Infertility issues are not something you can lump into one group as a single problem. It is more like an umbrella with a variety of conditions and fertility problems falling underneath. This is why the solutions for infertility vary from one person to another. Following are just fifteen of the more common problems that can cause infertility and problems getting pregnant.
1. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS interferes with the hormones of sufferers. The hormones controlling the reproductive system can be attacked, which leads the body to stop ovulating altogether. Without ovulation, there is no chance of getting pregnant. Some women with PCOS do ovulate sometimes, but it is so irregular that pregnancy is more difficult to achieve.
2. Natural Aging Process
It is completely normal for men and women to become less fertile as they grow older. This happens faster for women than men, with many women having more trouble getting pregnant once they pass the age of thirty-five. The good news is this is the easiest infertility problem to overcome if there are no larger issues involved.
3. Endometriosis
Endometriosis can cause pelvic scarring or adhesions which make women infertile. Problems with the fallopian tubes may also develop.
4. Low Sperm Count
This is an infertility issue for men. There are many things that can cause low sperm count and some are easier to fix than others. There are procedures where samples of sperm can be combined to produce semen samples with very high sperm counts. That sample can be used to inseminate a woman successfully.
5. Low Sperm Motility
This is a problem where sperm are basically lazy and do not do their job swimming up the fallopian tubes to penetrate the egg. If few sperm are moving as they should, there is little chance of pregnancy each month.
6. Undescended Testicles
This is a medical problem that can affect sperm count and sperm motility. It is the cause of infertility for many men.
7. Testicle Blockage
Part of the testicle is blocked, and that prevents sperm from actually being released into the female body. If sperm doesn’t make it to the egg, there is no way for a conception to take place.
8. Obesity
Many obese people struggle to have babies for years, only to succeed after they lose a lot of their weight. Conception is simply harder to achieve when a lot of excess fat is stored on the body.
9. Intense Heat Exposure
When the male body is exposed to things that raise body temperature too high, sperm count and motility can suffer. Often, just wearing looser underwear, avoiding activities that raise body temperatures, and staying away from the sauna can help.
10. Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
Many cancer patients end up infertile after going through the aggressive treatments required to beat the disease. This is why so many people freeze their eggs or sperm before going through these treatments.
11. Damaged Fallopian Tubes
Fallopian tubes are often damaged by untreated sexual diseases or inflammation in the tubes. The tubes are damaged or blocked, preventing sperm from making it to the egg for conception.
12. Eating Disorders
Extreme eating disorders like anorexia can stop the ovulation process, making it impossible for pregnancy to occur. Recovery from the illness can start the menstrual cycle again, reversing the infertility.
13. High Prolactin Levels
This is a hormone known for stimulating the production of milk in the breasts of pregnant women. If this hormone is too high in a non-pregnant woman, it can cause a stop in ovulation.
14. Fibroids and Adhesions
Any type of fibroid (tumor) or adhesion in the woman’s reproductive organs can prevent sperm and eggs from meeting up in a way that results in pregnancy.
15. Unknown Reasons
This isn’t exactly a fertility problem, but it is the only answer for many men and women. The cause of the infertility is simply unknown.
Related Articles:
- Infertility in Women and Common Causes
- Symptoms and Signs of Infertility
- Tips for Getting Pregnant After 40
- Fertility after 40 – Your Odds of Success Getting Pregnant
- Infertility Statistics
- Infertility Levels: What is Normal?
- Infertility Insurance Coverage
- Infertility Definition
- Odds of Getting Pregnant By Age
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