Top 10 Causes of Infertility

Hey there! If you’ve found this page, you are likely one of eight. That is 1 of 8 women who struggle with infertility. If you have decided now is the time to start trying for a family, only to find that it’s just not happening for you, know that you’re not alone. Infertility is a complex and often emotionally charged topic that affects many individuals and couples. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the top 10 causes of infertility, unraveling the mysteries behind the challenges you might be encountering on your path to parenthood.

You might also be interested in my other infertility topics:

• Overcoming the Stigma of Infertility
• Alternative and Holistic Approaches to Infertility
• Survival Guide to Infertility

Now let’s dive into the Top 10 Causes of Infertility

1. Age Matters:
   • As you navigate your fertility journey, age becomes a crucial factor. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and as you get older, both the quantity and quality of these eggs decline. Although this is not as crucial for men, sperm quality can also decrease with age. Understanding how age impacts fertility is the first step in addressing potential challenges. If you are starting your journey to find your family at an older age, you might need to begin with a more aggressive approach. So first remember, age matters, and timing is everything!
2. Ovulation Disorders:
   • If you’re struggling to conceive, irregular or absent ovulation might be a contributing factor. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt regular ovulation, making it more challenging for you to get pregnant. Here is some unsettling news- PCOS is on the rise! Factors that increase likelihood for PCOS- Obesity, Hirsutism (male pattern hair growth in the chin and upper lip), and Insulin resistance. If you have concerns you may have PCOS, or other factors contributing to ovulation, see your health care provider. Understanding your menstrual cycle and identifying ovulation patterns is key, and often the best place to begin.
3. Fallopian Tube Issues:
   • The fallopian tubes play a crucial role in the journey of the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Blockages or damage to these tubes can prevent the egg from reaching its destination, leading to infertility. Tubal factors account for a significant percentage of fertility issues in women. Things that can block or cause scarring in the fallopian tubes are things like previous ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometriosis.
   • A study that you may eventually need to evaluate the patency of the fallopian tubes is a hysterosalpingogram.
4. Endometriosis:
   • If you experience severe menstrual cramps and pelvic pain, endometriosis might be a concern. This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. The presence of endometrial tissue in other areas can impact fertility by affecting the normal functioning of reproductive organs.
   • This was the cause of my infertility. Endometriosis can only be definitively diagnosed (and often improved) with an exploratory laparoscopy- This is a small surgery where they explore the abdomen for endometrial tissue where it shouldn’t be. Endometriosis can often cause decreased ovarian function and follicle production, or scarring of the fallopian tubes.
5. Uterine Problems:
   • Your uterus is the nurturing space where a fertilized egg implants and grows into a fetus. Uterine abnormalities, such as fibroids or structural issues, can hinder the implantation process. Understanding the health of your uterus is crucial in assessing your fertility. Your healthcare provider may consider a uterine ultrasound or a sonohystogram if previous labwork and hormone levels are all normal.
6. Male Factor Infertility:
   • Fertility challenges are not exclusive to women. Male factor infertility, often related to low sperm count or poor sperm motility, can significantly impact conception. Of all fertility cases, up to 40% is due to male factor infertility. Seeking a comprehensive fertility evaluation that includes both partners is essential, and the infertility workup is not complete without a comprehensive semen analysis.
7. Unexplained Infertility:
   • Sometimes, despite thorough evaluations, the cause of infertility remains elusive. Unexplained infertility can be frustrating and emotionally taxing. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing communication with your healthcare provider and exploring various treatment options.
8. Hormonal Imbalances:
   • Not just estrogen or progesterone, the female hormones. Think thyroid or pituitary.
   • Hormones play a pivotal role in fertility, regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting the reproductive process. Imbalances in hormones, such as thyroid dysfunction or disorders affecting the pituitary gland, can disrupt fertility, mainly by causing disruptions in ovulation. Understanding and addressing hormonal issues is a crucial aspect of fertility care.
9. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors:
   • Your lifestyle choices can significantly impact fertility. Factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and high levels of stress can adversely affect reproductive health. Making positive lifestyle changes can contribute to improving your fertility outlook. Check out this post on 10 Ways to Reduce Stress When Trying to Conceive.
10. Genetic Factors:
    • Genetic factors can also play a role in infertility. Certain genetic conditions can affect reproductive organs or impact the overall fertility potential of individuals. For example, females with Turner Syndrome, XO, will not be able to have kids due to missing x chromosome, and males with Klienfelter’s Syndrome XXY often have subfertility or infertility. Genetic testing may be recommended to identify any underlying factors that could be contributing to fertility challenges.

To Summarize if you are struggling with infertility, and want to make sure you’ve had a thorough workup think:

• Is my age affecting my fertility?
• Am I having regular periods/ovulating monthly?
• Are there any issues with my fallopian tubes or uterus?
• Do I have painful periods? Could I possibly have endometriosis?
• Has my husband/male partner complete a semen analysis?
• Are there any hormone (thyroid or pituitary) imbalances?
• Are there any lifestyle factors that might be affecting my fertility? Stress, smoking, alcohol?
• Do I have any genetic abnormalities that affect fertility?

Conclusion:

As you navigate the complexities of infertility, understanding the potential causes is a crucial step in seeking the right support and guidance. Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and there are resources and fertility specialists available to help you explore options and find a path forward. By unraveling the mysteries behind infertility, you empower yourself with knowledge and pave the way for informed decisions on your road to parenthood.