8 Factors That Can Cause Infertility

Infertility affects approximately 9% of men and 11% of women, and can be a heartbreaking situation to find yourself in. Millions of couples around the country have trouble conceiving, and the question they all ask themselves at some point is “why?” Sadly, there sometimes isn't a good answer to that question. Infertility can affect either partner, and there often doesn't seem to be any warning.

If you are suffering from infertility, it's best to talk to your doctor about your options. There are medical interventions that can help you start a family. One of the best ways to get pregnant even if you are infertile is using a sperm or egg donor through an organization like Cryos International. They will provide you with not just detailed donor options, but also all the equipment you need to perform an insemination at home. That way you can do everything on your own timeframe without the need for visiting a clinic and going through potentially invasive procedures.

Certain factors that tend to cause higher rates of infertility. If you find yourself asking “why,” or if you want to give yourself the best chance to conceive, then pay attention to this list.

Fibroids

Fibroids are growths that develop inside the uterus. They are benign and will not have an effect on the woman. However, they can create blockages in the fallopian tubes. On top of that, fibroids can also cause issues for embryos that are trying to adhere to the uterine wall. If embryos can't implant into the uterus, then pregnancy cannot take place. Or, it may lead to miscarriages.

Infertility is hard on everyone involved. Sometimes knowing the reason behind the issues does not make it easier. However, it can also give people peace of mind to know that it isn't necessarily their fault that they are having problems conceiving. The good news is, there are many different treatments available to help.

Azoospermia and Oligospermia

For men, the absence of sperm (azoospermia) or a low sperm count (oligospermia) are major indicators of infertility. Of course, you can't conceive if you do not have any sperm. There is a chance of conceiving with a low sperm count, but it is much diminished. That means that you may have to wait a long time for it to happen, if at all. There are several treatments that may be able to boost your sperm count. Sometimes these conditions are caused by a blockage, which would then need to be treated to correct the problem.

Age

Age is another big factor when it comes to infertility. As they age, women stop producing as many eggs as they did before, and the ones they do produce are less stable. This means that the odds of getting pregnant past the age of 35 diminishes greatly, and even if you do get pregnant, there are greater odds that you will lose the pregnancy. Women can still menstruate and ovulate regularly, but their reproductive systems are not as strong as before. With men, there is a similar situation with sperm. It tends to be less mobile and in lesser quantities as men age, making it harder to impregnate someone.

Varicoceles

Varicoceles is a word that refers to a range of conditions. However, it is most often used to describe enlarged veins that affect the testes. They can cause overheating in the area due to problematic blood flow that will have a negative effect on the sperm. It can also block off the pathways for sperm to travel to the ejaculate. These can be treated by a doctor in many cases.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful disorder that affects the uterus. It happens when uterine tissue starts to develop on the outside of the uterus when it should only be present on the inside. These strips of tissue can also develop cysts and cause problems with the fallopian tubes and ovaries, and even damage pelvic tissue. Since endometriosis affects all of these organs that are necessary for conception and reproduction, it can cause infertility in women.

Lifestyle

Sometimes infertility is caused by things that aren't genetic. Lifestyle choices can play a huge part in whether someone ends up being infertile. Many people, men and women, who abuse alcohol and drugs can end up having trouble conceiving in the future. Smoking is also a risk factor. Anabolic steroids can lower sperm count by interfering with the hormones that create sperm. The damage from lifestyle choices tends to vary depending on the length of time and the severity of the abuse. If you think you might be at risk, your best bet is to get rid of bad habits and consult with a doctor.

Toxins

Exposure to certain toxins can harm the reproductive system and cause infertility, especially for men. These can include pesticides, chemotherapy, or radiation. In many cases, these toxins are present at workplaces and become a problem if safety standards are lax. Make sure that if you work with toxic substances that you take all the necessary precautions. A small exposure probably wouldn't do too much harm for most toxins, but extended exposures over a long period of time like you would find at a workplace could do great damage to your sperm count and motility.

Fallopian Tube Disease/Patency

The fallopian tubes connect the uterus to the ovaries. They transport eggs to the uterus where they can be inseminated. If there is a problem with the fallopian tubes, then the eggs won't be able to reach the uterus. Issues can range from having a blockage, to being swollen, or being open, causing the eggs to leak out. Many of the disorders associated with the fallopian tubes are related to prior infections or medical issues that affect the reproductive system. They often require diagnostic technology, such as an x-ray, to be diagnosed.

No matter what your infertility issues are, there is always hope. Consult with your doctors and other health care practitioners to work to find a solution that is right for you.