Causes of Infertility

Causes of Infertility

Infertility is a deeply personal and often challenging journey for many couples who dream of starting a family. At New World Fertility Centre in Delhi, we recognize the complexity of infertility and provide specialized care tailored to each individual's needs. In this detailed blog, we delve into the various factors that can contribute to infertility, aiming to shed light on this important topic.

Understanding Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse (or six months for women over 35) despite regular and timely attempts. It affects both men and women equally, and in about one-third of cases, a contributing factor can be identified in both partners.

Common Causes of Female Infertility

1. Ovulation Disorders:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder where enlarged ovaries contain small collections of fluid-filled sacs (cysts), preventing regular ovulation.
• Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Early depletion or dysfunction of ovarian follicles before the age of 40, resulting in irregular or absent periods and infertility.

2. Tubal Factors:

• Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Typically caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, or previous surgeries, hindering the passage of eggs to the uterus.
• Pelvic Adhesions: Scar tissue that forms between internal organs, often due to previous surgeries or infections, which can distort pelvic anatomy and impair fertility.

3. Uterine or Cervical Factors:

• Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can distort the uterine cavity, potentially blocking fallopian tubes or interfering with implantation.
• Cervical Factors: Conditions such as cervical stenosis (narrowing of the cervix) or cervical mucus abnormalities that impede sperm entry into the uterus.

4. Endometriosis:

• Endometrial Tissue Growth: When tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, it can cause inflammation, scarring, and adhesions, leading to fertility problems.

5. Age-Related Factors:

• As women age, the quantity and quality of eggs naturally decline, making it more challenging to conceive and increasing the risk of miscarriage.

6. Lifestyle Factors:

• Smoking: Tobacco use can harm fertility in both men and women, damaging reproductive organs and reducing fertility potential.
• Body Weight: Obesity or being significantly underweight can disrupt hormonal balance, affecting ovulation and sperm production.

7. Genetic Factors:

• Inherited genetic disorders, such as chromosomal abnormalities or single gene mutations, can impact fertility in both men and women.

Common Causes of Male Infertility

1. Sperm Disorders:

Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia): Insufficient sperm production in the testes, often due to hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, or lifestyle issues.

Poor Sperm Motility: Decreased ability of sperm to move efficiently through the female reproductive tract, hindering fertilization.

2. Varicocele:

Enlargement of veins within the scrotum, which can impair sperm production and quality due to increased testicular temperature.

3. Ejaculation Disorders:

Conditions such as retrograde ejaculation (when semen enters the bladder instead of emerging through the penis) can affect fertility.

4. Genetic Factors:

Genetic abnormalities, such as chromosomal defects or mutations in genes related to sperm production and function, can contribute to male infertility.

Diagnostic Approach at New World Fertility Centre

At New World Fertility Centre in Delhi, our approach to diagnosing infertility involves a comprehensive assessment of both partners. This includes detailed medical histories, physical examinations, and specialized tests such as hormonal assays, ultrasound imaging, genetic testing, and semen analysis for men. Our goal is to identify any underlying factors contributing to infertility accurately.

Treatment Options and Support

Once the cause of infertility is identified, our team develops personalized treatment plans tailored to each couple's needs. Treatment options may include:

• Ovulation Induction: Stimulating ovulation through medication to enhance the chances of conception.
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus during the woman's fertile window to facilitate fertilization.
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory, and transferring embryos into the uterus.
• Surgical Interventions: Correcting anatomical abnormalities, such as removing uterine fibroids or repairing blocked fallopian tubes.

Embracing Hope and Support

Infertility can be emotionally taxing, and at New World Fertility Centre, we provide compassionate care and support throughout every step of the journey. Our team of fertility specialists, counselors, and support staff are dedicated to helping couples navigate the challenges of infertility with empathy, understanding, and expertise.

Conclusion

Understanding the causes of infertility is crucial for making informed decisions about treatment options and fertility care. If you or someone you know is experiencing challenges with fertility, we encourage you to reach out to New World Fertility Centre in Delhi for expert guidance and compassionate care. Together, we can explore solutions and work towards achieving your dream of parenthood.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today. [www.newworldfertility.com]

FAQ

1. What is Infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse (or six months for women over 35) despite regular and timely attempts. It affects both men and women equally and can be caused by a variety of factors.

2. What Causes Infertility in Women?

Common causes of infertility in women include:

• Ovulation Disorders: Conditions like PCOS or primary ovarian insufficiency.
• Tubal Factors: Blocked fallopian tubes due to infections or endometriosis.
• Uterine or Cervical Factors: Fibroids, cervical issues, or structural abnormalities.
• Endometriosis: Growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus.
• Age-related Factors: Declining egg quality with age.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, obesity, or excessive exercise.
• Genetic Factors: Inherited conditions affecting fertility.

3. What Causes Infertility in Men?

Common causes of infertility in men include:

• Sperm Disorders: Low sperm count or poor sperm motility.
• Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum affecting sperm production.
• Ejaculation Disorders: Problems with ejaculation or semen quality.
• Genetic Factors: Inherited genetic conditions affecting sperm production.

4. How is Infertility Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Medical History: Detailed discussion of health, lifestyle, and reproductive history.
• Physical Examination: Assessing reproductive organs and general health.
• Diagnostic Tests: Hormonal assays, ultrasound imaging, genetic testing, and semen analysis for men.

5. What Treatment Options Are Available?

Treatment options may include:

• Ovulation Induction: Stimulating egg production through medication.
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Placing prepared sperm into the uterus during ovulation.
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Retrieving eggs, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, and transferring embryos into the uterus.
• Surgical Interventions: Correcting anatomical issues like blocked fallopian tubes or uterine fibroids.

6. How Successful Are Fertility Treatments?

Success rates vary depending on factors such as age, health, and the specific treatment used. At New World Fertility Centre, our team discusses success rates based on individual circumstances and provides personalized guidance throughout the process.