Worried about your fertility?
In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of infertility in men and women, as well as some common tests and treatments. We hope this information will help you better understand your own fertility and make informed decisions about your health.
Certain lifestyle choices can affect fertility. Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and using drugs can all lead to fertility problems. Obesity can also make it more difficult to conceive
There are several blood tests that can check for fertility problems in both men and women. These tests can measure hormone levels and check for any genetic disorders that may be causing fertility problems. A doctor may also recommend an ultrasound to check the reproductive organs for any abnormalities. If a cause of infertility is found, there are several treatment options available. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of infertility and may include medication, surgery, or assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
What causes fertility issues in men?
Causes of infertility in men and women can vary. In men, a common cause of infertility is low sperm count. This can be due to a variety of factors, including health conditions, lifestyle choices, and medications. Other causes of male infertility include blockages in the reproductive tract and hormone imbalances.
Some specific disorders which can lead to infertility in men include;
Klinefelter syndrome
A condition where a man is born with two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome. This can cause reduced testosterone levels and reduce the number of sperm produced.
Varicocele
An enlargement of the veins in the testicle that can interfere with normal blood flow to the area and affect sperm production.
Infection
Various infections can cause inflammation of the reproductive organs and lead to fertility problems. Examples include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, mumps, HIV, or syphilis.
Ejaculation disorders
These disorders prevent proper delivery of sperm during ejaculation due to blockages or other problems. Examples include retrograde ejaculation, where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis, and premature ejaculation, where ejaculation occurs before or shortly after penetration.
Testicular cancer
This is a rare type of cancer that can affect fertility.
Medications
Certain medications, such as some chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer, can interfere with sperm production.
What causes fertility issues in women?
In women, one of the most common causes of infertility is ovulation disorders. This means that the ovaries do not release eggs regularly or that the eggs are not able to be fertilized by sperm.
Some specific disorders which can lead to infertility in women include;
Endometriosis
This is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
This is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods, excess hair growth, and weight gain
Blockages
Blockages in the reproductive organs can also cause fertility problems. Blockages in the fallopian tubes prevent eggs from traveling from the ovaries to the uterus, while blockages in the vas deferens prevent sperm from traveling from the testicles to the penis. These blockages can be caused by injuries, infections, or surgery. If a blockage is found, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair it.
Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign tumours that grow in the uterus. While most women with fibroids do not experience any problems, some women may find that they have painful and heavy periods as a result. Few may have difficulty getting pregnant. Fibroids can interfere with fertility by blocking the fallopian tubes or impairing implantation of the embryo. If you are having trouble getting pregnant and you have uterine fibroids, be sure to talk to your doctor about your options. There may be ways to treat the fibroids that will help you become pregnant.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID is a serious infection of the reproductive organs that can damage the fallopian tubes and ovaries. It can also lead to scarring and blockages, which can cause infertility. If you are experiencing infertility and you have any symptoms of PID, such as pain in the lower abdomen, unusual vaginal discharge, or fever, see your doctor right away for treatment.
How can I diagnose fertility issues?
If you are concerned about your fertility, there are a few tests that your doctor can do to check for potential problems.
Semen analysis
This test measures the number of sperm in a sample of semen and assesses their quality. A normal sperm count is typically greater than 15 million per millilitres of semen.
Hormone tests
These tests can check for imbalances in the hormones that are necessary for fertility
Ultrasound
This imaging test can evaluate the anatomy of the reproductive organs, including the ovaries and uterus.
Blood tests
There are several blood tests that can be used to check for fertility. These tests can measure hormone levels, check for blockages in the reproductive organs, and look for genetic disorders. Your doctor will likely order a few of these tests if you are having difficulty conceiving.
If you have been trying to conceive for more than a year without success, it is important to see your doctor. They can help you determine if there is an underlying cause and recommend treatment options. There are many treatments available for fertility issues, so there is a good chance you will be able to have a successful pregnancy
Fertility medications
These drugs can stimulate ovulation in women who do not ovulate regularly.
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
This procedure involves retrieving eggs from the ovary and fertilizing them in a laboratory. The fertilized eggs are then implanted into the uterus.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
This is a type of IVF that is used when the male partner has a low sperm count. A single sperm is injected into each egg.
References
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2017). Fertility in Men and Women: Causes, Tests, and Treatments.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Trouble conceiving? Here’s what might be causing it.
