What Causes Infertility In Couples

It is the desire of most couples to conceive and have a baby of their own; however there are some that simply don’t conceive due to problems on the part of the man, woman or both. It would be best to discuss the various reasons for infertility in the couple.

Some of the reasons for infertility in couples could be: 

Hormonal imbalances that could affect ovulation could be the egg not being mature or is not released from the follicle. These hormonal imbalances could also be caused by an underactive thyroid gland. One more of the prominent causes for hormonal imbalances could also be a polycystic ovarian syndrome where these cysts secrete hormones and could lead to hormonal imbalance and affect the fertility.

Damaged fallopian tubes could also be one of the main causes of infertility; this prevents the egg from travelling through the fallopian tube. Such damages could be caused by a previous infection or previous surgery in the pelvic area which has left adhesions and scarring.

Infertility could also be caused by endometriosis where the endometrial cells that lines the walls of the uterus growing somewhere else within the pelvis and develops swellings or adhesions over the ovaries and uterus and cause a block in the fallopian tubes. Fertility could also be affected by both blockage of the fallopian tubes, and damage to the delicate membranes within the tubes.

Abnormal eggs or sperm like having some chemical, possibly chromosomal could lead to infertility. It is also found that some women as they age produce eggs that contain chromosomal or chemical     abnormalities, making it impossible to conceive.

It is very important for men to produce enough sperm that are able to move forward. Some men experience infertility because they are not able to produce any sperm at all or having a very low level. It is also quite possible that the sperms are not able to swim, with hormonal imbalances affecting both sperm production and development. There could also be the problem of a physical obstruction in the male reproductive system.

Sperm production could also be affected with damaged testicles either through injury or as a result of having mumps. Infertility could also arise out of swollen vein or varicose though it is not always the case. Infertility could also arise out of retrograde ejaculation; a condition where sperm are directed into the bladder rather than the semen. This could arise out of consumption of certain drugs, previous surgery or nerve damage.

Faulty body chemistry could lead to infertility; the vagina’s acid secretions may ‘kill off’ the sperm on their journey to the egg. It is also possible that it arises out of the woman’s thick cervical mucus that obstructs the sperm. It is also possible in both men and women that they have some immune reactions to sperm, and produce antibodies to it. 

Last but equally important problems in the womb like low progesterone levels can prevent the endometrium developing enough for an embryo to implant. In some cases physical abnormalities in the uterus like fibroids can prevent successful implantation. All said and done a thorough investigation can help you find the reason for one’s infertility and treat it.

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