Causes of Infertility

QUESTION: What are the causes of infertility?

ANSWER:

There are numerous causes of infertility and couples should consult a fertility doctor to find the cause that fits their situation. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine reports: "Conception is a complicated process that depends upon many factors: on the production of healthy sperm by the man and healthy eggs by the woman; unblocked fallopian tubes that allow the sperm to reach the egg; the sperm's ability to fertilize the egg when they meet; the ability of the fertilized egg (embryo) to become implanted in the woman's uterus; and sufficient embryo quality."

Infertility affects men and women equally. Generally 40% of infertility is attributed to the male, while 40% is attributed to the female. Ten percent is generally a combination of the male and female and the other 10% is unexplained.

Here are the primary causes of infertility:

For women:

• Ovulation problems
• Damaged cervix
• Pelvic and tubal factors, like endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, etc.
• Uterine factors, such as fibroids.

For men:

• No sperm count
• Low sperm count
• Low sperm mobility or quality
• Genetic disease

Doctors generally will conduct an examination of both the male and the female and then run a variety of tests to determine the specific cause of the infertility. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, "Most infertility cases - 85% to 90% - are treated with conventional medical therapies such as medication or surgery."