The Most Common Causes of Infertility and How They are Treated

Infertility is defined as a situation whereby an individual or couple have been trying to conceive for more than a year without success. Infertility can be caused by many things, therefore without testing, accurate diagnosis cannot be done, and proper treatment cannot be given.  There are cases where fertility can be improved naturally, but there are circumstances where medical intervention is necessary. In this article we shall discuss the most common causes of infertility in both women and men, and how they are treated. 

Female Fertility Issues

Some issues that could have a negative impact on female fertility are polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, a low ovarian reserve, age, diet, lifestyle and past infections or treatments. In many of these cases, assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have been known to bypass some of these issues, resulting in more positive outcomes in family building. 

PCOS and Infertility

While cysts are common in women, excessive cysts present challenges in reproduction. Typically, cysts resolve on their own, but when they do not they need to be treated. Cysts develop from the antral follicles which contain the eggs required for reproduction. Sometimes, a follicle releases the egg within during ovulation, but then closes up and fills up with fluid and continues to grow. At times, the egg within is not released but the follicle still continues to grow. 

When multiple cysts develop, it results in hormonal imbalance, which presents challenges in natural family building. PCOS is typically managed through exercise, diet and lifestyle changes. When these are not effective, medical interventions which include medication and IVF treatments are useful in helping people to realize their family building goals.  

Endometriosis and Its Impact on Conception

The uterine lining typically thickens and sheds regularly during a menstrual cycle. This type of tissue can sometimes be found outside the uterus in other parts of the body. When this occurs, it has no outlet, creating pain, discomfort and hormonal imbalances. This condition is called endometriosis. When this tissue grows around the reproductive organs, it also complicates the process of becoming pregnant naturally. 

The treatment for endometriosis is usually surgical intervention. However scar tissue can form causing the fallopian tubes to become blocked, preventing sperm from fertilization. Sometimes, an embryo is unable to implant itself due to endometrial tissue. Fertility treatments can be used to help build families of patients who suffer from endometriosis. 

Low Ovarian Reserve and Age-Related Decline

Females are born with an ovarian reserve containing the eggs they require for their reproductive years. As the eggs get used up through menstruation or pregnancy, the reservoir gets depleted. After the age of 35, the natural decline in the ovarian reserve begins to present challenges for natural conception. At times, this can be affected by treatments, surgeries, autoimmune conditions or genetic disorders. In addition, lifestyle choices such as smoking, will decrease the reserve. Interventions of assisted reproductive technologies have been successful in helping these women to build their families.

Male Fertility Issues

Men naturally produce fresh sperm regularly, as a result, if a man is in good health, they can potentially procreate throughout their lives. However, past the age of 40, there is an increased risk of conceiving children with birth defects or health problems. That said, the proper production of hormones, particularly testosterone is key in developing their testicles and sperm. 

One of the main causes of infertility in men is the inefficient production of hormones. The effect this has on men’s fertility is that the sperm will be poorly developed presenting issues such as low sperm count, poor sperm morphology, and poor sperm motility. Other aspects that can affect a man’s fertility is blockage in any of the tubes that direct sperm from the testicles to the penis. 

Low Sperm Count and Poor Motility

Apart from hormonal imbalances, stress, diet, genetic conditions, lifestyle, medical issues and treatments, all could impact sperm production negatively. When sperm count is low, or sperm are unable to swim well, it lowers the chances that a man can reproduce naturally. There are natural and medical interventions to address the causes of male infertility. Typically, natural interventions such as improved lifestyles have been observed to have a significant positive impact on male fertility, improving markers such as sperm count and morphology. 

Varicocele and Its Impact on Sperm Health

Blood vessels around the testicles typically supply nutrients and oxygen to the testicles. At times, these may become enlarged preventing the testicle from functioning effectively. This condition is called varicoceles. Under normal circumstances, varicoceles does not disrupt fertility, but there are occasions when it does, impacting sperm count, and sperm motility. There are several medical procedures and surgeries used to address varicoceles, depending on where they are located and how the testicle is affected. 

Unexplained Infertility: What It Means

There are times when after all diagnoses and interventions have been explored, a person still experiences challenges in building a family. These situations where no medical explanation exists are simply referred to as unexplained infertility. This presents a medical conundrum because a person is medically fit to reproduce, but somehow cannot. Fertility treatments have been invaluable interventions that have assisted these families to have children.  

Fertility Treatment Options for Every Condition

While currently there are a variety of medical interventions for every condition, their application is determined on a case by case basis. This is because factors such as the cause of infertility and the degree to which it has impacted reproductive health must be assessed carefully. As well, family structures and family building goals vary. 

Additionally, there are times when interventions such as fertility treatments do now work, leading professional medical practitioners to guide their patients in selecting alternative family building methods. For more information on addressing infertility, contact the fertility experts at Utah Fertility Center. We are more than happy to walk alongside you as we help you realize your family building goals.

FAQs

What are the top causes of female infertility?

The top causes of female infertility are age, hormonal imbalances, blocked fallopian tubes, uterine anomalies like fibroids and polyps, and medical conditions like endometriosis or PCOS. 

Can infertility be cured?

There is treatment for infertility, but it depends on the cause of infertility, which has to be properly diagnosed before treatment can be administered. 

How do I know if I need IVF?

A fertility specialist will have to diagnose the cause of infertility to determine whether a patient requires IVF treatments or not. 

What are my options if I have low ovarian reserve?

Low ovarian reserves are addressed through interventions such as fertility supplements, aggressive ovarian stimulation, egg or embryo freezing, or building families through egg donation.