What is Infertility ?

It may be that one partner cannot contribute to conception, or that a woman is unable to carry a pregnancy to full term.

CAUSES IN MEN

The following problems are possible :-

• Low Sperm Count :- The man ejaculates a low number of sperm. Around one-third of couples have difficulty conceiving due to a low sperm count.
• Low Sperm Mobility (Motility) :- The sperm cannot “swim” as well as they should to reach the egg.
• Abnormal Sperm :- The sperm may have an unusual shape, making it harder to move and fertilize an egg.
• Genetic Factors :- A man should have an X and Y chromosome. If he has two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome, as in Klinefelter’s syndrome, the testicles will develop abnormally, leading to low testosterone and a low sperm count or no sperm.
• Mumps :- If this occurs after puberty, inflammation of the testicles may affect sperm production.
• Hypospadias :- The urethral opening is under the penis instead of its tip. This abnormality is usually surgically corrected in infancy. If the correction is not done, it may be harder for sperm to reach the female’s cervix.
• Cystic Fibrosis :- This is a chronic disease that results in the creation of sticky mucus. This mucus mainly affects the lungs, but males may also have a missing or obstructed vas deferens, which carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct and urethra.
• Radiation Therapy :- This can impair sperm production. The severity usually depends on how close to the testicles the radiation was aimed.
• Some Diseases :- Conditions sometimes linked to lower fertility in males include anemia, Cushing’s syndrome, diabetes, and thyroid disease.
• Medical Conditions :- This could include a testicular infection, cancer, or surgery affecting reproductive organs.
• Overheated Testicles :- Causes include undescended testicles, a varicocele (varicose vein in the scrotum), the use of saunas or hot tubs, wearing tight clothes, and working in hot environments.
• Ejaculation Disorders :- If the ejaculatory ducts are blocked, semen may be ejaculated into the bladder.
• Hormonal Imbalance :- Hypogonadism, for example, can lead to a testosterone deficiency.

CAUSES IN WOMEN

• Age :- The ability to conceive starts to fall around the age of 32 years.
• Smoking :- Smoking significantly increases the risk of infertility in both men and women, and it may undermine the effects of fertility treatment. Smoking during pregnancy increases the chance of pregnancy loss. Passive smoking has also been linked to lower fertility.
• Alcohol :- Any amount of alcohol consumption can affect the chances of conceiving.
• Being Obese or Overweight :- This can increase the risk of infertility in women as well as men.
• Eating Disorders :- If an eating disorder leads to serious weight loss, fertility problems may arise.
• Diet :- A lack of folic acid, iron, zinc, and vitamin B-12 can affect fertility. Women who are at risk, including those on a vegan diet, should ask the doctor about supplements.
• Exercise :- Both too much and too little exercise can lead to fertility problems.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) :- Chlamydia can damage the fallopian tubes in a woman and cause inflammation in a man’s scrotum. Some other STIs may also cause infertility.

OVULATION DISORDRS

• Premature Ovarian Failure: The ovaries stop working before the age of 40 years.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): The ovaries function abnormally and ovulation may not occur.
• Hyperprolactinemia: If prolactin levels are high, and the woman is not pregnant or breastfeeding, it may affect ovulation and fertility.
• Poor Egg Quality: Eggs that are damaged or develop genetic abnormalities cannot sustain a pregnancy. The older a woman is, the higher the risk.
• Thyroid Problems: An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can lead to a hormonal imbalance.
• Chronic Conditions: These include AIDS or cancer.