What are some common causes of infertility?
- Age
- Alcohol use
- Smoking and drug use
- Being overweight
- Ovulatory disorders in women
- Low sperm count or low testosterone in men
Infertility is the failure to achieve a pregnancy after at least a year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It can be a disease of the male or female reproductive system, and at present, it affects millions of people worldwide. According to the WHO, approximately 1 in every 6 people has experienced infertility at least once in their lifetime.
In this article, we’ll discuss some risk factors and common causes of infertility. Some of them cannot be avoided, but many others you can choose to stay away from so as to increase your chances of having children one day, should you choose to do so.
Why is this important? Infertility affects people all over the world and hinders their chances of starting or growing families. All individuals and couples should have the right to decide whether and when they want to have kids, as well as how big they want their family to be, as part of their pursuit of the best attainable physical and mental health.
For couples and individuals concerned about their ability to have children, either at present or in the future, know that your actions today can have an impact. Let’s discover the common causes of infertility below.
Age
Women’s fertility, in particular, gradually declines with age. This happens especially during her mid-30s and has been seen to drop rapidly after age 37. In older women, infertility is likely due to the lower number and quality of egg cells, and can also be due to other health problems (more on this below).
For male fertility, on the other hand, while it’s not a guarantee, men over age 40 may be less fertile than younger men, as well.
Alcohol Use
Women should avoid alcohol use during conception or pregnancy at all costs. There’s no safe level of alcohol they can consume during this period, as drinking may contribute to infertility. Even for men, heavy alcohol use can also decrease sperm count and motility.
Smoking and Drug Use
You likely already know this, if you’ve seen those ads on cigarette boxes that say smoking causes infertility. Tobacco or drugs like marijuana or opioids, when consumed by either partner, may reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. To make matters worse, even if you undergo fertility treatment, smoking can reduce its effectiveness as well.
For men, smoking increases the risk of erectile dysfunction and a low sperm count. As for women, even when already pregnant, it’s important to know that miscarriages are more frequent among those who smoke.
Being Overweight
An inactive lifestyle and being overweight have been found to be risk factors for infertility. Thus, it’s important to have enough nutrients in your diet and to exercise regularly. For women, being overweight is also a risk factor for ovulatory disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affect fertility as well.
However, it’s important to note that too much exercise can be a risk factor as well. Though this is less often, it’s possible for ovulation problems to occur in women who do lots of intense and strenuous exercise. As in all things, balance and moderation is the key.
Excessive Stress
Particularly for women, too much physical or emotional stress can result in absent periods (amenorrhea) and other issues with the reproductive system. If a couple is trying to conceive, it’s better for both of them to be at a point in life where they are not under stress and ready for responsibility.
Ovulatory Disorders in Women
Ovulation disorders affect the release of eggs from the ovaries and include hormonal disorders like PCOS, hyperprolactinemia (having too much prolactin), and hyper- or hypothyroidism.
Other causes can include abnormalities or blockages in the female reproductive system or endometriosis, a condition where the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus and affects the function of the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
Low Sperm Count or Low Testosterone in Men
Abnormal sperm production or function can be caused by undescended testicles, genetic defects, health problems like diabetes, or infections like HIV. There could also be problems with the delivery of sperm due to sexual problems like premature ejaculations, certain genetic diseases, or damage to the reproductive organs.
Key Takeaway
As we mentioned above, some of these risk factors and common causes of infertility are unavoidable, like age and certain disorders. But many others, like your exposure to tobacco and alcohol, your exercise routine, and your exposure to stress, can be adjusted depending on your lifestyle and commitment to starting a family.
If you are experiencing fertility issues or have a disorder that keeps you or your partner from conceiving, know that we are here to help. Perpetual Help Medical Center – Las Pinas’ Women’s Healthcare and Diagnostic Center goes above and beyond for women and couples trying to conceive. We have comprehensive treatment programs and expert and professional doctors who will help you reduce the risks and alleviate infertility.
Contact us today to know more!