While infertility is often considered a woman’s health issue, it can affect men and women alike. Let’s look at some of the most common medical conditions that can cause infertility.
Medical Conditions that Can Cause Infertility
There are many different causes of infertility. In about one-third of cases, infertility is caused by problems with the man. However, in another one-third of cases, fertility problems are due to issues with the woman. A combination of male and female factors or unknown factors cause the remaining cases.
Infertility in Women
Several medical conditions can cause infertility, including asthma. Here are the most common causes of infertility in women.
Click here to learn about how asthma can affect fertility.
PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects approximately 5 million American women. It can cause missed or irregular periods and can also lead to the development of cysts on the ovaries. PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis affects approximately 10 percent of American women. This condition happens when the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis can lead to pain, heavy bleeding, and infertility.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the reproductive organs that can damage the fallopian tubes and ovaries. PID affects approximately 1 million American women each year. Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea are responsible for PID.
Thyroid Disorders
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause fertility problems.
- Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid. It can cause irregular periods and make it difficult to get pregnant.
- Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid. It can cause fertility problems by affecting ovulation.
Approximately 5 percent of American women have some form of thyroid disorder.
Infertility in Men
Many different factors can contribute to male infertility. Some of the most common medical conditions that can cause male infertility include the following:
Varicocele
A varicocele is a dilated vein in the scrotum that can affect sperm production. You may notice a painless lump on your testicle if you have a varicocele. Varicoceles are fairly common—in fact, they occur in about 15 percent of all men. However, they are only responsible for about 35 percent of male infertility cases.
Infection
Infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can damage the tubes that carry sperm. These infections are usually treated with antibiotics. However, they can sometimes cause permanent damage that leads to fertility problems.
Ejaculation Disorders
Ejaculation disorders make it difficult or impossible for a man to ejaculate during sexual intercourse. This can be due to psychological issues such as anxiety or depression, or it could be due to physical problems such as nerve damage or hormonal imbalances. Treatment for ejaculation disorders will vary depending on the underlying cause.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can interfere with sperm production and sexual function. Common causes of hormonal imbalances include pituitary gland disorders, thyroid disease, and adrenal gland disorders. Treatment will vary depending on the specific hormonal imbalance diagnosed.
Understanding the Root Cause
By understanding the root cause of your fertility issues, you and your doctor can develop a treatment plan to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Please get in touch with us if you have been trying to conceive for over a year without success. We can help you find the root cause of your fertility issues and develop a treatment plan to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Creekside Center for Women is dedicated to helping you achieve your goal of becoming a parent. 479.582.9268