The mere word infertility can strike fear into men and women who are trying to conceive. Though infertility can affect both men and women, it’s often associated with women. Because women are the carriers of fetuses, may feel extra pressure to become pregnant when she and her partner are trying to conceive.

But their bodies may not be the cause of their inability to get pregnant. Men can also suffer from infertility issues. When seeking fertility treatment, it’s important to understand what infertility is before exploring options. The Advanced IVF Institute in Chicago seeks to help patients understand what could be causing their fertility issues.

What causes infertility?

According to The Mayo Clinic, “10% to 15% of couples in the U.S. are infertile.” There is no one cause behind infertility. And what causes infertility in women is not the same as what may cause infertility in men.

Infertility in Men

Male infertility affects roughly 7% of men and accounts for 40-50% of all infertility cases. Causes of male infertility include:

  • Abnormal sperm production or function
    Abnormal sperm production or function could be caused by undescended testicles, genetic deficiencies, health issues and disorders like diabetes, or infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, mumps or HIV. Having enlarged veins in the testes (varicocele) also can affect the quality of sperm.
  • Difficulty with the delivery of sperm
    There could be a number of factors that interfere with the delivery of sperm including, sexual problems like premature ejaculation. Some genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis could disrupt sperm delivery. Then, there are structural problems, like a blockage in one or both of the testicles. Damage or injury to the reproductive organs can also create difficult passage of sperm.
  • Overexposure to certain environmental factors
    Exposure or overexposure to harmful chemicals like pesticides, radiation, phthalates, lead, and dioxin can disrupt sperm production. Other chemicals and habitual actions that could disrupt sperm production include smoking cigarettes, marijuana, using anabolic steroids, taking medications that treat bacterial infections, high blood pressure and depression. Environmental disruptors like frequent exposure to saunas or hot tubs could also negatively impact sperm production.
  • Damage related to cancer and its treatment
    Chemotherapy and other chemical treatments for cancer can negatively impact sperm production.

Infertility in Women

Like men, infertility in women could be caused by one or even a combination of factors. Some factors that contribute to female infertility include:

  • Ovulation disorders
    Hormonal disorders that can greatly impair the release of eggs from the ovaries include Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS, Prolactinoma, Hyperthyroidism, or Hypothyroidism. Other issues that could affect the release of eggs include over-exercising, eating disorders, and tumors.
  • Uterine or cervical abnormalities
    Abnormalities in the uterus or cervix can cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes or stopping a fertilized egg from implantation in the uterus.

Fallopian tube damage or blockage

Damage to the fallopian tube is often caused by inflammation or salpingitis, usually from pelvic inflammatory disease from untreated sexually transmitted infections, endometriosis, or adhesions.

  • Endometriosis
    Endometriosis is when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus.

Early menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency

Early menopause occurs when the menstrual cycle ends, and the ovaries stop functioning. There are many variables that are associated with early menopause, including immune system disease, Turner Syndrome and other genetic disorders, and chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

  • Pelvic adhesions
    Pelvic adhesions are pockets of scar tissue that attach to organs, usually forming after pelvic infection, appendicitis, endometriosis or abdominal or pelvic surgery.
  • Cancer and cancer treatment
    Reproductive cancers often interfere with female fertility. The radiation and chemotherapy to treat those cancers may affect fertility as well.

If you and your partner are trying to conceive but haven’t been successful, contact Dr. Charles Miller & Associates. You can also google infertility doctors near me so that you can get the assistance you need.