Understanding Common Causes of Infertility

Infertility can be a deeply personal and challenging issue for many individuals and couples trying to conceive. It is more common than many realise, with approximately 1 in 6 couples experiencing difficulties conceiving. Fortunately, advances in fertility treatments, as well as lifestyle changes, offer many ways to improve fertility. Explore the common causes of infertility and tips on how to boost your chances of conceiving.

Common Causes of Infertility

Infertility can be due to issues with either partner or a combination of factors. 

1. Female Infertility Causes

1. Ovulation Disorders
Ovulation problems are one of the leading causes of infertility in women. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid imbalances and other hormonal issues can disrupt ovulation. Without regular ovulation, it becomes difficult for an egg to be fertilised by sperm.

2. Age
Age is a significant factor in female fertility. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and as they age, both the quantity and quality of eggs diminish. After the age of 35, fertility begins to decline rapidly, with a notable drop after age 40.

3. Fallopian Tube Damage or Blockage
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or block the fertilised egg from reaching the uterus. Causes of blocked tubes include pelvic inflammatory disease, previous surgeries, or some sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

4. Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it. This can lead to scarring, inflammation, and blockages in the reproductive organs, which can affect fertility.

5. Uterine or Cervical Issues
Uterine abnormalities, such as fibroids or polyps, or issues with the cervix can interfere with the implantation of the fertilised egg or block the sperm’s path to the egg. These structural problems can hinder pregnancy even if ovulation is regular.

2. Male Infertility Causes

1. Low Sperm Count or Poor Sperm Quality
The most common cause of male infertility is low sperm count or sperm that have abnormal shape and movement. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including genetic factors, medical conditions, or lifestyle choices.

2. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal issues in men, such as low testosterone levels or problems with the hypothalamus or pituitary glands, can affect sperm production and fertility.

3. Lifestyle Factors
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, drug use, and exposure to environmental toxins or certain medications can reduce sperm count and quality, making it harder to father a child.

4. Testicular Injury or Infection
Injuries or infections, such as STIs or mumps, can damage the testicles or block sperm production, leading to infertility.

How to Improve Fertility

While some causes of infertility require medical intervention, there are several ways to enhance fertility through lifestyle adjustments, medical treatments, and other methods.

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being underweight or overweight can interfere with ovulation in women and sperm production in men. Maintaining a healthy BMI through regular exercise and a balanced diet can improve fertility. 

2. Eat a Fertility-Boosting Diet

A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can support reproductive health. Focus on foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts. The Mediterranean diet is often recommended. Limit fast and processed foods and replace with whole foods including fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, seafood, nuts and wholegrains.

In addition:

• Women should ensure they get enough folic acid and iron, which are crucial for egg quality and preventing pregnancy complications.
• Men can benefit from foods rich in zinc and vitamin C, which improve sperm quality and count.

3. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol

Smoking is linked to reduced fertility in both men and women. It can damage sperm and egg quality, increase the risk of miscarriage, and speed up the aging of the ovaries. Alcohol consumption should also be limited. 

4. Manage Stress

Engaging in relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or regular exercise, can help reduce stress and improve overall health.

5. Consider Timing and Ovulation Tracking

For couples trying to conceive, timing is everything. Women can track their ovulation using methods like basal body temperature monitoring, or ovulation tracking. The most fertile period is usually between days 10-14 of a 28-day cycle.

If you’ve been trying to conceive for more than a year (or six months if you’re over 35), it may be time to consult a fertility specialist. Medical treatments like IVF, IUI, and medications that stimulate ovulation can be effective solutions. Additionally, treating underlying conditions can significantly improve fertility outcomes. Infertility can be a complex issue with many contributing factors, but understanding the root causes and taking proactive steps to improve your reproductive health can make a significant difference. Whether it’s through lifestyle changes, fertility treatments, or medical interventions, many options are available to help improve your chances of conceiving.