Infertility Specialist

What causes infertility in women?

Pregnancy is a very complicated bodily process, and infertility usually signals an underlying issue with sexual and/or reproductive health. Some of the more common causes of infertility in women include:

Ovulation disorders

Ovulation disorders that cause women to ovulate infrequently or erratically can make it difficult to get pregnant. Ovulation disorders are usually caused by an issue with the reproductive hormones and/or ovary functions.

Tubal infertility

Any damage to the fallopian tubes can prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Damaged fallopian tubes can also prevent the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus. Conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), pelvic surgery, and certain STDs can result in damaged fallopian tubes.

Uterine or cervical abnormalities

Any abnormalities in the uterus or cervix can also result in infertility. Issues like an abnormally shaped uterus, fibroids, or cervical stenosis can result in infertility.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that causes the tissue that usually lines the uterus to grow outside the uterus. This often painful condition can affect the lining of your uterus and requires surgical removal, which can also damage your fallopian tubes.  

What causes infertility in men?

Men and women experience infertility at similar rates. For men, infertility issues usually have to do with the production and delivery of sperm. Some of the common causes of infertility in men include:

Varicocele

Varicocele is the most common, treatable cause of infertility in men. This condition causes the veins that drain the testicles to swell, reducing the quality of sperm.

Antisperm antibodies

These are antibodies that mistakenly recognize sperm as a threat to the body. In response, the antibodies attack sperm, leaving little left for conception.

Hormone imbalances

Hormones play a major role in sexual functions and sperm production. If hormone levels are out of balance, such as with low testosterone, it can prevent the male sex organs from functioning properly, causing infertility.

Infections

Certain infections can have major impacts on sexual and reproductive functions. Infections can cause scarring and inflammation and make it difficult for sperm to pass through the reproductive tract.

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Having issues maintaining an erection can make it impossible to have sexual intersourse. Erectile dysfunction is a highly treatable condition that can be caused by a number of physical and psychological factors.

A number of lifestyle factors also impact fertility. Lifestyle risks like drug abuse, smoking, depression, and obesity can all result in infertility.

How is infertility treated?

Depending on the cause of your infertility, there are a number of treatment methods. Treatment for infertility in both men and women begins with diagnosing the underlying cause of the condition.

Some of the treatment options for infertility include:

• Surgery to address abnormalities or remove blockages
• Hormone therapy to balance hormone levels
• Antibiotics to treat infections
• Fertility drugs that help stimulate ovulation
• In vitro fertilization (IVF)

If you’d like to discuss your options for addressing infertility, call the Urology Specialist Group or schedule an appointment online today.