What Is Infertility? Causes of Infertility in Men and Women

August 19, 2022

What Is Infertility? Causes of Infertility in Men and Women

For many couples who wish to have children, conceiving isn’t always easy. Infertility is one of the most common roadblocks among couples who wish to get pregnant. Infertility occurs when you are unable to conceive after a year of trying. Fortunately, most infertile couples do not have to abandon their hopes of having children. By diagnosing and treating the underlying causes, 85 to 90 percent of people can overcome their problems. Read on to learn more about the causes of infertility.

What is Infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to become or remain pregnant. Fertility isn’t just a “woman’s problem” or an issue of age. Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, and it can affect people of all ages and genders. When a couple struggles to conceive, either (or both) of them is equally likely to be the cause. If a couple is having trouble getting pregnant, both people are usually tested for infertility. Fertility issues can affect people of both genders and have a variety of causes.

What Causes Infertility?

There are lots of different causes of infertility. Seeing a specialist that specializes in infertility can help you figure out what’s causing your reproductive issues and what treatments are best for you. Unexplained infertility refers to infertility for which there is no known cause. Although unexplained infertility can be extremely upsetting, there are typically treatment options available. Common symptoms or causes of infertility include the following.

Also, Read: 5 Common Signs of Infertility in Men and Women

Common Causes of Infertility in Women

Irregular Periods

A woman’s cycle lasts 28 days on average. But, as long as the cycles are consistent, anything within a few days of that can be considered normal. A woman who has a 33-day cycle one month, a 31-day cycle the next, and a 35-day cycle the following month is likely to have “normal” periods.

A woman who has irregular periods is one whose cycles vary so much that she can’t even guess when her period will arrive. This could be due to hormonal issues or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Both these factors can contribute to infertility.

Periods That Are Painful or Heavy

Most women have cramps during their periods. However, painful periods that interfere with your everyday life could be a sign of endometriosis.

No Periods

It’s common for women to have an off month every now and then. Factors such as stress or strenuous exercise can cause your period to disappear for an extended period of time. However, if you haven’t had a period in months, you should have your fertility checked.

Symptoms of Hormone Fluctuations

Hormone fluctuations in women may indicate potential fertility issues. Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • skin issues
  • weight gain
  • facial hair growth
  • reduced sex drive
  • thinning hair

Also, Read: Signs of Infertility in Women

Pain While Having Sex

Some women have had painful sex their entire lives and have convinced themselves that it is normal. But it isn’t. It could be due to hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, or other underlying conditions that are also contributing to infertility.

Common Causes of Infertility in Men

Changes in Sexual Desire

The health of a man’s hormones is also linked to his fertility. Changes in virility, which are frequently governed by hormones, may indicate fertility problems.

Pain or Swelling in the Testicles

Many conditions can cause pain or swelling in the testicles, and many of them can contribute to infertility.

Also Read: Fertility Testing & Diagnosis for Men

Problems With Maintaining an Erection

The ability of a man to maintain an erection is frequently linked to his hormone levels. Hormones may be reduced as a result, which could lead to difficulties conceiving.

Problems With Ejaculation

Similarly, the inability to ejaculate is a sign that you should see a doctor.

Testicles Are Small and Firm

Because the testicles are where a man’s sperm is stored, testicle health is critical to male fertility. Small or firm testicles may indicate potential problems that should be examined by a medical professional.

There are innumerous causes of infertility. Seeing a specialist can help you figure out what’s causing your fertility problems and find the best treatments for you. Unexplained infertility occurs when there is no known cause for infertility. At Apollo Clinic, we have a dedicated team of consultants who treat all types of infertility, including secondary infertility. We are also equipped with advanced science and technology that allows us to precisely identify the problem and treat the patients accordingly.

Also, Read: 5 Common Infections in Men Leading to Male Infertility

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