Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It affects an estimated 1 in 8 couples in the United States. There are many potential causes of infertility in both men and women.
Common causes of infertility in women include:
| Cause |
Description |
| Ovulation disorders |
Problems with ovulation account for about 25% of female infertility cases. This can involve irregular or absent periods. |
| Fallopian tube damage |
The fallopian tubes can become blocked or damaged, often due to pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis or prior surgery. |
| Endometriosis |
This condition occurs when tissue lining the uterus grows outside of the uterine cavity, commonly affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes or pelvic tissue. |
| Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) |
This involves a hormonal imbalance leading to ovarian cysts and irregular periods. It accounts for around 15% of infertility cases. |
| Primary ovarian insufficiency |
This involves decreased ovarian function before the age of 40. |
| Pelvic adhesions |
Scars or bands of tissue can form after surgery, infection or endometriosis. These adhesions can interfere with conception. |
Common causes in men include:
| Cause |
Description |
| Varicocele |
This occurs when the veins in the scrotum become enlarged, disrupting normal sperm development. |
| Hormone imbalance |
Abnormalities in testosterone or other male sex hormones can impair sperm production and cause infertility. |
| Ejaculation issues |
Problems with ejaculation, such as retrograde ejaculation, can prevent sperm from entering the vagina. |
| Antisperm antibodies |
Sometimes the immune system mistakenly identifies sperm as a threat and produces antibodies against them, hampering the ability to reach the egg. |
| Infections |
Infections such as epididymitis can impair sperm health and motility. |
| Undescended testicles |
This birth defect can damage sperm-producing tubes in boys whose testicles fail to descend into the scrotum during puberty. |
In 30-40% of cases, infertility is due to both male and female factors. Sometimes no cause can be identified despite comprehensive testing of both partners. This is called unexplained infertility.
The first step in diagnosing infertility is generally for the couple to try conceiving for a full year. If unsuccessful, an evaluation of both partners will be carried out.
For women, this can involve:
- Physical exam
- Hormone testing
- Ovulation testing
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG) - an X-ray to assess fallopian tubes
- Laparoscopy - surgery to examine pelvic region
For men, this can include:
- Semen analysis
- Hormone testing
- Testicular biopsy
- Genetic testing
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include:
- Fertility drugs to induce ovulation
- Surgery to repair reproductive organs
- Artificial insemination
- Assisted reproductive technologies like IVF
Restorative Health Center provides personalized fertility treatments including ovulation induction, IUI, IVF, egg/sperm freezing, PCOS management, and more. Their compassionate doctors and state-of-the-art facilities can help couples overcome infertility and start families.
The emotional impact of dealing with infertility can be significant. Support groups and mental health counseling are recommended to help couples cope throughout diagnosis and treatment. With today's ever-advancing reproductive technologies, there are more options than ever to aid conception. Treatments like IVF now lead to successful pregnancies in the majority of cases when performed by leading clinics like Restorative Health Center. If you suspect fertility issues, don't hesitate to see a specialist - there are many solutions available and Restorative Health Center is here to support you on your path to parenthood.