Infertility is the biological or psychological inability of a couple to conceive after repeatedly having unprotected sexual intercourse (while no other form of birth control is being used) for a period of time, usually twelve months or more. Infertility also refers to a woman’s inability to carry a pregnancy to full term. There are many reasons for infertility. Studies show that female conditions account for over two thirds of the cases of infertility. The rest are caused by sperm irregularity and other unidentifiable factors.
As far as women are concerned what causes infertility is usually hormone related, for example, imbalances or deficiencies in levels, problems with the reproductive organs and in some cases, various illnesses. Other factors which can adversely affect a woman’s attempts to conceive are chemical disturbances from surgery, potent medications and mechanical traumas.
The world over, PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) has to be the most common cause of infertility in women. This infection attacks the reproductive organs and the pelvis area of the body damaging the structure of the organs and makes it very difficult to conceive. Not only that, the drawn out exposure to microorganisms and consequent scarring following the infection can cause blood poisoning and on occasions when pregnancies do occur there is a high chance of them being ectopic.
Problems related to the adrenal gland and thyroid deficiencies may cause ovarian and hormonal problems. Any problem with the two organs can increase the production of prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates the production of breast milk and prevents ovulation. High levels of prolactin in the body not only cause difficulty in conceiving but may also indicate a pituitary tumor.
Scarred tissues left after abdominal or vaginal surgeries may also impair conception. The traumatized areas may cause problems with regards to the movement of egg cells from the ovaries to the fallopian tubes and the uterus. Frequent abortions also leave scar tissues that can obstruct the uterus, leaving the egg cell and the sperm unable to meet.
Taking antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines and anti-depressants can also be responsible for reducing the chances of conception. This happens because the amount of estrogen and luteinizing hormones is decreased and higher levels of these are needed to bring the egg to maturity ready for release.
That has briefly covered the female side of things, but what causes infertility in males? More often than not male infertility problems are sperm related. This can involve the characteristics of the sperm or the low count or sometimes lack of sperm all together. Poor quality sperm cells often move slowly due to being abnormally shaped and not having the ability to carry themselves towards the egg waiting to be fertilized they often go in the wrong direction altogether.
There are a lot things that can contribute to the production of poor-quality sperm cells, such as the failure of the testes to develop and properly descend. These two conditions may be congenital, meaning the testes remain within the body cavity. The chronic exposure to metals and medications can also impair the release of potent sperm cells from the body. The chemicals can alter the molecular and physical structure of the cells, making movement and conception difficult.
The question of what causes infertility has many possible answers and the fault can be with females and males alike. However, if you or your partner has been diagnosed as infertile, there is no need to give up hope altogether – not nowadays when there are so many natural and conservative treatment options open to you as a way of remedying the situation.
Are you struggling to get pregnant? Are you frustrated, or feeling angry? Discover What Causes Infertility? Learn the answer to the controversial question: Does Infertility Even Exist? Visit Sharon R. Mitchelle blog Cure Infertility and Get Pregnant Naturally.


September 6th, 2010
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