What Causes Infertility?
Am I Fertile? As well as being referred to as the biological or physiological inability of conceiving a baby after a period of twelve months unprotected sex, the term infertility is also used when a woman is unable to carry a baby for the full nine months gestation period and a miscarriage ensues. The reasons for infertility are numerous and the results of studies carried out indicate that female health conditions are responsible for around 66% of recorded cases – the remainder can be put down to irregular sperm issues and other unknown factors.
As far as women are concerned what causes infertility is usually hormone related, for example, imbalances or deficiencies in levels, problems with the reproductive organs and in some cases, various illnesses. Other factors which can adversely affect a woman’s attempts to conceive are chemical disturbances from surgery, potent medications and mechanical traumas.
The world over, PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) has to be the most common cause of infertility in women. This infection attacks the reproductive organs and the pelvis area of the body damaging the structure of the organs and makes it very difficult to conceive. Not only that, the drawn out exposure to microorganisms and consequent scarring following the infection can cause blood poisoning and on occasions when pregnancies do occur there is a high chance of them being ectopic.
Ovarian and hormonal problems often come about in relation to adrenal gland and thyroid deficiencies. When these organs are not functioning as they should an increase in the production of prolactin occurs. Prolactin is the hormone used to simulate the amount of breast milk produced and it also prevents ovulation taking place. When high levels of prolactin are experienced as well as creating difficulty to conceive it may also indicate that a pituitary tumour is present.
Following on from any kind of abdominal or vaginal surgery, scarred tissues may be the cause infertility. This is due to the fact that the transportation of egg cells from the ovaries to the uterus via the fallopian tubes is affected by the traumatized areas. Abortions, when carried out regularly can also leave scar tissue which obstructs the uterus and so stops the sperm reaching the egg and fertilizing it.
Antibiotics, as well as anti-inflammatory and anti -depressant medications can also damage the chances of conception occurring. This works by the drugs decreasing the amount of estrogen and luteinizing hormones needed to be present for the egg to mature and release itself.
That has briefly covered the female side of things, but what causes infertility in males? More often than not male infertility problems are sperm related. This can involve the characteristics of the sperm or the low count or sometimes lack of sperm all together. Poor quality sperm cells often move slowly due to being abnormally shaped and not having the ability to carry themselves towards the egg waiting to be fertilized they often go in the wrong direction altogether. There are many contributory factors to poor quality sperm cells, for example, failure of the testes to drop properly and develop as they should. In some cases the testes may actually remain within the cavity of the body. The release of potent sperm cells can also be impaired by medication and by chronic exposure to certain metals as in both cases chemicals may change the physical and molecular structure of the sperm cells rendering movement and subsequent conception practically impossible.
As you can see above, the question of what causes infertility has many possible answers. It’s not easy to pinpoint the blame on the male or the female as it’s an issue that can affect a person whatever sex they may be. But don’t despair! If you and your partner have been diagnosed as infertile, these days there are so many options open to you as far as conservative and natural treatments to help remedy the situation are concerned.
Related Articles:
2. Top Reasons For Infertility
3. Symptoms And Signs Of Infertility
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