Reasons why you could be infertile

Infertility is when a female or male cannot conceive or sire children due to a problem with the reproductive system of either partner.

According to statistics, infertility affects approximately 1 out of every 6 couples. 

The problem may result from an issue with either you or your partner or a combination of factors that prevent pregnancy. 

Some of the most common causes of infertility in both men and women are;

1. Low Sperm Count or Abnormal Sperm Function

A man needs to have a sufficient number of sperm that will be able to fertilize an egg.

If the sperm count is low, or not strong enough to swim and reach the ovum, the pregnancy will fail.

Men may experience this due to factors such as enlarged veins in the testicles, diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, genetic effects, and non-descended testicles.

2. Heat

Sperms do not tend to survive in a hot environment and so they die.

Wearing a tight boxer may overheat the sperm.

Also, frequent use of bathtubs, jacuzzis, and hot water showers is not advisable.

3. Sperm delivery problems

This is caused by sexual problems such as premature ejaculation, certain genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis; structural problems, such as a blockage in the testicle; or damage or injury to the reproductive organs.

4. Lifestyle Habits

Obesity changes the hormones in the body, which can lead to a lower sperm count.

Smoking, drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to fertility issues.

Strenuous types of riding, such as horses or bicycles, can also affect the testicles.

Some medications can also lower the sperm count in men

Issues for women are more easily corrected than male infertility.

Common problems include:

 Fallopian tube damage or blockage

This is often caused by inflammation of the fallopian tube.

In such a case, the eggs may not be released.

This can result from pelvic inflammatory disease, which is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection, endometriosis, or adhesions.

if the situation gets worse, the doctors may be forced to trim it out.

Ovulation problems

Problems with ovulation include hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, tumors, and even eating disorders.

Some cases are simply hormonal and some are genetic and developmental.

Hyperprolactinemia, a condition in which you have too much prolactin — the hormone that stimulates breast milk production — also may interfere with ovulation.

Either too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) can affect the menstrual cycle or cause infertility.

Uncommon features in the uterus

Abnormalities with the cervix, polyps in the uterus, or the shape of the uterus may cause infertility.

Noncancerous tumors in the uterine wall (uterine fibroids) may also cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes or stopping a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.

If there is no uterine lining to aid in conception, the fertilized egg will not be delivered or a fertilized embryo cannot be implanted and the pregnancy will end in miscarriage.

Pelvic Adhesions

Also known as scar tissue

Adhesions generally occur after pelvic surgery or after a pelvic infection.

Endometriosis

This occurs when the endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus.

It may affect the function of the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.

If left untreated, the growth of tissue can result in problems with sex, cause infertility and even lead to the development of cancer.

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