
Are you having trouble conceiving? Do you feel entrapped in this repetitive loop of trying and failing? This is a deeply personal and often heart-breaking experience for most couples. This condition can worsen your emotional being even more if you are a sensitive soul. But, do you know what researchers and infertility specialists have found out?
In this blog, we will be trying to talk about the factors that majorly contribute to reproductive issues. This is a proactive first step in the direction of overcoming this battle. Awareness and knowledge will make you more powerful. Just believe in yourself as well as your partner.
After decades of research and observations from infertility specialists, these are the 12 key reasons.
1. Age: Age and fertility are closely attached. Women experience a decline in their chances of natural conception beginning in their late 20s, with a substantial drop after 35. By 40, the probability drops to around 5% per cycle. Men aren’t off the hook by any means – their quality of sperm declines too. It happens just more gradually.
2. Hormonal issues: Hormonal fluctuations and disturbances can also significantly affect your reproductive scope. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders disrupt the hormonal stability necessary in biological processes such as ovulation and sperm production. About 5-10% of women of reproductive age suffer from PCOS alone, which remains a leading cause of infertility. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can also pose serious challenges. We shall raise more awareness about these conditions.
3. Detrimental habits: But here it is; fertility isn’t just about biology; our lifestyle choices matter too. Did you know this? Women who smoke are 60% less likely to become mothers than non-smokers. It’s a massive risk for men as well.
Obesity due to compulsive overeating and uncontrolled alcohol intake are other big determinants. Obesity can lead to hormonal imbalances and ovulatory dysfunction. On the other hand, too much alcohol interferes with sperm quality and menstrual cycles.
4. STIs: Sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can seriously harm your reproductive organs and lead to problems. Ladies, untreated Chlamydia could damage your fallopian tubes. For gentlemen, it can cause inflammation in your reproductive tract. It’s estimated that up to 10-15% of women may face infertility due to untreated Chlamydia cases. Please take control of your biology. Get tested more frequently and your forthcoming days will be brimming with love and glory! This is why we always recommend you to consult with prudent infertility specialists.
5. DNA: Infertility can sometimes be rooted in our genes. Men with Klinefelter syndrome and women with Turner syndrome often grapple with reproductive struggles. Additionally, cystic fibrosis, a genetic mutation, can create blockages in the male reproductive tract.
6. Endometriosis: Endometriosis is more prevalent than you might think; it affects about 10% of women of reproductive age. This condition occurs when tissues similar to the lining of the uterus grow outside the uterus, often causing unbearable pain and eventual infertility. It can result in scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes, making it harder for the sperm to penetrate the egg.
7. Male challenges: We often look away from male reproductive inability, but it’s just as important. Low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology are huge aspects. Male factors are responsible for 40-50% of infertility cases. Conditions like varicocele, an enlarged vein in the scrotum, can also affect sperm quality.
8. Mental health circumstances: Do you easily feel stressed, heated, or alarmed due to minor, trivial reasons? It could also be playing with your chances! Chronic stress deteriorates hormones, ovulation, and sperm production. Women with high-stress levels face hurdles in their journey of motherhood. Reach out to infertility specialists whenever you see that situations are going out of your grip. You can look out for a credible clinical psychologist as well. It’s never intelligent to stay stubborn with your life.
9. Environmental surroundings: It’s surprising but real: environmental toxins are bad for your fertility. Chemicals like pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors can meddle with your delicate reproductive health. Research shows some pesticides diminish sperm quality and spike up miscarriage threats.
10. Diet: Have you ever wondered or looked into how your diet is an inseparable part of your reproductive journey? Essential nutrients like folic acid, vitamin D, and zinc are your good friends, indeed! Did you know zinc is vital for sperm production? A deficiency can lead to reduced sperm count and motility. And lack of vitamin D? It’s closely linked to ovulatory disorders and pregnancy outcomes. You should always prioritize a balanced and wholesome diet. You will find more about these in our previous blogs.
11. Medical conditions: Underlying medical states like diabetes and autoimmune diseases could be part of your reason for not being able to conceive. Diabetes can mess with your hormones and harm reproductive organs, and autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation and tissue damage. The relief is that effective management can always improve your outcomes in this pursuit.
12. Timing and repetition of sex: Finally, timing and frequency of intercourse can greatly influence your chances of parenthood. By gaining insights regarding the menstrual cycle and pinpointing the fertile window, couples can get out of their odds of achieving pregnancy.
Are you still feeling uncertain about why or when to see some infertility specialists? Connect with Fertility Dost if you want to keep aside all worries and holistically tackle your insufficiency.
Meet a warm and sensible community that will never leave your side.
So, these were some of the potential causes of infertility. In our follow-up blog, we will explore some lesser-known strategies and action plans which might help you cope better.