Are You At Risk – What Causes Infertility?

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.

In women, infertility is more often than not related to deficiencies and imbalances of hormone levels, problems with the reproductive organs and occasionally with illness, although chemical disturbances from surgery, mechanical trauma and potent medications are just some of the additional factors which negatively affect the rate at which a woman conceives.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is probably the most common cause of female infertility in the world. It is an infection of the reproductive organs and the pelvis in general. The inflammation and trauma to the organs can affect their structural integrity, making conception difficult. Moreover, the prolonged exposure to microorganisms and the scarring that result after the infection may cause blood poisoning and ectopic pregnancy.

Ovarian and hormonal problems often come about in relation to adrenal gland and thyroid deficiencies. When these organs are not functioning as they should an increase in the production of prolactin occurs. Prolactin is the hormone used to simulate the amount of breast milk produced and it also prevents ovulation taking place. When high levels of prolactin are experienced as well as creating difficulty to conceive it may also indicate that a pituitary tumour is present.

Following on from any kind of abdominal or vaginal surgery, scarred tissues may be the cause infertility. This is due to the fact that the transportation of egg cells from the ovaries to the uterus via the fallopian tubes is affected by the traumatized areas. Abortions, when carried out regularly can also leave scar tissue which obstructs the uterus and so stops the sperm reaching the egg and fertilizing it.

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.

So, what causes infertility in males? The most common factors contributing to male infertility are associated with sperm and its characteristics. Either the sperm count is too low or the sperm is low quality. Sperm cells made of poor quality move slowly or swim in the wrong direction. The cells may be abnormally-shaped, making transportation difficult.

In males the potent sperm cells release is often impaired by certain medication as well as exposure to particular metals. When this happens the chemicals present can alter the molecular and physical make-up of the sperm cells and the ensuing lack of movement of the cells means that conception is not likely to take place.

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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