What Causes Infertility?

For those experiencing difficulty becoming pregnant, the good news is that infertility treatments are available. This means that having the family you have always dreamed of may still be possible. Before beginning treatment, however, it is important to identify the factors that may be affecting fertility.

There are many possible causes of infertility, and each cause may require a different treatment approach. The following are some of the most common causes.

Ejaculatory Disorders in Men

Some men experience ejaculatory disorders that make it difficult for their partners to become pregnant. For example, some may be unable to ejaculate, while others may experience premature ejaculation, making sexual intercourse difficult.

These disorders may result from physical factors, psychological factors, or a combination of both. In some cases, they can be treated with medication or therapy.

A related condition is erectile dysfunction, or ED, in which a man has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Treatment options are available in many cases.

Endometriosis

The endometrium is the thin tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus. In people with endometriosis, tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, such as on the ovaries or other pelvic organs.

The condition may cause inflammation, scar tissue, and fertility problems, particularly when it becomes severe.

There is currently no treatment that permanently cures endometriosis. However, several treatments can help reduce symptoms and may improve the chance of pregnancy in some patients.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop inside or around the uterus. Although they are not cancer, they may grow large enough to cause problems.

Possible symptoms include:

๐ Abdominal or pelvic pain

๐ Heavy menstrual bleeding or severe menstrual cramps

๐ Constipation

๐ Frequent urination

๐ Pain during sexual intercourse

In many cases, fibroids do not cause serious problems and may not require treatment. When treatment is necessary, medication may be used to reduce symptoms or temporarily shrink the fibroids. Other treatment options may be considered depending on their size, location, and effect on fertility.

Low Testosterone in Men

Testosterone is produced mainly by the testicles and plays an important role in male sexual function and sperm production.

Low testosterone occurs when the body does not produce enough of this hormone. Affected men may experience a reduced sex drive, low energy, and changes in reproductive function.

Possible causes include certain medications, substance use, tumours, hormonal disorders, and other medical conditions.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Men who are trying to have children should inform their doctor before using testosterone replacement therapy because external testosterone can reduce sperm production.

Medicines and Recreational Drugs

Certain medicines and substances are known to affect fertility. These may include:

๐ Anabolic steroids

๐ Sulfasalazine

๐ Chemotherapy drugs

๐ Certain herbal products

๐ Recreational drugs

Fertility may return after the substance causing the problem is discontinued. However, some effects may be long-lasting or permanent.

Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice. Anyone who suspects that a medicine may be affecting fertility should consult a doctor about possible alternatives.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

The female reproductive and urinary systems can be affected by infections. These infections may lead to several complications, including infertility.

Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is an infection involving reproductive organs such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. In some cases, it can cause permanent damage and severe scarring in the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from travelling normally.

Possible symptoms include:

๐ Pain or burning during urination

๐ Vaginal discharge with an unusual colour or smell

๐ Heavy menstrual bleeding or severe menstrual pain

๐ Bleeding after sexual intercourse or between menstrual periods

๐ Fever

๐ Nausea

Pelvic inflammatory disease is usually treated with antibiotics. Many people recover successfully, but permanent fertility damage may occur when the infection is severe, recurrent, or treated too late.

Scarring from Surgery

Surgery involving the pelvis or reproductive organs may sometimes leave scar tissue around the fallopian tubes.

This scar tissue may block or interfere with the passage of the egg. Whether the resulting infertility is temporary or permanent depends on the location and severity of the damage.

Unexplained Infertility

The factors that determine whether pregnancy occurs can be highly complex. In some cases, all test results appear normal, but the couple is still unable to conceive.

This is known as unexplained infertility. It means that standard fertility examinations have not identified a clear cause.

Because no specific cause has been found, targeted treatment may be difficult. However, fertility treatments such as ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, or in vitro fertilisation may help in certain cases.

Cervical Mucus Problems

The cervix is covered by a layer of mucus that changes throughout the menstrual cycle.

Outside the fertile period, cervical mucus is generally thicker and makes it more difficult for sperm to pass through. Around ovulation, hormonal changes normally make the mucus thinner, clearer, and more suitable for sperm movement.

In some cases, the mucus may not change appropriately, making it more difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix.

Possible contributing factors include:

๐ Mucus that is too thick or unsuitable for sperm movement

๐ Inflammation or infection

๐ Hormonal changes

๐ The use of lubricants that may affect sperm movement

Treatment depends on the suspected cause. A doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, treatment for infection or hormonal problems, the use of sperm-friendly lubricants, or assisted reproductive techniques.

Conclusion

There are many possible causes of infertility, and those described above are only some of the most common.

Some causes can be treated relatively easily, while others may require more extensive treatment or may not be completely reversible. However, being unable to correct the underlying cause does not always mean that pregnancy is impossible. Assisted reproductive options such as IVF may still help some individuals or couples build a family.

The best approach is to consult a fertility specialist when you suspect that something may be wrong. In some cases, simple lifestyle or dietary changes may help. In others, the underlying condition may require timely medical treatment and could affect more than fertility alone.

Regular health examinations and early medical assessment can therefore play an important role in protecting both reproductive and overall health.

 

Reference :

BCC IVF Wellness

ArokaGO Providers Bangkok Central Clinic IVF Wellness