What are the causes of infertility?
Struggling to conceive? Many factors contribute to infertility.
At our Central Kentucky fertility center, we are committed to uncovering the specific causes of infertility for each patient. Once identified, we can work with you to create a treatment plan that can overcome the causes of infertility that are serving as roadblocks to starting or growing your family.
The causes of infertility for women
Our Central Kentucky fertility center treats many causes of female infertility. Common causes of infertility for women include:
Age and Ovarian Reserve: Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have. The quality and quantity of a woman’s eggs naturally diminish throughout her life. Some women experience this process more rapidly than others, leading to low ovarian reserve.
Ovulatory Dysfunction: Many women suffer from irregular or nonexistent ovulation. Common causes of ovulatory dysfunction are polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism or elevated prolactin levels.
Luteal Phase Defect: Once an embryo implants in the uterus, it needs progesterone to continue to grow. Many women do not produce enough progesterone on their own, resulting in pregnancy loss. The most common solution is close monitoring of progesterone levels and progesterone supplementation.
Anatomical Factors: Endometriosis, pelvic adhesions and tubal or uterine abnormalities can all be causes of female infertility. These often painful conditions can be reduced or eliminated through minimally invasive surgery.
Lifestyle Factors: Alcohol and tobacco use, as well as stress and weight, can cause infertility.
The causes of infertility for men
Infertility is often caused by a combination of male and female factors. At our Central Kentucky fertility center, we often see the following causes of male infertility:
Anatomical Factors: Varicoceles, which affect the temperature and quality of sperm, are present in 40% of men with fertility issues. Varicoceles and other obstructions can often be improved through surgery. Erectile dysfunction is another cause of male infertility.
Endocrine Factors: Men may experience an imbalance of hormones – especially testosterone – which can contribute to infertility.
Sperm Abnormalities: Problems with sperm count, concentration, movement, volume and shape are common causes of male infertility.
Lifestyle Factors: Age, weight and stress contribute to male infertility. Men also need to be cognizant of semen temperature, so wearing loose-fitting underwear and avoiding hot tubs and saunas is wise.
Our Central Kentucky fertility center is here to help your dreams of parenthood become a reality. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Luteal Phase Defect, Ovulatory Dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome, Sperm Abnormalities
