The Common Infertility Reasons

Infertility is a complex issue with various contributing factors. Below, we explore the most common causes from a Western medical viewpoint, helping to shed light on the challenges many women face. Also Read about infertility from a Chinese Medicine viewpoint.

Age and Fertility:

• Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and as they age, both the quantity and quality diminish, making conception more difficult.
• Fertility naturally declines with age, primarily due to a decrease in the number and quality of a woman’s eggs.
• After age 35, this decline accelerates, increasing the risks of miscarriages and chromosomal abnormalities.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome):

• A prevalent hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age, PCOS is marked by hormonal imbalances.
• Symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, excessive androgen (male hormone) levels, and small cysts on the ovaries.
• The lack of regular ovulation associated with PCOS makes it harder to predict fertile windows, complicating conception.

Endometriosis and Fertility:

• Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing pain during menstruation.
• This condition can lead to scar tissue formation, disrupting the function of reproductive organs.
• It can interfere with egg release, fertilisation, and implantation, reducing the likelihood of pregnancy.

Uterine Abnormalities:

• Conditions such as fibroids (noncancerous growths in the uterine wall) or polyps (abnormal tissue growth in the uterine lining) can hinder fertility.
• These growths can prevent a fertilised egg from implanting or alter the uterine environment, making embryo development challenging.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):

• PID is an infection of the reproductive organs, often resulting from untreated sexually transmitted infections.
• Untreated PID can cause inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes, blocking the passage of eggs to the uterus.
• This damage increases the risk of infertility.

Lifestyle Choices and Their Impact:

• Unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity can significantly affect fertility.
• Smoking damages the reproductive system and reduces egg quality.
• Heavy alcohol intake disrupts hormone balance, leading to menstrual irregularities.
• Obesity causes hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance, both of which impair fertility.

Taking Control of Your Reproductive Health

Understanding these factors empowers women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Addressing these challenges through lifestyle adjustments and medical guidance can improve fertility outcomes and support family planning goals.
If you face any of these issues, consulting a healthcare professional can provide clarity and help you take the next steps toward your fertility journey.