Infertility is an individual’s inability to conceive, despite having unprotected sex on persistent occasions for more than 12 months. It is an issue related to the reproductive organ of the male or female. Because of infertility issues, the couple fails to conceive or get pregnant. The reasons for infertility differ among males and females. The problem can exist in either one of them, which makes the conception difficult.
This can be extremely disappointing for couples who are trying to have a child for more than a year of trying. There can be many factors responsible for such difficulties, which can leave the couple frustrated. There are treatments available for managing infertility. Reproductive endocrinologists are the doctors that can help the couple with conception.
Causes of infertility in females
Conception and childbearing are a bit complicated process. Various factors need to function in tandem to support the entire process. If anything is wrong with the reproductive system, then it might lead to infertility. Given below are the reasons why females may fail to conceive despite several attempts of unprotected sex for over a year or so.
Ovulation failure
This happens when the egg (ovum) does not get released from the ovary. The egg is the female reproductive cell, which gets developed into a fetus after becoming fertilized with sperm. Sometimes, the egg may not get released because of some reasons such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), abnormal cervical mucus, and weight.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
In the case of PCOS, the follicle that releases the egg may fail to develop and mature. As they fail to mature, they do not get ruptured, which is why, the egg does not get released during the menstrual cycle. PCOS can be treated with the help of medications prescribed by the doctor.
Abnormal cervical mucus
When the reason for infertility is abnormal cervical mucus, then the sperm will not get to the egg and the fertilization will not happen. The cervical mucus is supposed to get clearer and thinner, to enable the easy meeting of sperm and egg. However, if the mucus does not become thin and is of poor quality, then it can prevent fertilization and conception.
Issues related to weight
Females that are overweight or underweight may face difficulties with conception. Those having body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 fails to conceive because this will cause hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation and does not support pregnancy. Overweight females may experience hormonal imbalances, menstrual disorders, PCOS, and many health conditions, which prevents them from getting pregnant.
Endometriosis
Moreover, This can cause abnormal growth of the tissues that normally line the uterus in other areas of the pelvis, including ovaries, fallopian tubes, and intestines. It can affect the fertilized egg’s ability to get implanted in the uterine lining.
Uterine fibroid
Fibroids are the non-cancerous growth happening around the uterus, which interferes with the fertilization process.
Menstrual disorders
These difficulties may arise because of some other disorders like PCOS and uterine fibroids, which leads to conception failure.
Females who are facing infertility issues may have any of the above problems that are preventing the process of conception. It is necessary to talk to a healthcare professional that can perform a proper diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Causes of infertility in males
Males that find it difficult to impregnate their partner feel extremely disappointed. This inability can be very embarrassing for them. They may experience failure with conception due to the following reasons:
Reproductive tract dysfunction
This makes it difficult to eject semen. The dysfunction of the reproductive tract may happen due to its obstruction. The ducts that carry the seminal fluid may get blocked due to some infections of the genital tract. The sperm may not get ejected from the seminal vesicle, and this is why fertilization does not happen.
Sexual dysfunction
Moreover, Sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory disorders can be the cause of infertility. Men with erectile dysfunction may fail to get erections, which leaves them impotent. Those having ejaculatory problems may eject a low volume of sperm, which makes fertilization difficult.
Poor sperm quality
Quality, motility, and morphology of sperm are necessary for causing the conception of a child. When the sperm quality is low, the female body simply rejects them by preventing them from entering the uterus and meeting the egg. Also, those having a low sperm count and volume will face difficulty impregnating their partner.
Hormonal abnormalities
Hormones such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are necessary for producing healthy sperm and increasing sexual drive among males. An imbalance in these hormones will lead to a lack of sexual desire and conception failure.
Testicular dysfunction
This problem majorly affects sperm production. This lowers the possibility of conception.
Males with any of the above problems must never be ashamed of not being able to impregnate their partner. These conditions are indeed treatable. It is necessary to see a healthcare professional that can conduct a diagnosis and based on that they will suggest some treatment corresponding to the problem. The treatment will increase the chances of conception.
Besides, males need to control their smoking and unhealthy eating habits. Lifestyle plays a pivotal role in fertility. Giving up bad habits that impact the ability to conceive is necessary. This will not only fix the issues of fertility but also improve overall health.