Infertility Explained
Around 80 per cent of couples actively trying for a baby will conceive within 12 months. Couples under 35, who are not using contraception and who have been unable to conceive for more than 12 months, and those over 35 who have not conceived after 6 months, ought to seek professional advice.
While these are indicators of a fertility problem, it doesn't mean you'll never be able to have a baby or that you require complex treatment. Infertility is very common; in fact, about one in six couples experience some problems in achieving pregnancy.
But that doesn’t mean you should do nothing and just hope the problem goes away. The process of reproduction is highly complex and there are many different reasons why you could be having difficulty conceiving.
Most people who come to realize that they may have fertility problems are confused and often upset. Some guides to the possible causes of infertility and possible treatments are technical and full of medical jargon. Origin’s quick guide to infertility and some of its causes is written in everyday language to help you understand the issues. We hope it works.
What causes infertility?
There are many different reasons for infertility. Either or both partners may have a problem that doctors can identify with tests. About a third of cases relate to female factors, a third to male factors, and the other third may be a combination of both or some external causes, like environment or lifestyle.
Occasionally, doctors just can't work out why you're finding it hard to get pregnant. This, not surprisingly, is called ‘unexplained’ infertility.
Whatever the cause, it’s important to understand two things; with professional help infertility can often be treated and infertility is no one’s fault. Apportioning blame or assuming it’s your ‘fault’ is wrong and the stress may even make things worse. Partners should see and accept infertility as a shared problem.
Treatment varies. In some cases simple medication is enough. In others, more investigations and procedures may be needed.
(Back to top)
Infertility: Female Factors
The most common problems that prevent a woman becoming pregnant are:
(Back to top)
Ovulatory problems
If you can't get pregnant because you have problems ovulating, it means that your ovaries are either not releasing eggs at all or not releasing them regularly. This problem is very common. About one-third of women who can't get pregnant have problems with ovulation.
(Back to top)
Early Menopause
The menopause is when your ovaries stop releasing eggs. It happens to all women, normally between the ages of 45 and 55, but some women begin the menopause earlier.
(Back to top)
Low hormone levels
A small number of women make too little or none of the two hormones that make ovulation happen. This can happen if you lose a lot of weight or if you have a condition called anorexia, or can happen for no known reason.
(Back to top)
About 15 percent of women who haven't been able to get pregnant have damaged or blocked fallopian tubes. These are the tubes that connect your ovaries to your womb. If your tubes are damaged or blocked, eggs won't be able to reach the womb.
(Back to top)
Endometriosis
About 1 in 20 women who can't get pregnant have a condition called endometriosis. The endometrium is the lining of the womb. In a woman with endometriosis, the cells that normally grow in the endometrium are growing in other places outside the womb. Doctors aren't sure why endometriosis lowers the chances of a woman getting pregnant. It may affect the quality of the egg, damage the sperm, cause scarring, or make it more difficult for the sperm to fertilise the egg.
(Back to top)
Fibroids
These are large, benign growths some women have in their womb. Fibroids may sometimes stop a fertilised egg implanting or growing in the womb. Doctors don't know why fibroids happen but they may be caused by changes in levels of hormones.
(Back to top)
Infertility: Male Factors
The most common reasons why men have fertility problems are:
(Back to top)
Problems with sperm
Some men have a low sperm count. This does not mean that you and your partner can't get pregnant, it just might take longer. A low sperm count may be caused by an imbalance of hormones, previous damage to the testicles, or an infection of the testicles. A low sperm count sometimes runs in families. Others may have problems such as low motility or abnormally shaped sperm which may prevent them from fertilising an egg;
(Back to top)
Problems getting sperm to the right place
Some men make sperm, but can't get them into their partner's vagina. This may be because they can't get an erection or there is a blockage in the tubes between their testicles and their penis. This can happen for several reasons, such as a vasectomy (sterilisation operation), congenital absence of the tube, or an infection.
(Back to top)
Anti sperm antibodies
A few men produce antibodies that destroy or damage their own sperm, usually as a result of damage to the testicles or through an infection.
(Back to top)
Infertility: lifestyle factors.
(Back to top)
A woman's chances of getting pregnant start to fall in her early 30s. As she gets older egg numbers reduce, quality decreases and eggs may be more difficult to fertilise. Older men are less fertile too.
(Back to top)
There is anecdotal evidence that men and women who smoke are more likely to have problems getting pregnant than people who don't smoke and are also more likely to suffer miscarriage. Men who smoke may be more likely to have reduced sperm motility and increased numbers of abnormal sperm than non-smokers.
(Back to top)
Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can affect the quality of sperm and a man's ability to get an erection and to ejaculate. It can also increase the risk of miscarriage.
(Back to top)
Being underweight or overweight
Women who are very athletic and women who have eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, have low levels of body fat. This may mean they may not ovulate every month. Women who are overweight or underweight can have an imbalance of hormones that increases the risk of infertility.
(Back to top)
Infection
Any infection whether localised or systemic can affect the fertility of the male or female
(Back to top)
Chlamydia
A sexually transmitted disease which can cause damage to the female and male reproductive systems resulting in infertility. Chlamydia may remain undetected for long periods of time, but can be successfully treated once identified
(Back to top)
As you can see, there are many variables that can affect a couple’s fertility and a number of these relate to lifestyle, rather than to physical or medical conditions.
At Origin we share your hopes. We understand what an emotional experience this is for you and your partner. At Origin, our staff will provide you with an individual assessment of your condition and identify the most appropriate treatment for your specific needs. We will support you throughout with guidance and professional counselling.
(Back to top)
