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Infertility CausesThere isn't a single cause of infertility and in some cases the cause cannot be identified even after extensive testing. Female CausesAccording to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2002: - 12% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 (7.3 million women) had a physical difficulty that prevented them from getting pregnant or had multiple miscarriages and were unable to carry a baby to term.
- 7.4% of married women (2.1 million women) were infertile.
The most common cause of female infertility is related to irregular or missing menstrual periods, but this is not the only cause. Other common female causes of infertility include: AgeThe rate of female infertility increases with age. Today, 20% of women in the United States have their first child after age 35 and 30% of these women experience infertility problems. Blocked fallopian tubes and uterine abnormalitiesBlockages and adhesions may prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. Scar tissue from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or surgery may bind reproductive organs. Other blockages include fallopian tube abnormalities, endometriosis (uterine tissue grows outside the uterus), sexually transmitted diseases, and uterine fibroids. Cancer treatmentRadiation and chemotherapy may impact a woman's fertility. Early menopauseSome women stop menstruating before the age of 35. MedicationsCertain drugs may prevent a woman from conceiving. Infertility due to medications is usually temporary. Ovulation problemsOvulation problems may result from low levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and elevated levels of the pituitary hormone prolactin. Ovulation also becomes less regular as a woman ages. Polycystic ovary disease (PCO)PCO may result in irregular or absent menstrual periods. Thyroid diseaseHyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism may disrupt the menstrual cycle. Male CausesMost male infertility is related to their sperm, and male testing typically focuses on the sperm and semen. Common male causes of infertility include: Cancer treatmentRadiation and chemotherapy may impact a man's fertility. InfectionsCommon infections are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis), mumps, meningitis, and inflammation of male reproductive organs (prostate, testes, and urethra). Inherited disordersCystic fibrosis patients may develop missing or obstructed sperm-carrying tubules (vas deferens). Klinefelter's syndrome patients may develop damaged testicular tubules. Kartagener syndrome patients may develop sperm motility problems. Polycystic kidney disease patients may develop cysts in the reproductive system. Reduced testosterone (hypogonadism)Testosterone is responsible for the development of the male reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. Semen disordersCommon semen disorders relate to its consistency and volume. An adequate supply of semen is needed to transport the sperm. Sexual dysfunctionErectile dysfunction and premature or retarded ejaculation may interfere with conception. Sperm disordersCommon sperm disorders include low sperm count or abnormal movement. Testicular overheatingHigh temperatures may kill sperm. Common causes are fevers, scrotal varicose veins (variocele), and undescended testicles (cryptorchidism). Tubal problemsBlockages and adhesions may prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. VasectomiesSome vasectomies cannot be reversed.
Risk FactorsAlthough infertility cannot be prevented, additional risk factors associated with infertility include: - Alcohol, smoking, and drug abuse
- Bicycling (males)
- DES exposure: Children of mothers who took DES (diethylstilbestrol) to prevent miscarriage developed reproductive and other disorders. DES was banned for this purpose in 1973.
- Obesity and anorexia
- Toxic chemical exposure
- Wearing tight underwear
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