Causes of infertility: ArkLaTex Fertility and Reproductive Medicine supplies answers

At ArkLaTex Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Dr. David T. Vandermolen hones in on one goal. He strives to help each patient overcomes the causes of infertility to have a baby. Our North Louisiana fertility doctor commits to making infertility diagnosis and treatment as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

For some couples, trying to conceive may not go as planned. About one out of seven couples may experience infertility issues. Educating yourself on these causes and their successful treatment options will help you feel more in control during this difficult and often stressful time.

The causes of female fertility issues

Women can face one or more of the following causes of infertility.

• Blocked or damage to the fallopian tube(s). The fallopian tubes carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. As such, damage to one or both fallopian tubes can prevent contact between the egg and sperm.
• Endometriosis. When the cells that make up the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grow outside the uterus, infertility can result.
• Ovulation disorders. These disorders encompass any issue that prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs.
• Hormonal causes. Dr. Vandermolen treats hormonal causes with a whole-body approach to wellness. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes the body to produce an excess of the male sex hormone androgen. Diet and weight loss alone may resolve the problem.
• Uterine fibroids. Benign tumors in the wall of the uterus are common in women in their 30s and 40s. Fibroids can interfere with implantation. They may also, on the rare occasion, block fallopian tubes.
• Pelvic adhesions. Scar tissue in the pelvis can impair fertility. This scar tissue may form after a pelvic infection, appendicitis or abdominal or pelvic surgery.
• Early menopause. The absence of menstruation and the early depletion of ovarian follicles sometimes occurs before 40.

Other infertility causes in women include medications, thyroid disorders, cancer and cancer treatment, and medical conditions, such as Cushing’s disease, sickle cell disease, kidney disease and diabetes.

The causes of male infertility

A number of issues can affect sperm count, motility or the ability to fertilize the egg. The most common causes of male infertility include the following issues.

• Abnormal sperm production or function. Several factors can contribute to abnormal sperm production, including undescended testicles, genetic defects or repeated infections.
• Problems with the delivery of sperm. Factors that could contribute to problems with sperm delivery include premature ejaculation, painful intercourse, retrograde ejaculation, genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis, or structural problems like a blockage of the part of the testicle that contains sperm (epididymis).
• General health and lifestyle issues. Obesity, poor nutrition or excessive use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs can contribute to male infertility.
• Environmental factors. Overexposure to environmental factors, such as pesticides and other chemicals, can contribute to infertility in men. Other factors could include frequent exposure to heat, such as in saunas or hot tubs, which can elevate the core body temperature and impair sperm production.
• Cancer and cancer treatment. Damage from radiation and chemotherapy treatments for cancer can impair sperm production. The radiation treatment directly to, or near, the testicles increase the risk of infertility.
• Age. Men over 40 may be less fertile than younger men.

Age and infertility share a connection

The trend of waiting longer before starting a family has impacted infertility rates. Fertility begins to significantly diminish after the age of 35. Maternal age is significant because women are born with a finite number of eggs. As they age, the number and quality of the eggs diminish. After the age of 40, 90% of eggs can have genetic abnormalities.

Infertility in older women is due to diminished egg quantity and quality, decreased hormone levels to support pregnancy, and an increased risk for miscarriage.

Contact us to schedule a consultation with our North Louisiana fertility doctor to learn more about the causes of infertility.