Niepłodność
Etiologia i przyczyny
Niepłodność definiuje się jako brak możliwości zajścia w ciążę po roku regularnych stosunków płciowych bez zabezpieczenia. Etiologia jest wieloczynnikowa, obejmując zaburzenia owulacji (25% przyczyn u kobiet), endometriozę, niedrożność jajowodów, niską liczbę plemników, niski poziom testosteronu oraz czynniki związane z wiekiem. W populacji niepłodnych par przyczynę żeńską stwierdza się w 33-37%, męską w 8-40%, a u 33-35% par występują czynniki obojga partnerów lub przyczyny pozostają niewyjaśnione. Zaburzenia owulacji, w tym PCOS (dotyczący około 10% kobiet w wieku rozrodczym) i przedwczesna niewydolność jajników (POI), są najczęstszymi przyczynami niepłodności u kobiet. Wiek kobiety istotnie wpływa na płodność, z wyraźnym spadkiem po 35 roku życia (odsetek niepłodności wzrasta do 25% w wieku 35 lat i do 30% w wieku 40 lat). Endometrioza dotyka 10% kobiet i jest obecna u 35-50% kobiet z niepłodnością. U mężczyzn najczęstsze przyczyny to azoospermia, oligospermia, zaburzenia ruchliwości i morfologii plemników, a także varicocele, które występuje u 5-10% niepłodnych mężczyzn. Starzenie się mężczyzn po 35 roku życia wiąże się z fragmentacją DNA plemników i spadkiem płodności.
- Etiologia niepłodności
- Czynniki stylu życia i środowiskowe wpływające na płodność
- Schorzenia medyczne wpływające na płodność
- Choroby autoimmunologiczne
- Problemy z tarczycą
- Choroby przenoszone drogą płciową (STI/STD)
- Cukrzyca i inne choroby przewlekłe
- Strukturalne przyczyny niepłodności
- Podejście do leczenia niepłodności
Etiologia niepłodności
Niepłodność to stan, w którym para nie może zajść w ciążę pomimo roku regularnych stosunków płciowych bez zabezpieczenia. Przyczyny niepłodności mogą obejmować zaburzenia owulacji, endometriozę, niską liczbę plemników lub niski poziom testosteronu. Ryzyko niepłodności wzrasta wraz z wiekiem. Dla par zmagających się z niepłodnością dostępnych jest wiele opcji leczenia.1
Badania pokazują, że przyczyny niepłodności rozkładają się następująco: u 33% par niepłodność dotyczy kobiety, u 33% dotyczy mężczyzny, a u 33% par występują czynniki dotyczące obojga partnerów lub przyczyny są niewyjaśnione. Niektóre przyczyny niepłodności dotyczą tylko jednego partnera, podczas gdy inne mają wpływ na oboje.1
Światowa Organizacja Zdrowia (WHO) w badaniu obejmującym 8500 niepłodnych par wykazała, że czynnik żeński był przyczyną niepłodności u 37% par w krajach rozwiniętych, czynnik męski u 8% par, a zarówno czynnik męski jak i żeński u 35% par. Najczęstsze zidentyfikowane czynniki żeńskie, stanowiące 81% niepłodności u kobiet, to zaburzenia owulacji (25%).23
Czynniki żeńskie
Niepłodność u kobiet może wynikać z wieku, stanów hormonalnych, schorzeń medycznych oraz czynników związanych ze stylem życia lub środowiskiem. Zaburzenia owulacji są najczęstszą przyczyną niepłodności u kobiet.45
Większość przypadków niepłodności u osób posiadających macicę wiąże się z problemami z wytwarzaniem i uwalnianiem komórek jajowych (owulacją). Może to być spowodowane takimi schorzeniami jak zespół policystycznych jajników (PCOS) lub innymi stanami, takimi jak przedwczesne wygaśnięcie czynności jajników (POI), stan, w którym skrajnie niska pula jajeczek powoduje zatrzymanie funkcji jajników przed 40 rokiem życia.4
Zaburzenia owulacji
Zaburzenia owulacji stanowią około 25% znanych przyczyn niepłodności u kobiet. Nieprawidłowości lub brak owulacji odpowiada za większość przypadków niepłodności u kobiet.35
Zaburzenia owulacji mogą być spowodowane:6
- Zespołem policystycznych jajników (PCOS)6
- Problemami z tarczycą – zarówno nadczynność jak i niedoczynność tarczycy mogą uniemożliwiać owulację6
- Przedwczesną niewydolnością jajników, gdy jajniki przestają pracować przed 40 rokiem życia6
Zespół policystycznych jajników (PCOS)
Zespół policystycznych jajników (PCOS) powoduje zaburzenie równowagi hormonalnej, co wpływa na owulację. PCOS jest związany z insulinoopornością i otyłością, nieprawidłowym owłosieniem na twarzy lub ciele oraz trądzikiem. Jest to najczęstsza przyczyna niepłodności u kobiet.7
PCOS to zaburzenie hormonalne, które dotyczy około 10% kobiet w wieku rozrodczym. Leczenie może obejmować leki, zmiany stylu życia, takie jak dieta i ćwiczenia, i/lub zapłodnienie in vitro (IVF).8
PCOS to najczęstsze schorzenie wpływające na płodność. Diagnoza PCOS wymaga trzech z następujących objawów: nieregularności miesiączkowania, nadmiaru androgenów oraz obecności policystycznych jajników w badaniu ultrasonograficznym.910
Przedwczesna niewydolność jajników (POI)
Przedwczesna niewydolność jajników (POI) występuje, gdy liczba jajeczek obecnych w jajnikach jest bardzo niska. Osoby z POI mają również niższą rezerwę jajnikową, co oznacza mniej jajeczek dla ich wieku. Bez wystarczającej ilości jajeczek i odpowiedniego poziomu hormonów potrzebnych do regulacji cyklu, możliwość poczęcia jest znacznie zmniejszona.910
POI to stan, w którym jajniki przestają funkcjonować prawidłowo przed 40 rokiem życia. Kobiety z POI często mają trudności z zajściem w ciążę.11
Wiek jako czynnik niepłodności
Wiek kobiety ma ogromny wpływ na jej zdolność do osiągnięcia zdrowej i udanej ciąży. Szczytowe lata reprodukcyjne przypadają na okres od późnych nastolatek do późnych lat 20. W wieku 30 lat zdolność do zajścia w ciążę zaczyna się zmniejszać, ponieważ liczba i jakość jajeczek naturalnie zaczyna spadać.1213
U kobiet płodność zaczyna znacząco spadać po 35 roku życia. Badania wykazały, że około 70% poronień jest spowodowanych nieprawidłowościami chromosomalnymi.14
Odsetek niepłodności u osób między 15 a 34 rokiem życia z żeńskimi narządami rozrodczymi wynosi 7,3-9,1%. W wieku 35 lat odsetek ten wzrasta do 25%. Ryzyko jest jeszcze wyższe dla osób w wieku 40 lat, z odsetkiem niepłodności wynoszącym 30%.15
Endometrioza
Endometrioza występuje, gdy tkanka podobna do wyścielającej macicę implantuje się i rośnie w innych miejscach. Ta dodatkowa tkanka i jej chirurgiczne usunięcie mogą powodować bliznowacenie, które może blokować jajowody i uniemożliwiać połączenie jajeczka i plemnika.7
Endometrioza to stan, w którym tkanka podobna do błony śluzowej macicy rośnie poza jamą macicy. Od 35 do 50% kobiet z niepłodnością ma również endometriozę. Leczenie może obejmować operację lub zapłodnienie in vitro.8
Endometrioza dotyka około 1 na 10 kobiet i osób przypisanych przy urodzeniu do płci żeńskiej. Jest to również powszechna przyczyna niepłodności, a badania sugerują, że występuje w około 20-50% przypadków niepłodności.10
Problemy z jajowodami i macicą
Niedrożność jajowodów to jedna z najczęstszych przyczyn niepłodności u kobiet. Niedrożność jednego lub obu jajowodów może uniemożliwić plemnikom dotarcie do jajeczka i zapłodnienie go.16
Niedrożność jajowodów może wynikać z kilku możliwych przyczyn:16
- Choroba zapalna miednicy mniejszej (PID) to ogólny termin określający infekcję i zapalenie górnych narządów rozrodczych, w tym endometriozę, zapalenie jajowodów i zapalenie jajników.16
- Najczęstszymi przyczynami wodniaków jajowodów są nieleczone lub niezdiagnozowane choroby przenoszone drogą płciową: chlamydia i rzeżączka.16
Problemy z macicą lub jajowodami, lub jajnikami, są również powszechną przyczyną niepłodności. Każdy stan wpływający na którąkolwiek z tych struktur może przyczynić się do niepłodności u kobiet.17
Czynniki ryzyka niedrożności jajowodów obejmują: historię infekcji miednicy, pęknięcie wyrostka robaczkowego, rzeżączkę, chlamydię, endometriozę, wcześniejsze operacje jamy brzusznej.17
Czynniki męskie
Niepłodność męska odpowiada za około 40% przypadków niepłodności i jest obecna u dodatkowych 10% par, u których niepłodność występuje u obojga partnerów. Niepłodność u mężczyzn występuje, jeśli plemniki są wytwarzane w małej liczbie, są nieprawidłowe w kształcie lub nie są w stanie poruszać się dobrze.18
Najczęstszą przyczyną niepłodności męskiej są problemy z kształtem, ruchem (ruchliwością) lub ilością (niska liczba plemników) plemników.5
U mężczyzn niepłodność można przypisać czynnikom przedjądrowym, jądrowym i pozajądrowym.19
Zaburzenia produkcji i funkcji plemników
Plemniki mogą być niedojrzałe, nieprawidłowo ukształtowane lub niezdolne do pływania. W niektórych przypadkach mężczyźni mogą nie produkować wystarczającej ilości plemników lub nie produkować ich wcale.20
Nieprawidłowości lub uszkodzenia jądera zakłócają płodność i są odpowiedzialne za nieprawidłową produkcję lub funkcję plemników.19
Najczęstszymi zaburzeniami męskiej niepłodności są azoospermia (brak komórek plemnikowych) i oligospermia (produkcja niewielkiej liczby komórek plemnikowych).14
Żylaki powrózka nasiennego (varicocele)
Varicocele to powiększona lub obrzęknięta żyła w jądrze. Stan ten może powodować słaby rozwój jądra, niską produkcję plemników i inne problemy.20
Żylaki powrózka nasiennego mogą przyczyniać się do niepłodności i występują u 5% do 10% niepłodnych kobiet.11
Varicocele to poszerzenie żył w mosznie, które podnosi temperaturę jąder i wpływa na produkcję i jakość plemników.21
Czynniki hormonalne i genetyczne
Zaburzenia endokrynologiczne, spowodowane wrodzonymi problemami z jądrem, problemami hormonalnymi i problemami zdrowotnymi, takimi jak cukrzyca, mogą wpływać na produkcję plemników.22
Nierównowagi, które wpływają na podwzgórze lub przysadkę mózgową, mogą powodować zmniejszoną produkcję plemników.20
Zaburzenia genetyczne, takie jak zespół Klinefeltera i inne genetyczne choroby, wpływają na męską płodność.23
Zespół Klinefeltera, spowodowany obecnością dodatkowego chromosomu X, jest najczęstszą przyczyną niepłodności u mężczyzn.24
Wiek a płodność męska
Potencjał reprodukcyjny mężczyzn po 35 roku życia gwałtownie spada, a DNA w jądrze ulega fragmentacji. Po 40 roku życia prawdopodobieństwo, że mężczyzna spłodzi dziecko bez mutacji genetycznych, spada o 11 procent każdego roku.21
Mężczyźni po 40 roku życia są często mniej płodni niż młodsi mężczyźni. Pary, w których partner męski ma 40 lat lub więcej, częściej zgłaszają trudności z poczęciem.17
Starzenie się wpływa na częstość występowania niepłodności męskiej. Ogólnie rzecz biorąc, badania wskazują, że wiek ojcowski >40 lat niekorzystnie wpływa na płodność par, ale efekt ten jest niewielki w porównaniu z wpływem wieku matki >35 lat.25
Niepłodność niewyjaśniona
Niepłodność niewyjaśniona to niepowodzenie w określeniu przyczyny niepłodności po dokładnym zbadaniu zarówno partnera męskiego, jak i żeńskiego. Około 10 procent niepłodności jest niewyjaśnione.26
W niektórych przypadkach przyczyna niepłodności nigdy nie zostaje znaleziona. Kombinacja kilku drobnych czynników u obojga partnerów może powodować niewyjaśnione problemy z płodnością. Chociaż frustrujące jest to, że nie ma konkretnej odpowiedzi, problem ten może sam się naprawić z czasem. Jednak nie należy opóźniać leczenia niepłodności.7
W Wielkiej Brytanii niewyjaśniona niepłodność stanowi około 1 na 4 przypadki niepłodności. Dzieje się tak, gdy nie można zidentyfikować przyczyny u żadnego z partnerów.6
Czynniki stylu życia i środowiskowe wpływające na płodność
Istnieje wiele czynników, które mogą zwiększyć ryzyko niepłodności. Ogólne stany zdrowotne, cechy genetyczne (dziedziczne), wybory dotyczące stylu życia i wiek mogą przyczynić się do niepłodności.4
Waga i dieta
U kobiet otyłość jest poważnym czynnikiem ryzyka nieregularnej owulacji i niepłodności (niemożności zajścia w ciążę), a u mężczyzn otyłość jest związana z pogorszeniem jakości nasienia, zmniejszonym libido i zaburzeniami erekcji.27
Procent tkanki tłuszczowej w organizmie jednostki odgrywa ważną rolę w regulacji cyklu miesiączkowego.9
Nadmierna waga lub niedowaga może wpływać na płodność. U kobiet, nadwaga lub znaczna niedowaga może wpływać na owulację.28
Palenie i alkohol
Palenie może wpływać na płodność: palenie (w tym bierne palenie) wpływa na szanse na poczęcie i może obniżyć jakość nasienia.28
Alkohol: najbezpieczniejszym podejściem jest całkowite unikanie alkoholu, aby zminimalizować ryzyko dla dziecka.28
Nadmierne spożycie alkoholu może zmniejszyć liczbę plemników. Może również zakłócać powodzenie zabiegów zapłodnienia in vitro (IVF).29
Czynniki środowiskowe i toksyny
Czynniki środowiskowe: narażenie na niektóre pestycydy, rozpuszczalniki i metale wykazano, że wpływa na płodność, szczególnie u mężczyzn.28
Czynniki środowiskowe i zawodowe, toksyczne efekty związane z tytoniem, marihuaną lub innymi narkotykami, nadmierny wysiłek fizyczny, nieodpowiednia dieta związana z ekstremalną utratą lub przyrostem wagi oraz zaawansowany wiek mogą zwiększać ryzyko niepłodności.19
Toksyny środowiskowe: długotrwałe narażenie na toksyny środowiskowe, takie jak ołów, chemioterapia lub pestycydy może powodować problemy z płodnością u mężczyzn.20
Stres i zaburzenia psychiczne
Stres może wpływać na relację z partnerem i powodować utratę popędu seksualnego; w poważnych przypadkach stres może również wpływać na owulację i produkcję plemników.28
Zaburzenia funkcji seksualnych mogą dotyczyć wszystkich partnerów w związku. Dysfunkcja seksualna lub ból mogą utrudniać i sprawiać, że stosunki płciowe są bolesne.30
Schorzenia medyczne wpływające na płodność
Choroby autoimmunologiczne
Zaburzenia autoimmunologiczne powodują, że układ odpornościowy organizmu atakuje normalne tkanki ciała, które normalnie by ignorował. Zaburzenia autoimmunologiczne, takie jak toczeń, choroba Hashimoto i inne typy zapalenia tarczycy lub reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów, mogą wpływać na płodność.11
Choroby autoimmunologiczne, takie jak choroba Hashimoto, toczeń i reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów, mogą wpływać na płodność, powodując stan zapalny w macicy i łożysku.31
Problemy z tarczycą
Jeśli kobieta ma niski lub wysoki poziom tarczycy lub ma wysoki poziom prolaktyny (hormon produkujący mleko wydzielany przez mózg), może to prowadzić do nieregularnej owulacji.9
Problemy z tarczycą – zarówno nadczynność tarczycy (hipertyreoza) jak i niedoczynność tarczycy (hipotyreza) – mogą uniemożliwiać owulację.6
Choroby przenoszone drogą płciową (STI/STD)
Choroby przenoszone drogą płciową (STI), takie jak chlamydia lub rzeżączka, mogą powodować zapalenie miednicy mniejszej (PID). Około 1 na 8 kobiet z historią PID ma trudności z zajściem w ciążę.32
Nieleczone choroby przenoszone drogą płciową (STI) mogą mieć poważne konsekwencje dla płodności. STI takie jak chlamydia lub rzeżączka mogą powodować bliznowacenie i blokowanie jajowodów.10
Infekcje, w tym choroby przenoszone drogą płciową, mogą powodować chorobę zapalną miednicy.31
Cukrzyca i inne choroby przewlekłe
Otyłość, cukrzyca, niewydolność nerek, mukowiscydoza i wiele zaburzeń autoimmunologicznych mogą mieć negatywny wpływ na płodność.20
Stany zdrowotne, które mogą wpływać na płodność, obejmują: raka, chorobę zapalną jelit (IBD), taką jak wrzodziejące zapalenie jelita grubego i choroba Leśniowskiego-Crohna, ciężkie reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów, mukowiscydozę.33
Strukturalne przyczyny niepłodności
Mięśniaki macicy
Mięśniaki to łagodne (nieszkodliwe) guzy, które rozwijają się w ścianie mięśniowej macicy. W zależności od ich lokalizacji, mogą powodować problemy z płodnością u niektórych kobiet.33
Mięśniaki macicy mogą utrudniać implantację i rozwój zarodka.34
Mięśniaki to nienowotworowe rozrosty w macicy. Są bardzo powszechne (około 40% kobiet je ma). Jednak sama obecność mięśniaków niekoniecznie powoduje niepłodność lub predysponuje kobietę do utraty ciąży. Mięśniaki, które zniekształcają jamę macicy, mają wpływ na zdolność zarodka do implantacji i powinny być usunięte chirurgicznie. Wpływ mięśniaków zlokalizowanych w innych miejscach macicy jest kontrowersyjny i nie zawsze wymaga operacji.14
Polipy endometrium
Polipy endometrium to rozrosty znajdujące się w jamie macicy. Duże polipy lub wiele polipów może wpływać na płodność, zakłócając zdolność zarodka do implantacji i powinny być usunięte. Wpływ małych lub pojedynczych polipów jest bardziej kontrowersyjny.14
Polipy macicy, przerost tkanki endometrialnej macicy, mogą również utrudniać implantację i rozwój zarodka.9
Zrosty i blizny
Zrosty miednicy mogą tworzyć się po infekcji miednicy, zapaleniu wyrostka robaczkowego lub operacji jamy brzusznej lub miednicy, upośledzając płodność.34
Zrosty lub tkanka bliznowata wewnątrz jamy macicy mogą również zakłócać płodność.9
Choroba zrostowa miednicy może być spowodowana zabiegami chirurgicznymi, chorobami zapalnymi miednicy mniejszej i infekcjami.18
Wrodzone nieprawidłowości układu rozrodczego
Niektóre kobiety rodzą się z wrodzonymi anomaliami macicy, i może to obejmować różne nieprawidłowości, od łagodnych do ciężkich.9
Co najmniej 10% wszystkich przypadków niepłodności u kobiet jest spowodowanych nieprawidłową macicą. Stany takie jak mięśniaki, polipy i adenomioza mogą prowadzić do niedrożności macicy i jajowodów.35
Wrodzone nieprawidłowości, takie jak macica przegrodzona, mogą prowadzić do nawracających poronień lub niemożności poczęcia.35
Podejście do leczenia niepłodności
Dla par zmagających się z niepłodnością dostępnych jest wiele opcji leczenia. W zależności od przyczyny niepłodności, istnieją różne sposoby jej leczenia.4
W 85% do 90% przypadków modyfikacja stylu życia, leki, techniki wspomaganego rozrodu (ART) lub operacja mogą leczyć niepłodność i umożliwić kobiecie zajście w ciążę.5
Perspektywy dla niepłodności u kobiet zależą w dużej mierze od jednostki i podstawowej przyczyny niepłodności. Rokowanie jest bardzo pozytywne, gdy przyczyną niepłodności są zaburzenia owulacyjne lub nieprawidłowości strukturalne, gdzie leczenie jest możliwe. Niektóre stany reprodukcyjne, jak niepłodność związana z czynnikiem macicznym, są trudniejsze do leczenia.4
Najważniejsze jest to, aby wiedzieć, że w zdecydowanej większości przypadków niepłodność nie jest twoją winą. Istnieje wiele opcji leczenia, które mogą pomóc parom zmagającym się z niepłodnością.31
Polityki rządowe mogłyby złagodzić wiele nierówności w dostępie do bezpiecznej i skutecznej opieki w zakresie płodności. Aby skutecznie rozwiązać problem niepłodności, polityki zdrowotne muszą uznać, że niepłodność jest chorobą, której często można zapobiec, tym samym łagodząc potrzebę kosztownych i słabo dostępnych zabiegów.36
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Materiały źródłowe
- #1 Infertility: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatmenthttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16083-infertility
Infertility is a condition where you cant get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive. Causes of infertility can include ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, low sperm count or low testosterone. The risk of infertility increases as you age. Many treatment options are available for people with infertility. […] There are many causes of infertility, and sometimes, there isnt a simple answer as to why youre not getting pregnant. Only a healthcare provider can determine the cause and find the best treatment for you. […] While causes of infertility vary, studies show that: 33% of infertility involves women. 33% of infertility involves men. 33% of infertility involves both partners or is unexplained. […] Some causes of infertility affect just one partner, while others affect both partners. Risk factors for infertility include: Age, particularly being in your late 30s or 40s. For men, age begins affecting fertility closer to 50.
- #2 Female infertility: Causes – UpToDatehttps://www.uptodate.com/contents/female-infertility-causes
Female infertility: Causes […] Infertility is a complex disorder with significant medical, psychosocial, and economic aspects. The etiologies of female infertility will be reviewed here. […] In a World Health Organization (WHO) study of 8500 infertile couples, female factor infertility was reported in 37 percent of infertile couples in developed countries, male factor infertility in 8 percent, and both male and female factor infertility in 35 percent. The most common identifiable female factors, which accounted for 81 percent of female infertility, were: Ovulatory disorders (25 percent).
- #3 Female Infertility – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelfhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556033/
Infertility is a medical condition that can cause psychological, physical, mental, spiritual, and medical detriments to the patient. […] To understand infertility, one must understand normal fecundability, the probability of achieving pregnancy in one menstrual cycle. […] The World Health Organization (WHO) performed a large multinational study to determine gender distribution and infertility etiologies. In 37% of infertile couples, female infertility was the cause; in 35% of couples, both male and female causes were identified; in 8%, there was male factor infertility. […] The most common identifiable factors of female infertility are as follows: Ovulatory disorders: 25%, Endometriosis: 15%, Pelvic adhesions: 12%, Tubal blockage: 11%, Other tubal/uterine abnormalities: 11%, Hyperprolactinemia: 7%.
- #3 Female Infertility – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelfhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556033/
Even though these factors are not discussed here, it is important to realize that male factor infertility represents a substantial portion of the identifiable factors causing infertility. […] Ovulatory disorders make up 25% of the known causes of female infertility. […] Endometriosis is known to cause infertility, but the pathophysiology is thought to change according to the stage. […] Pelvic and tubal adhesions, along with uterine and tubal abnormalities, account for a large portion of female infertility. […] Uterine causes of infertility are associated with either space-occupying lesions or reduced endometrial receptivity. […] The differential diagnosis for infertility can be extensive, and a thorough workup is required to ensure no harmful disease process is missed. […] The research above suggests that providers can use clomiphene alone as a first-line treatment for infertility. This is no longer true. […] The 3 primary complications associated with infertility treatments are multiples, ectopic pregnancy, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
- #4 Female Infertility: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatmenthttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17774-female-infertility
Infertility is the inability to get pregnant. […] Causes of infertility can be due to either partner. In fact, infertility occurs due to a problem with the male reproductive system just as frequently as it occurs due to a problem with the female reproductive system. […] Infertility in females can result from age, hormone conditions, medical conditions, and lifestyle or environmental factors. […] There are many possible causes of infertility. However, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause, and some couples have unexplained infertility. Some possible causes of female infertility can include: […] Most cases of infertility in people with a uterus involve problems with producing and releasing eggs (ovulation). It can be due to a condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other conditions like primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), a condition in which an extremely low egg supply makes your ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40.
- #4 Female Infertility: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatmenthttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17774-female-infertility
Many factors can increase your risk for infertility. General health conditions, genetic (inherited) traits, lifestyle choices and age can all contribute to infertility. […] Your chances of becoming pregnant decrease with age. Research shows that age is becoming a more common factor in infertility because many couples are waiting to have children until their 30s or 40s. […] Once your healthcare provider diagnoses infertility and determines a cause, theyll suggest possible treatment options. Treatment options depend on the cause. […] The outlook for female infertility depends greatly on the individual and the underlying cause of infertility. The outcome is very positive when the cause of infertility is due to ovulatory disorders or structural abnormalities where treatment is possible. Some reproductive conditions, like uterine factor infertility, are harder to treat.
- #5 Infertility: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatmenthttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16083-infertility
Ovulation disorders are the most common cause of infertility in women. […] The most common cause of male infertility involves problems with the shape, movement (motility) or amount (low sperm count) of sperm. […] In 85% to 90% of cases, lifestyle modification, medication, ART or surgery can treat infertility and allow a woman to conceive.
- #5 Female infertility – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354308
Infertility is defined as trying to get pregnant with frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year with no success. […] Infertility results from female factors about one-third of the time and both female and male factors about one-third of the time. The cause is either unknown or a combination of male and female factors in the remaining cases. […] Female infertility causes can be difficult to diagnose. There are many treatments, depending on the infertility cause. Many infertile couples will go on to conceive a child without treatment. […] In women, a number of factors can disrupt this process at any step. Female infertility is caused by one or more of the factors below. […] Ovulating infrequently or not at all accounts for most cases of infertility. Problems with the regulation of reproductive hormones by the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland or problems in the ovary can cause ovulation disorders.
- #6https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/causes/
Infertility can be caused by many different things. For 1 in 4 couples, a cause cannot be identified. […] Infertility is commonly caused by problems with ovulation (the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries). […] Ovulation problems can be a result of: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems both an overactive thyroid gland and an underactive thyroid gland can prevent ovulation, premature ovarian failure where the ovaries stop working before the age of 40. […] Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the upper female genital tract, which includes the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. […] Some women choose to be sterilised if they do not want to have children, or any more children. […] The side effects of some types of medicines and drugs can affect your fertility.
- #6https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/causes/
A common cause of infertility in men is poor-quality semen, the fluid containing sperm that’s ejaculated during sex. […] Possible reasons for abnormal semen include: a lack of sperm you may have a very low sperm count or no sperm at all, sperm that are not moving properly this will make it harder for sperm to swim to the egg, abnormal sperm sperm can sometimes be an abnormal shape, making it harder for them to move and fertilise an egg. […] Hypogonadism is an abnormally low level of testosterone, the male sex hormone involved in making sperm. […] Certain types of medicines can sometimes cause infertility problems. […] In the UK, unexplained infertility accounts for around 1 in 4 cases of infertility. This is when no cause can be identified in either partner.
- #7 Female infertility – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354308
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes a hormone imbalance, which affects ovulation. PCOS is associated with insulin resistance and obesity, abnormal hair growth on the face or body, and acne. It’s the most common cause of female infertility. […] Endometriosis occurs when tissue that typically grows in the uterus implants and grows in other places. This extra tissue growth and the surgical removal of it can cause scarring, which can block fallopian tubes and keep an egg and sperm from uniting. […] In some cases, the cause of infertility is never found. A combination of several minor factors in both partners could cause unexplained fertility problems. Although it’s frustrating to get no specific answer, this problem can correct itself with time. But you shouldn’t delay treatment for infertility.
- #8 Infertility Causes | Fertility Centers of Illinoishttps://www.fcionline.com/get-started/infertility-causes/
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 10% of women in their childbearing years. Treatment may include medication, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and/or IVF. […] Approximately 35 to 50% of women with infertility also have endometriosis. Treatment may include surgery or IVF. […] Cervical disorders can prevent the sperm from being able to enter the uterus. Treatment may include Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or IVF. […] Infertility does not affect only women millions of men suffer as well. In fact, new studies show that in approximately 40 percent of couples dealing with infertility, the male partner is either the sole cause or a contributing cause of infertility. Difficulties range from issues with sperm production to obstruction of sperm delivery. […] The most common male infertility factors include azoospermia (no sperm cells are produced) and oligospermia (few sperm cells are produced). Other times, sperm cells are malformed or they die before they can reach the egg.
- #9 Causes of Female Infertility | Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeleshttps://www.pfcla.com/causes-of-female-infertility
Learn about the different causes that affect female infertility. […] If youre struggling with conception or carrying a pregnancy to term, you may be experiencing female infertility. […] First, lets explore some common causes of female infertility. […] Reasons why ovulation does not occur regularly include: […] The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) requires three of the following symptoms: menstrual irregularities, androgen excess, and the appearance of polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound. […] Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is when the number of eggs present in the ovaries is very low. […] If a woman has either low or high thyroid levels or has high prolactin (a milk-producing hormone released by the brain), this can lead to irregular ovulation. […] Hypothalamic dysfunction is a problem with the part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which controls the pituitary gland and regulates many bodily functions.
- #9 Causes of Female Infertility | Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeleshttps://www.pfcla.com/causes-of-female-infertility
Adhesions or scar tissue inside the uterine cavity can also interfere with fertility. […] Some women are born with congenital anomalies of the uterus, and this can encompass a variety of abnormalities that range from mild to severe. […] If your doctor performs a complete investigation and no obvious cause of infertility is found, youll be given a diagnosis of exclusion. […] Problems with ovulation are the most common causes of female infertility. […] An individuals body fat percentage plays an important role in the regulation of their menstrual cycle. […] There are certain genetic conditions associated with abnormalities of chromosomes that can result in female infertility due to anovulation. […] PCOS is one of the most common causes of abnormal ovulation and infertility in women.
- #9 Causes of Female Infertility | Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeleshttps://www.pfcla.com/causes-of-female-infertility
Uterine polyps, an overgrowth of the endometrial tissue of the uterus, can also impede implantation and embryo growth. […] Conditions that can result in tubal damage include: […] The most common cause of tubal disease is pelvic infection, secondary to sexually transmitted diseases Gonorrhea and or Chlamydia. […] Endometriosis remains one of the most common and puzzling gynecological disorders in women. […] Another common cause of tubal disease is the result of previous pelvic or abdominal surgical procedures. […] In rare instances, a woman is born with congenitally absent Fallopian tubes. […] Any abnormality affecting this organ can result in infertility or even a miscarriage. […] Fibroids shrink after menopause when the bodys estrogen levels drop. […] When fibroids are large and close to the lining of the uterus, they must be removed before attempting to conceive again as it can interfere with implantation, cause infertility or increase the risk of miscarriages.
- #10 Understanding the Causes of Infertility – Hertility Healthhttps://hertilityhealth.com/blog/the-causes-of-infertility
For many, the journey to parenthood can be a challenging process, both physically and emotionally. Were here to help you understand the different causes of infertility, and the options available for those who need support. […] Underlying health conditions, structural issues, infections and hormone issues can all be causes of infertility. […] There can be many different reasons why you might struggle to conceive. This can include structural fertility issues, ovulation problems, underlying health conditions and hormonal imbalances. […] Research suggests that as many as 25% of infertility cases are caused by anovulation. Anovulation can be caused by: Gynaecological or ovarian complications, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). […] PCOS is the most common underlying condition affecting fertility.
- #10 Understanding the Causes of Infertility – Hertility Healthhttps://hertilityhealth.com/blog/the-causes-of-infertility
People with POI also have a lower ovarian reserve, meaning fewer eggs for their age. Without a sufficient amount of eggs and the correct level of hormones needed to regulate your cycle, the possibility of conceiving is reduced considerably. […] Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumours that affect as many as 25% of people with a uterus. […] Endometriosis is a common reproductive health condition that affects around 1 in 10 women and people assigned female-at-birth. […] It is also another common cause of infertility, with research suggesting it is present in around 20-50% of infertility cases. […] Structural infertility is a problem with the anatomical structure of the reproductive organs. […] Structural issues with the ovaries or fallopian tubes can prevent eggs from being released from the ovaries or stop them from moving through the fallopian tubes to reach a sperm for fertilisation.
- #10 Understanding the Causes of Infertility – Hertility Healthhttps://hertilityhealth.com/blog/the-causes-of-infertility
Additionally, if the structure of your uterus is abnormal or damaged, it may prevent eggs from implanting into the endometrium (uterus lining). […] Untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may have serious consequences for your fertility. STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhoea can cause scarring and blocking of your Fallopian tubes.
- #11 What are some possible causes of female infertility? | NICHD – Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Developmenthttp://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/causes/causes-female
PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility. It is a condition in which a woman’s ovaries and, in some cases, adrenal glands produce more androgens (a type of hormone) than normal. High levels of these hormones interfere with the development of ovarian follicles and release of eggs during ovulation. […] POI is a condition in which a woman’s ovaries stop producing hormones and eggs at a young age. Women with POI often have trouble getting pregnant. […] Uterine fibroids can contribute to infertility and are found in 5% to 10% of infertile women. […] Autoimmune disorders cause the body’s immune system to attack normal body tissues it would normally ignore. Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, Hashimoto’s and other types of thyroiditis, or rheumatoid arthritis, may affect fertility.
- #12 What Are the Common Causes of Infertility?https://www.scrcivf.com/what-are-the-common-causes-of-infertility/
Oligospermia: Also known as a âlow sperm count,â oligospermia means that few sperm cells are found in the ejaculate. […] Congenital absence of the vas deferens: Sometimes the tubes that transport sperm to the penis for ejaculation fail to develop before birth. […] Varicocele: These enlarged varicose veins in the scrotum can prevent normal function in a number of ways, affecting sperm production, quality, and transport. […] Previous vasectomy: A many who has undergone a vasectomy who now wishes to conceive will need have the procedure reversed. […] There are many possible factors which can contribute to female infertility, and some women may deal with more than one at the same time. […] Some of the most common infertility issues women struggle with are: Age: A womanâs age has a huge impact on her ability to achieve a healthy and successful pregnancy.
- #13 Causes of Infertilityhttps://www.fertility.com/en/understanding-fertility/causes-of-infertility.html
There are many factors that could be causing your infertility and it is important to focus on solutions that can help you to conceive. […] Infertility problems are always caused by the female […] 1/3 of infertility problems are caused by male factors, 1/3 are caused by female factors, and 1/3 are unexplained or due to both partners. […] Peak reproductive years are from your late teens to your late 20s. By the age of 30 your ability to become pregnant starts to decline as the number and quality of your eggs naturally starts to drop. […] Endometriosis in different severity grades affects around 10% of women, and 30-50% of women with infertility, but the cause is still unknown. […] The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it often runs in families. It is related to abnormal hormone levels in the body, including high levels of insulin.
- #14 Most Common Causes and Reasons for Infertility | CCRM Fertilityhttps://www.ccrmivf.com/causes-of-infertility/
Infertility in Women […] About one quarter of infertility cases are due to ovulation disorders. If a woman has an ovulation disorder, she may ovulate infrequently or not at all. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common disorders impacting ovulation. Other causes of ovulation disorders include ovarian insufficiency and hypothalamic amenorrhea. […] Infertility due to age is one of the most common causes of female infertility. As a woman gets older, the number of her eggs decreases rapidly. Additionally, the quality of her eggs also decreases, increasing the chance of chromosomal abnormalities. Studies have shown that approximately 70% of miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities. […] Tubal factor fertility is when there are problems in the fallopian tube(s), which prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg.
- #14 Most Common Causes and Reasons for Infertility | CCRM Fertilityhttps://www.ccrmivf.com/causes-of-infertility/
Ejaculation disorders include premature ejaculation, anejaculation (the failure to ejaculate), and retrograde ejaculation, which is when semen enters the bladder during orgasm instead of coming out the tip of the penis. […] Anti-sperm antibodies are immune system cells that mistakenly identify sperm as harmful invaders and attempt to eliminate them. […] Cancers and nonmalignant tumors can affect the male reproductive organs directly, through the glands that release hormones related to reproduction, such as the pituitary gland, or through unknown causes. Additionally, surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy to treat tumors can affect male fertility. […] During fetal development, one or both testicles may fail to descend from the abdomen into the sac that normally contains the testicles. Infertility is more likely in men who have had this condition.
- #14 Most Common Causes and Reasons for Infertility | CCRM Fertilityhttps://www.ccrmivf.com/causes-of-infertility/
Endometriosis is when the tissue of the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. About 10% of reproductive age women are affected by endometriosis. […] Endometrial polyps are growths found in the uterine cavity. Large polyps or multiple polyps can impact fertility by interfering with the ability of the embryo to implant and should be removed. The impact of small or single polyps is more controversial. […] Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus. They are very common (approximately 40% of women have them). However, the presence of fibroids alone doesn’t necessarily cause infertility or predispose a woman to pregnancy loss. Fibroids that distort the uterine cavity have an impact on the ability of an embryo to implant and should be removed surgically. The impact of fibroids located elsewhere in the uterus is controversial and does not always require surgery.
- #15 Understanding the Causes of Infertility, Risk Factors, and Diagnosis | TechTargethttps://www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/feature/Understanding-the-Causes-of-Infertility-Risk-Factors-and-Diagnosis
Many patients are unaware they are infertile until they start planning to have children. […] Infertility risk factors include age, tobacco use, alcohol use, weight, and exercise. […] The infertility rate for people between 15 and 34 with female reproductive organs is 7.39.1%. […] By 35 years old, that rate jumps to 25%. […] The risk is even higher for those in their 40s with an infertility rate of 30%. […] Furthermore, many assume that only female fertility declines with age; however, research shows that males over 40 are often less fertile than younger males. […] Statistics on infertility suggest that 37% of infertile couples had infertility due to a female reproductive issue. […] Additionally, 35% had infertility due to male and female reproductive problems. […] Finally, 8% had infertility due to a male reproductive issue.
- #16 Infertility From Structural Causes | New Jersey Fertility ClinicInfertility From Structural Causes | New Jersey Fertility Clinichttps://fertilitynj.com/infertility/female-infertility/structural-causes/
A common cause of female infertility is a blockage of the fallopian tubes. A blockage of one or both tubes can prevent sperm from meeting and fertilizing an egg. […] Fallopian blockage may result from several possible causes: […] Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a general term for infection and inflammation of the upper reproductive organs, including endometriosis, salpingitis, and oophoritis, an infection and inflammation of the ovaries. […] In addition to preventing conception, blocked fallopian tubes can cause ectopic pregnancy, in which a fertilized egg is unable to move to the uterus for implantation and starts to grow within the tiny fallopian tube, ovary or abdominal cavity. […] The most common causes of hydrosalpinx are undiagnosed or untreated sexually transmitted diseases chlamydia and gonorrhea. Other possible causes are use of IUDs, endometriosis, and abdominal surgery.
- #17 Infertility: Frequently Asked Questions | Reproductive Health | CDChttps://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/infertility-faq/index.html
For couples hoping to become parents, difficulty conceiving a baby can be frustrating and unexpected. […] An important early step is understanding possible causes of infertility. […] Infertility may result from a problem with any or several of these steps. […] Both men and women can contribute to infertility. […] Conditions affecting any one of these organs can contribute to female infertility. […] Disruption in ovarian function may be caused by several conditions and calls for an evaluation by a health care provider. […] Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of infertility. […] Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a condition where there are fewer eggs remaining in the ovaries than expected at a specific age. […] Impaired function of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands can affect ovarian function.
- #17 Infertility: Frequently Asked Questions | Reproductive Health | CDChttps://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/infertility-faq/index.html
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a condition that can affect ovarian function. […] Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is sometimes referred to as premature menopause. […] Risk factors for fallopian tube obstruction include: History of pelvic infection, Ruptured appendix, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Endometriosis, Prior abdominal surgery. […] Problems that affect the physical characteristics of the uterus include: Intrauterine adhesions, Endometrial polyps, Adenomyosis, Congenital anomalies of the uterus, Fibroids. […] Female fertility is known to decline with: Age. Fertility declines with age primarily because egg quality declines over time. […] Infertility in men can be caused by disruption of testicular or ejaculatory function, as well as by hormonal and genetic disorders.
- #17 Infertility: Frequently Asked Questions | Reproductive Health | CDChttps://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/infertility-faq/index.html
Some conditions that can disrupt testicular or ejaculatory function include the following: Varicocele is a condition in which the veins in the testicles are enlarged, which may affect the number or shape of the sperm. […] Improper function of the hypothalamus or pituitary glands are hormonal disorders that can cause infertility. […] Genetic conditions can cause no sperm or low numbers of sperm to be produced. […] Male fertility is known to decline with: Age. Couples in which the male partner is 40 or older are more likely to report difficulty conceiving.
- #18 Common and Uncommon Causes of Infertility | Shady Grove Fertilityhttps://www.shadygrovefertility.com/article/common-and-uncommon-causes-infertility/
Approximately 1 in 8 couples will have trouble getting pregnant and need medical help to discover the cause of their infertility. […] Many couples believe that infertility is caused most often by problems with the female reproductive system. In fact, the causes are equally split among male and female factors. […] Male factors account for 40% of infertility and are present in an additional 10% of couples that have infertility in both partners. Male factor infertility occurs if sperm are produced in low numbers, are abnormal in shape or are not able to move well. […] Female factors account for another 40% of infertility and are present in an additional 10% of couples who have infertility factors in both partners. While the causes of female infertility are more numerous and can be more complicated to diagnose, there are effective treatments available for an overwhelming majority of them.
- #18 Common and Uncommon Causes of Infertility | Shady Grove Fertilityhttps://www.shadygrovefertility.com/article/common-and-uncommon-causes-infertility/
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) accounts for about 85% of ovulatory disorders. PCOS is caused by hormonal imbalances that prevent ovulation. […] Another 10% of ovulatory dysfunction is caused by Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. […] A subset of hypothalamic amenorrhea is due to hyperprolactinemia. […] Premature ovarian failure is a relatively rare condition in which menopause occurs before the age of 40. […] Tubal disease or blocked fallopian tubes account for half of all female infertility. […] Pelvic Adhesive Disease can be caused by surgical procedures, pelvic inflammatory diseases and infections. […] Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. […] Endometriosis can block the fallopian tubes or interfere with their function. […] Recurrent miscarriage or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is characterized by having 2 or more miscarriages. […] As women approach age 40, the quality and number of their eggs tends to decline, ovulation may become irregular, and the ovaries may produce less estrogen and progesterone. […] Approximately 10% of infertility cases are unexplained.
- #19 Infertility: Practice Essentials, Overview, Etiology of Infertilityhttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/274143-overview
Pretesticular causes of infertility include congenital or acquired diseases of the hypothalamus, pituitary, or peripheral organs that alter the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. […] Testicular factors can be genetic or nongenetic in nature. […] Posttesticular factors are those that do not allow the normal transport of sperm through the ductal system. […] Environmental and occupational factors have been associated with male infertility. […] Smoking has been associated with infertility in both males and females. […] Obesity may be associated with anovulation and oligomenorrhea.
- #19 Infertility: Practice Essentials, Overview, Etiology of Infertilityhttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/274143-overview
The uterus is the final destination for the embryo and the place where the fetus develops until delivery. Therefore, uterine factors may be associated with primary infertility or with pregnancy wastage and premature delivery. […] Ovarian factor infertility is defined as an alteration in the frequency and duration of the menstrual cycle. […] The prevalence of infertility rises dramatically as age increases. […] Abnormalities or damage to the fallopian tube interferes with fertility and is responsible for abnormal implantation (eg, ectopic pregnancy). […] Anatomical defects or physiologic dysfunctions of the peritoneal cavity, including infection, adhesions, and adnexal masses, may cause infertility. […] Male factor infertility can be divided into pretesticular, testicular, and posttesticular etiologies.
- #19 Infertility: Practice Essentials, Overview, Etiology of Infertilityhttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/274143-overview
Infertility is caused by male and/or female factors. Male and female factors each account for approximately 35% of cases. Often, there is more than one factor, with male and female factors combined causing 20% of infertility. In the remaining 10% of cases, the etiology is unknown. […] Other lifestyle factors that have been associated with an increased risk of infertility include environmental and occupational factors; toxic effects related to tobacco, marijuana, or other drugs; excessive exercise; inadequate diet associated with extreme weight loss or gain; and advanced age. […] Female factor infertility can be divided into several categories: cervical or uterine, ovarian, tubal, and other. […] Cervical factor infertility can be caused by stenosis or abnormalities of the mucus-sperm interaction.
- #20 Top 10 Causes of Male Infertilityhttps://www.repromedfertility.com/blog/top-10-causes-of-male-infertility-41790/
Infertility affects millions of people worldwide. […] A male is considered infertile when they have had unprotected sexual intercourse for over a year without resulting in pregnancy. […] Sperm can be immature, abnormally shaped, or unable to swim. In some cases, men may not produce enough or any sperm at all. […] Imbalances that affect the hypothalamus or pituitary glands can cause diminished sperm production. […] Obesity, diabetes, kidney failure, cystic fibrosis, and many autoimmune disorders can have a negative effect on fertility. […] Disorders such as Klinefelter Syndrome, Myotonic Dystrophy, and more can affect male fertility. […] Lifestyle choices such as a poor diet, heavy tobacco use, extreme stress, heavy alcohol use, and illicit drug use can have a significant effect on male fertility.
- #20 Top 10 Causes of Male Infertilityhttps://www.repromedfertility.com/blog/top-10-causes-of-male-infertility-41790/
Infections such as epididymitis, orchitis, and many sexually transmitted diseases can negatively affect sperm production. […] Long-term exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead, chemotherapy, or pesticides can cause fertility concerns among men. […] A varicocele is a large or swollen vein in the testicle. This condition can cause poor testicle development, low sperm production, and other problems. […] The reproductive potential of men over the age of thirty-five drops sharply and continues to diminish as they age. […] An injury or twisting of the testicles can cause fertility issues.
- #21 10 reasons for male infertility | Figohttps://www.figo.org/news/10-reasons-male-infertility
High testicular temperature: Male genital organs hang outside the body, in a scrotal sac with a lower temperate compared to intra-abdominal organs. Raising the testicular temperature even 2 or 3 degrees centigrade can compromise sperm quality and functionality. […] Infections: It is well known that Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including gonorrhea, chlamydia and ureoplasma can cause male infertility. […] Varicocoele: This is enlargement of the veins in the scrotal sack, which raises the temperature of the testes and influences sperm production and quality. […] Age: The assumption that men can reproduce into advanced age is totally untrue. After 35, the reproductive potential of men drops sharply, as DNA in the nucleus fragments. After the age of 40, the likelihood of men fathering a child without genetic mutations declines 11 percent every year.
- #22 Infertility – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354317
Infertility may happen because of a health issue with either you or your partner, or a mix of factors that prevent pregnancy. […] Infertility causes can affect one or both partners. In some cases, no cause can be found. […] Conditions that can affect how much sperm is made or sperm quality. These medical conditions can include undescended testicles, genetic defects, hormone problems and health problems such as diabetes. […] Problems with sperm reaching the female reproductive tract. These issues can be due to sexual conditions such as premature ejaculation, certain genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, physical problems such as a blockage in the testicle, or damage or an injury to the reproductive organs. […] Ovulation disorders. These conditions affect the release of eggs from the ovaries. They include hormonal problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome.
- #23 Causes of infertility in women: Your questions answered – Flohttps://flo.health/getting-pregnant/trouble-conceiving/fertility-problems/what-causes-infertility
Sometimes, a cause for infertility might not be found. This can be difficult news to hear, but try not to give up hope. […] While ovarian cysts dont technically stop you from getting pregnant, they can be problematic in that they can make it more difficult for you to conceive. […] Taking certain drugs, such as long-term use of ibuprofen or aspirin or drugs used in chemotherapy, could have a negative impact on your ability to conceive. […] There could also be problems with the uterus, such as an unusual shape. […] As weve seen, there are a lot of issues that could cause female infertility. […] The causes of female infertility are most commonly linked with ovulation problems, but there are numerous other reasons why you might struggle to conceive.
- #24 Genetic causes of infertility | Medicover Geneticshttps://medicover-genetics.com/genetic-causes-of-infertility/
Both polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis are multifactorial disorders with a probable genetic component, and both are causes of infertility in women. Some other genetic causes of female infertility are listed below. […] Klinefelter syndrome, caused by the presence of an extra X chromosome, is the most common cause of male infertility. Some other genetic causes of male infertility are listed below.
- #25 Causes of male infertility – UpToDatehttps://www.uptodate.com/contents/causes-of-male-infertility
Causes of male infertility […] The causes of male infertility will be reviewed here. […] The distribution of male and female causes of infertility has not been well defined. […] In a 1982 to 1985 World Health Organization (WHO) multicenter study, 20 percent of cases were attributed to male factors, 38 percent to female factors, 27 percent to both, and 15 percent not clearly attributed to either. […] Aging affects the prevalence of male infertility. Overall, the studies indicate that paternal age >40 years adversely affects couples’ fertility, but this effect is small compared with the effect of maternal age >35 years. […] The observed effects of paternal aging on fertility are at least partially due to decreased sperm quality and increased genetic abnormalities in sperm.
- #26 Causes of Infertility | Shady Grove Fertilityhttps://www.shadygrovefertility.com/infertility-causes/
Secondary infertility is the inability to become pregnant despite engaging in regular unprotected intercourse following the birth of one or more biological children who were born without the aid of fertility treatment or medications. […] Unexplained infertility is the failure to determine a cause of infertility after a thorough evaluation of both the male and female partners. Approximately 10 percent of infertility is unexplained.
- #27 Causes of Infertility: Overview | Loma Linda University Fertilityhttps://lomalindafertility.com/infertility/causes-overview/
Common causes of male infertility include: Cancer, Emotional concerns, Genetic problems, Hormone imbalance, Problems with ejaculation, Problems with sperm, Tubal blockage (including vasectomy), Varicocele (bulging veins). […] When infertile couples or individuals have undergone all appropriate tests and no cause for their infertility is found, they are diagnosed with unexplained infertility. […] In women, obesity is a serious risk factor for irregular ovulation and infertility (inability to become pregnant), and in men, obesity is linked to impaired semen quality, decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
- #28https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/
Infertility is when a couple cannot get pregnant (conceive) despite having regular unprotected sex. […] There are many possible causes of infertility, and fertility problems can affect either partner. But in a quarter of cases it is not possible to identify the cause. […] Common causes of infertility include: lack of regular ovulation (the monthly release of an egg), poor quality semen, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis a condition where tissue, similar to the lining of the womb (the endometrium), grows in other places outside the womb. […] There are also several factors that can affect fertility. […] These include: age fertility declines with age, weight being overweight or obese (having a BMI of 30 or over) reduces fertility; in women, being overweight or severely underweight can affect ovulation, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) several STIs, including chlamydia, can affect fertility, smoking can affect fertility: smoking (including passive smoking) affects your chance of conceiving and can reduce semen quality, alcohol the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep risks to your baby to a minimum, environmental factors exposure to certain pesticides, solvents and metals has been shown to affect fertility, particularly in men, stress can affect your relationship with your partner and cause a loss of sex drive; in severe cases, stress may also affect ovulation and sperm production.
- #29 Infertility: Causes, diagnosis, risks, and treatmentshttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165748
Poor egg quality: The quality of the eggs may interfere with conception. As a female ages, the number and quality of the eggs declines. […] There are certain risk factors that can increase the chance of infertility for both sexes. These include: Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of infertility in both sexes, and it may undermine the effects of fertility treatment. […] Age: The females ability to conceive may start to fall gradually before or around the age of 35 years, while male fertility starts to fall after the age of 40 years. […] An unhealthy diet can impact fertility in males and females. If an eating disorder leads to serious weight loss, fertility problems may also arise. […] Excessive alcohol consumption may reduce sperm count. It may also interfere with the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
- #30 What Causes Infertility? It’s Complicated! – ORM Fertilityhttps://ormfertility.com/causes-of-infertility/
Issues with sexual function can affect all partners in the relationship. Sexual dysfunction or pain can make having intercourse difficult and painful. […] Social infertility is due to a person’s circumstances and relationships. […] Lastly, and probably the most frustrating of all, is the reality that sometimes we can’t find an explanation.
- #31 What Is Secondary Infertility? Causes, Statistics, and Morehttps://www.healthline.com/health/infertility/secondary-infertility
Autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis may affect fertility by causing inflammation in the uterus and placenta. […] Science says that age does play a role in fertility. […] It’s the answer no woman wants to hear, but sometimes (and sadly commonly) doctors can’t find a diagnosable reason for secondary infertility.
- #31 What Is Secondary Infertility? Causes, Statistics, and Morehttps://www.healthline.com/health/infertility/secondary-infertility
Most female infertility is due to ovulation disorders. In fact, 40 percent of women with infertility don’t consistently ovulate. […] One of the most common causes of female infertility is PCOS, which makes the ovaries or adrenal glands produce too many hormones that prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. […] Structural problems can affect your ability to get pregnant. […] Endometriosis is important to call out, because it affects up to 10 percent of women. […] Secondary infertility because of endometriosis can result after a cesarean section or uterine surgery, when uterine cells can get misplaced and symptoms begin or increase. […] If you had a cesarean delivery with a previous pregnancy, it’s possible to have scarring in the uterus, called isthmocele. […] Infections including sexually transmitted infections can cause pelvic inflammatory disease.
- #31 What Is Secondary Infertility? Causes, Statistics, and Morehttps://www.healthline.com/health/infertility/secondary-infertility
Looking at infertility overall, an estimated 12 percent of women in the United States have difficulty conceiving or staying pregnant. And secondary infertility when this difficulty occurs after one or more successful pregnancies often catches people off guard. […] Those who experience secondary infertility, on the other hand, have trouble conceiving after successfully becoming pregnant at least once before. […] Just like primary infertility, secondary infertility can occur due to an issue at any point in the natural and somewhat complicated process required to become pregnant. […] The most important thing to know is that, in the vast majority of cases, infertility is not your fault. […] Here are some of the most common causes of infertility in general, which usually relate to secondary infertility, too.
- #32 Secondary infertility: Causes, statistics, treatment options, and morehttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/secondary-infertility
In people with endometriosis, tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. Researchers do not know exactly what causes endometriosis, but we know it can impact fertility in several ways. Endometriosis can cause inflammation, which can affect the quality of the eggs. It can also cause scar tissue to form, which can distort or change the reproductive anatomy and may make it harder for the serum to reach the egg. Endometriosis can also affect implantation. […] Chlamydia and gonorrhea are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the female reproductive system. Approximately 1 in 8 females with a history of PID has difficulty getting pregnant. […] Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) happens when a persons menstrual cycle becomes irregular before the age of 40. About 510% of people with POI conceive and have a normal pregnancy, but many people with the condition have difficulty conceiving.
- #33https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/fertility/causes/
Major surgery to your cervix may cause scarring. This may affect your ability to get pregnant. […] Health conditions that may affect your fertility include: cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, severe rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis. […] Fibroids are benign (not harmful) tumours that grow in the muscle wall of your womb. Depending on their location, they may cause fertility problems in some women. […] Problems with sex for women include: vaginismus (not being able to have vaginal sex), a loss of sex drive, pain during sex. […] The most common cause of fertility problems in men is problems with sperm. […] There are many things that can cause problems with your sperm count or quality. […] Health conditions that may affect your fertility if you’re a man include: cancer, thyroid problem, poorly-controlled diabetes, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, any chronic illness that impacts your health.
- #34 Structural Causes of Infertility – Male and Female Treatmentshttps://www.dallasfertility.com/structural-causes-for-infertility.html
Problems with the female anatomy are one of the most common causes of infertility in women. […] Ovarian cysts may lead to problems getting pregnant: endometriomas (cysts caused by endometriosis) or cysts resulting from PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). […] Uterine fibroids make it difficult for an embryo to implant and grow. […] Tubal abnormalities can cause the tube to be blocked or swollen, interfering with fertilization and the tube’s ability to transport a fertilized egg to the uterus. […] Pelvic adhesions may form after a pelvic infection, appendicitis or abdominal or pelvic surgery, impairing fertility. […] Poor quality cervical mucus that is not present in adequate quantities or is too sticky to allow sperm to pass may also contribute to infertility. […] Cervical factor infertility can be caused by poor quality cervical mucus that is not present in adequate quantities or is too sticky to allow sperm to pass. […] Another condition causing cervical factor infertility is the presence of antisperm antibodies in the mucus.
- #35 Female Infertility Causes – Crete Fertility Centrehttps://www.fertilitycrete.gr/causes-of-infertility/female-infertility-causes/
Other variables that may cause infertility in women: At least 10% of all cases of female infertility are caused by an abnormal uterus. Conditions such as fibroid, polyps, and adenomyosis may lead to obstruction of the uterus and Fallopian tubes. […] Congenital abnormalities, such as septate uterus, may lead to recurrent miscarriages or the inability to conceive. […] Approximately 3% of couples face infertility due to problems with the females cervical mucus. The mucus needs to be of a certain consistency and available in adequate amounts for sperm to swim easily within it. The most common reason for abnormal cervical mucus is a hormone imbalance, namely too little estrogen or too much progesterone. […] It is well-known that certain personal habits and lifestyle factors impact health; many of these same factors may limit a couples ability to conceive. Fortunately, however, many of these variables can be regulated to increase not only the chances of conceiving but also ones overall health.
- #36https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake and obesity can affect fertility. In addition, exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins can be directly toxic to gametes (eggs and sperm), resulting in their decreased numbers and poor quality. […] Government policies could mitigate the many inequities in access to safe and effective fertility care. To effectively address infertility, health policies need to recognize that infertility is a disease that can often be prevented, thereby mitigating the need for costly and poorly accessible treatments.