Infertility Causes
Infertility afflicts approximately one in six couples to the extent that they require help or advice. Most infertile couples are technically subfertile, meaning that for certain reasons they are less fertile than the average couple, but the term infertility is used for clarity when a couple has not been able to conceive after trying for between 6 and 12 months. This is because even though the infertility may not be absolute, it still needs attention from a doctor. Many infertile couples have been able to conceive in the past but still require help, even if this is simply professional advice.
Absolute Infertility
Absolute or permanent infertility is only really caused by the female’s two fallopian tubes being blocked or damaged, the premature onset of menopause, or zero viable sperm travelling from the male. Almost all other causes of infertility are a degree of subfertility that can be cured or assisted in one way or another. However, many couples find that their chances at conception remain so low, sometimes for unknown reasons, that an assisted conception treatment is the best option.
Sperm Dysfunction
A complete lack of sperm, due to blockage or an absence of production, is rare. Aside from this, the majority of problems with sperm are due to sperm dysfunction (or disordered function), which affects men with both low and regular sperm counts. The cause of dysfunction is generally unknown but is sometimes attributable to antibodies. In certain cases these dysfunctions can lead to major subfertility, often despite normal sperm count, in which case treatments are usually ineffective at improving natural fertility. For severe dysfunctions, finding out about IVF or donor insemination is often the most realistic next step.
Ovulation Failure
If the woman suffers from an absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhoea), or they occur less frequently than normal (oligomenorrhoea), this suggests ovulation failure. A decrease of eggs has obviously disastrous effects on fertility. The doctor will use a number of tests to diagnose the specific cause in the patient, as there are many potential triggers (and thus different treatments). Unless provoked due to premature menopause, almost every case of ovulation failure can be treated.
Tubal damage and Pelvic inflammation
Pelvic scar tissue and damage to the fallopian tubes are regularly provoked by a sexually transmitted infection, as a side effect of appendicitis or miscarriage, or as a complication of abdominal surgery. Infection to the fallopian tubes can lead to permanent harm to the lining of the tubes, impairing their functionality for good. Surgery is often available for reopening a blockage, and this may restore functionality depending on severity. However, pregnancy rates following tubal surgery are significantly low, and many of these women opt for IVF treatment.
Diverse causes
There are a huge variety of potential contributing factors to infertility, including diet imbalances or deficiencies, the use of certain medicines or drugs, and the presence of particular medical conditions in the female or male. Many are treatable, with effective diagnosis and remedies available. We discuss some of these diverse causes in our pages on health factors.
No explanation
Unfortunately, some instances of infertility cannot be explained using testing and examination by a doctor. In these cases couples are often first advised to keep on trying, and many conceive within 2 to 3 years without further help, but if they fail to conceive after 3 years the probability of natural conception is slim. However, as the eggs and sperm show normal fertility in tests, methods like IVF can be successful.