Causes of
Infertility
Infertility can be one of the most devastating experiences in a person’s life. The thought of losing one’s ability to have a baby can bring hopelessness and despair to the strongest of people. Fortunately, virtually all forms of infertility can be overcome. By learning the causes, one can pinpoint the barrier and customize the treatment to achieve a successful pregnancy.
The causes are generally divided into male factors (40%), female factors (40%) and unexplained factors (20%). The barriers that limit a man’s ability to procreate usually involve factors that affect his sperm count. These are discussed under Male Infertility.
Female Factors
The main causes affecting a woman can be remembered best by her anatomy:
- Egg factors such as disorders of ovulation and barriers related to age or the “biological clock.”
- Pelvic factors such as endometriosis and adhesions.
- Tubal factors such as blocked or obstructed fallopian tubes and damaged tubes like hydrosalpinges.
- Uterine factors like fibroids, polyps, scarring or uterine malformations.
- Cervical factors that limit the passage of sperm
- Vaginal factors like bacterial or recurrent yeast infections.
The most common cause of infertility in women is polycystic ovarian syndrome, and yet it is one of the most treatable. In fact, for every cause of infertility, there is a very effective treatment designed to overcome it.
Unexplained Fertility
Unexplained infertility is defined as the inability to identify the cause by our standard diagnostic tests, such as a semen analysis, hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and hormone testing. There is still a reason, just not as obvious. An example is when all the tests are normal including the HSG, but the tubes do not function properly. Endometriosis is a common underlying reason for tubal dysfunction. Unexplained infertility can be frustrating because there is no direct reason, but there is a proper algorythm or treatment plan that will overcome or find the reason over time.
Pregnancy Loss
Recurrent pregnancy loss or miscarriages can be a heartbreaking and frustrating cause of infertility. Fortunately, there is a diagnostic and treatment plan that effectively addresses the reasons that lead to miscarriages. It is critically important to see a knowledgable physician skilled at treating these losses in order to find success. Some of the greatest advances recently in our field deal with overcoming genetic causes for repeated miscarriages.
Common Causes of Infertility
As the first nationally certified reproductive endocrinology center in Idaho, ICRM provides state-of-the-art treatments for infertility. Click to learn more about the most common causes of infertility.
Causes of Infertility - Idaho Center for Reproductive Medicine
At Idaho Center for Reproductive Medicine (ICRM), we recognize that infertility affects both men and women. Causes of infertility are generally categorized into female factors (40%), male factors (40%), and unexplained factors (20%).
Infertility can be one of the most devastating experiences in a person’s life, leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair. However, it’s important to know that virtually all forms of infertility can be overcome with the right approach. By understanding the underlying causes, we can pinpoint individual barriers to conception and customize effective treatment options for a successful pregnancy. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of both female and male infertility and provide you with the next steps for overcoming an infertility diagnosis.
Female Infertility
Female infertility encompasses a range of factors that can impede a woman’s ability to conceive. Key issues include:
- Egg Factors: Disorders of ovulation and factors related to age, often referred to as the “biological clock.”
- Pelvic Factors: Conditions such as endometriosis and adhesions can affect reproductive organs.
- Tubal Factors: Blockages or damage to the fallopian tubes, hindering egg transport.
- Uterine Factors: Issues like fibroids, polyps, scarring, or structural malformations of the uterus.
- Cervical Factors: Conditions that restrict sperm passage through the cervix.
- Vaginal Factors: Infections, such as recurrent bacterial or yeast infections that could inhibit conception.
The most common cause of female infertility is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which is highly treatable. Whatever the cause, effective treatments are available to overcome these challenges.
Male Infertility
Male infertility accounts for approximately 40% of infertility cases. It primarily revolves around the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg. Key considerations include:
- Sperm Production: Issues affecting the testicles’ ability to produce healthy sperm.
- Sperm Transport Blockage: Obstructions that prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
- Sperm Quality: Motility and morphology can significantly affect fertilization success rates.
A semen analysis is the starting point in evaluating male fertility. It assesses various sperm parameters to identify issues and guide treatment options. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, medication, or assisted reproductive technologies such as Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) combined with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
Unexplained Infertility
Unexplained infertility refers to the inability to determine a specific cause despite standard diagnostic tests, such as semen analysis, hysterosalpingogram (HSG), and hormone testing. While no apparent reason may be found, there is often an underlying issue. One common example is tubal dysfunction resulting from endometriosis.
The frustration of unexplained infertility stems from the lack of a precise diagnosis; however, it is possible to develop a treatment plan that addresses (and possibly identifies) the underlying issue over time. Our skilled team at ICRM possesses extensive experience and success in treating unexplained infertility, providing hope and guidance on your path to parenthood.
Recurring Pregnancy Loss
Recurrent pregnancy loss or miscarriage can be a heartbreaking and frustrating cause of infertility. Fortunately, there is hope—some of the most significant advances recently in our field deal with overcoming genetic causes for repeated miscarriages. There is a specific diagnostic and treatment protocol that effectively addresses the reasons that lead to miscarriages. At ICRM, our knowledgeable physicians are highly skilled at treating recurrent pregnancy loss to find success.
Understanding Infertility Together: A Partnership Approach
At ICRM, we understand that infertility affects both partners. It’s vital for couples experiencing challenges to seek comprehensive evaluation and treatment that addresses both female and male factors equally. Our focus is on individualized care, and our team of specialists is dedicated to helping you navigate these complex issues. Schedule your initial consultation with us today, and let’s embark on your journey to parenthood together!
