The term infertility is used when referring to the biological or physiological inability to conceive a baby when unprotected sex has been practised for a period of twelve months or more. It is also commonly used to describe the unsuccessful attempts of a woman carrying a pregnancy the full nine months and a when miscarriage occurs as a result. There are so many causes for infertility but recent study results have shown that women as responsible for around two thirds of cases, the rest are related to irregular sperm problems and other factors of an unknown nature.
So what causes infertility in women? Most cases of infertility are caused by hormonal deficiencies or imbalances, structural problems in the reproductive organs and some illnesses. Mechanical trauma and chemical disturbances from surgeries and potent medications can also negatively affect a woman’s fertility.
Globally the most common cause of infertility in women is probably Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or PID as it is frequently referred to. The structure of the reproductive organs and the pelvic area in general is attacked by this infection and conception is made increasingly difficult. The long drawn out exposure to microorganisms and the scarring as a result of the infection has been known to cause blood poisoning and on the rare occasion that conception is successful, there is a high chance that the pregnancy will be ectopic.
Adrenal gland and thyroid deficiencies often bring about hormonal and ovarian problems as when these two organs fail to operate as they should an increase in prolactin happens. This is the hormone that stimulates breast milk production but it also stops ovulation taking place as well. High levels of prolactin may suggest the presence of a pituitary tumour as well as making conception extremely unlikely.
Scarred tissues left after abdominal or vaginal surgeries may also impair conception. The traumatized areas may cause problems with regards to the movement of egg cells from the ovaries to the fallopian tubes and the uterus. Frequent abortions also leave scar tissues that can obstruct the uterus, leaving the egg cell and the sperm unable to meet.
Some medications such antibiotics, antidepressants and anti-inflammatory agents can impair infertility. Indirectly, these drugs can decrease estrogen and luteinizing hormones in the body which are needed for the maturation and release of mature egg cell.
That has briefly covered the female side of things, but what causes infertility in males? More often than not male infertility problems are sperm related. This can involve the characteristics of the sperm or the low count or sometimes lack of sperm all together. Poor quality sperm cells often move slowly due to being abnormally shaped and not having the ability to carry themselves towards the egg waiting to be fertilized they often go in the wrong direction altogether.
There are a lot things that can contribute to the production of poor-quality sperm cells, such as the failure of the testes to develop and properly descend. These two conditions may be congenital, meaning the testes remain within the body cavity. The chronic exposure to metals and medications can also impair the release of potent sperm cells from the body. The chemicals can alter the molecular and physical structure of the cells, making movement and conception difficult.
As you can see above, the question of what causes infertility has many possible answers. It’s not easy to pinpoint the blame on the male or the female as it’s an issue that can affect a person whatever sex they may be. But don’t despair! If you and your partner have been diagnosed as infertile, these days there are so many options open to you as far as conservative and natural treatments to help remedy the situation are concerned.
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