Causes of Fertility Problems
The causes of fertility problems are not always easily identified and in some cases are unknown. In general, a likely cause of infertility is more easily recognised when a couple have a more apparent reproductive problem. Where as transient and mild conditions can be the most difficult to diagnose and treat.
The causes of infertility that can be identified are shared equally between males and females. Some of the more common causes are listed below.
Causes of male fertility problems
- Not enough sperm are produced in the testes.
- Sperm are of poor quality; having low numbers of moving sperm, poor shape or failing to mature
- The tubes that transport the sperm are damaged or blocked.
- Sperm appear to be normal but are unable to fertilise the female’s eggs.
- The sperm are associated with an immune system reaction.
- The sperm have chromosomal abnormalities.
Causes of female fertility problems
- Eggs are not released from the ovaries (anovulation).
- Eggs fail to mature.
- Tubes are blocked and unable to carry eggs to the womb.
- The fertilised egg is unable to implant itself in the womb lining.
- The cervix prevents sperm entering the uterus to fertilise the egg.
- Endometriosis, when tissue like the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder that can effect ovarian function
The above causes of fertility problem may result from other underlying conditions. Your fertility specialist will be the best person to explain this complex area.