As well as being referred to as the biological or physiological inability of conceiving a baby after a period of twelve months unprotected sex, the term infertility is also used when a woman is unable to carry a baby for the full nine months gestation period and a miscarriage ensues. The reasons for infertility are numerous and the results of studies carried out indicate that female health conditions are responsible for around 66% of recorded cases - the remainder can be put down to irregular sperm issues and other unknown factors.
So what causes infertility in women? Most cases of infertility are caused by hormonal deficiencies or imbalances, structural problems in the reproductive organs and some illnesses. Mechanical trauma and chemical disturbances from surgeries and potent medications can also negatively affect a woman's fertility.
Globally the most common cause of infertility in women is probably Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or PID as it is frequently referred to. The structure of the reproductive organs and the pelvic area in general is attacked by this infection and conception is made increasingly difficult. The long drawn out exposure to microorganisms and the scarring as a result of the infection has been known to cause blood poisoning and on the rare occasion that conception is successful, there is a high chance that the pregnancy will be ectopic.
Problems related to the adrenal gland and thyroid deficiencies may cause ovarian and hormonal problems. Any problem with the two organs can increase the production of prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates the production of breast milk and prevents ovulation. High levels of prolactin in the body not only cause difficulty in conceiving but may also indicate a pituitary tumor.
As a result of many kinds of vaginal or abdominal surgery, infertility may be caused by the scarred tissues. The traumatized areas make it very hard for the egg cells to be transported from the ovaries to the uterus along the fallopian tubes. This is also the reason why conception often takes a long time after previous abortions have been carried out. The remaining scar tissue stands in the way of the sperm fertilizing the egg.
Taking antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines and anti-depressants can also be responsible for reducing the chances of conception. This happens because the amount of estrogen and luteinizing hormones is decreased and higher levels of these are needed to bring the egg to maturity ready for release.
So, what causes infertility in males? The most common factors contributing to male infertility are associated with sperm and its characteristics. Either the sperm count is too low or the sperm is low quality. Sperm cells made of poor quality move slowly or swim in the wrong direction. The cells may be abnormally-shaped, making transportation difficult.
There are many contributory factors to poor quality sperm cells, for example, failure of the testes to drop properly and develop as they should. In some cases the testes may actually remain within the cavity of the body. The release of potent sperm cells can also be impaired by medication and by chronic exposure to certain metals as in both cases chemicals may change the physical and molecular structure of the sperm cells rendering movement and subsequent conception practically impossible.
As to the question 'what causes infertility,' there are many answers. The problem cannot be pinned to either men or women as it is an issue than can affect both sexes. If you or your partner are unfortunate enough to receive an infertility diagnosis, don't lose heart. There are many conservative and natural treatments to help remedy fertility issues today.
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