affects approximately 5%-10% of all women. PCOS can happen to any women at any age, in girls as young as 8-9 years of age, up through post-menopause.
What causes infertility in men?
The most common causes of infertility in men are low sperm counts and decreased sperm ability to maneuver quickly and vigorously. The sperm will not reach the egg for fertilization.
Are there any treatments?
Listen to the infamous ticking of the biological clock. If you are older than 35 years, start immediately doing your homework for conceiving a baby. Do not waste your time.
When your doctor has diagnosed a problem of infertility, from that moment you and your partner will have to initiate an evaluation process of various medical tests. The results can sometimes be very disappointing. So be patient. These tests can also be very expensive.
Your doctor may start with a general examination to evaluate your overall health. You and your partner may be asked about your sexual behavior. Tests may be done to your partner to evaluate mobility of the sperm. Your ovulation periods will be evaluated. Tests may include x-rays to the fallopian tubes and the uterus in order to see if the tubes are open and profiles the shape of the uterus.
Perhaps you will be wondering throughout this process again and again “what causes infertility” and you may not have a reliable and actionable response from your doctor. Be patient, it is a difficult situation, but you should be strengthened with the love of your partner.
The tests could result in any of the following diagnosis:
- Artificial Insemination: The male sperm is injected in the uterus.
- In Vitro Fertilization: This is a process in which eggs are removed from a woman’s body, fertilized with the sperm in a laboratory, and then implanted in the woman’s uterus.
- Surgery: Microsurgery has been used in most women to correct the blocked fallopian tubes or to remove the benign fibroid uterine tumor.This sounds definitely a dangerous treatment and what causes infertility is an issue to think about, right?
- Fertility Drugs: Drugs are prescribed for women who have problems with ovulation. Unfortunately these drugs can sometimes result in problems for you and your baby, for example, preterm labor, low birth weight.
And last but not least: Adoption is a lovely decision.
Final Thoughts:
If you and your partner can not conceive after several attempts, do not blame yourself. No one is guilty. Discuss as a couple without getting angry. I’m sure the love that both have will help you to handle this situation responsibly.
Women’s fertility decreases rapidly every year after the age of 30. Think about that and consider this age as your chance for having a healthy baby. Advanced age increases the risk of miscarriage.
If after a year of trying you cannot get pregnant, you and your partner should follow a medical evaluation to help determine if anything is physically wrong.
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