Infertility is when a couple cannot conceive despite having
regular unprotected sex. It can be caused by a
range of disorders and lifestyle
factors. However, fertility problems cannot be explained in around a third of
cases.
What causes infertility in women?
The hormones oestrogen and progesterone control a woman's
monthly fertility cycle.
An egg is released each month as these hormone levels
changes. The egg then travels into the fallopian tubes which connect the
ovaries to the womb, or uterus. This process is called ovulation.
In women, infertility is due to problems with ovulation in
about one in three cases. Some issues prevent women from releasing any eggs, in
other cases an egg is only released on some monthly cycles.
Ovulation problems can occur as a result of a number of
conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid problems or premature
ovarian failure, which is when a woman's ovaries stop working before the age of
40.
However, many other conditions can cause a woman to have
problems with fertility. It may be difficult to become pregnant, for example,
if the womb or fallopian tubes are damaged.
Another common cause of infertility is when small pieces of
the womb lining are found outside the womb. This is called endometriosis and it
affects around two million women in the UK.
What causes infertility in men?
Male infertility is caused by abnormal semen (the fluid
containing sperm that is released during sex). Issues include:
· A low sperm
count or no sperm at all
· Decreased
sperm mobility - making it harder for the sperm to reach the egg
· Sperm with
an abnormal shape, which makes it harder for them to move
Damage to a man's testicles can also affect the quality of
sperm. Damage can occur due to a range of problems including:
· Injury to
the testicles
· Undescended
testicles - when one or both testicles has not descended into the scrotum
· Infection
such as mumps or gonorrhoea
· Testicular
cancer
· Surgery
Other causes of infertility or reduced fertility
Age - Both men and women are their most fertile in their
early 20s. Female fertility declines sharply after the age of 35. Around one in
three of couples in which the woman is over 35 have fertility problems. This
rises to two-thirds when the woman is over 40. Male fertility gradually
declines from the age of 40.
Hormonal disorders - An underactive thyroid or a
malfunctioning pituitary gland can cause fertility issues.
Smoking - Studies have shown that women who smoke take
longer to conceive. Research has found that the toxic chemicals in cigarettes
can damage the lining of the fallopian tubes, which help transport the egg from
the ovary to the womb. Partners of men who smoke also have a reduced chance of
conceiving as smoking can decrease the amount of sperm produced and their
motility.
Drinking - alcohol can reduce fertility in both men and
women. It is not yet understood exactly how alcohol affects fertility but
studies have shown drinking alcohol reduces the chances of a woman conceiving.
In men, heavy drinking may affect sperm quality which can impact on chances of
a successful pregnancy.
Bad timing - an egg is fertilised when a man's sperm meets
the woman's egg at about the time of ovulation, which is when the egg is
released from the ovaries. Women mostly ovulate once during each cycle, and the
most likely time for conception is 14 days before a period.
Stress - Worry and tension can cause hormonal changes in the
body, which can lead to fertility problems.
Sexually Transmitted Infections - Chlamydia can cause pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID) as well as fallopian tube infection in women. Both
may cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes and uterus, leading to
infertility. Gonorrhoea can also cause PID and reduce fertility in men as well.
Unhealthy body weight - If you're very underweight it can be
more difficult to conceive. Being obese may also cause problems with
conceiving.
Credit: BBC
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