Causes of Infertility

The subject of infertility problems can be difficult to bring up or discuss. Because of social mores, many people feel uncomfortable talking about sexual matters, even with a fertility doctor. Furthermore, reluctance to investigate the cause of infertility may be influenced by traditional gender-based stereotypes. Many women have a strong desire to fulfill a maternal role, and the thought that they might be infertile can be very distressing. Men, on the other hand, are expected to be masculine and show little weakness, so learning about fertility problems could make them feel less virile. Despite these fears, it is essential to diagnose the causes of infertility, or finding the right fertility treatment could become an expensive guessing game.

Female and Male Factor Infertility Problems

Until approximately 50 years ago, infertility was thought to be a woman's disease. Now, however, it is known that almost half of all fertility problems are due to male factor infertility. The most common causes of female and male infertility are discussed below.

Female Factor Infertility

The cause of infertility in women usually involves problems with ovulation. Signs of ovulation difficulties include non-existent or irregular menstrual cycles. Other causes of female infertility include birth defects within the uterus, uterine fibroids, and blocked fallopian tubes.

Male Factor Infertility

The cause of infertility in men can usually be traced to problems with the production of sperm. Men who produce no sperm suffer from a condition called azoospermia, and those with a low sperm count suffer from oligospermia. In addition, blocked reproductive tracts, malformed sperm, or inactive sperm can be a cause of male infertility.

Find a Fertility Specialist in Your City

If you are dealing with infertility problems, you need to meet with a doctor to determine the cause of your infertility. A qualified physician can assist you with both female and male infertility and discuss treatment plans for improving fertility. DocShop provides a search tool to assist you in finding a qualified fertility doctor near you.