The main causes of human infertility

The human infertility It affects millions of people around the world and has become a growing concern due to its impact on quality of life and family decisions. It is estimated that around 10-15% of couples experience difficulties conceiving, which can be the result of a wide variety of factors. Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse. Although both men and women can be affected, the causes can be complex and varied.

1. Female Infertility: Common Factors

For women, infertility can be the result of several problems that affect the reproductive system. The most common causes include:

to. ovulation problems

One of the main causes of female infertility is lack of ovulation or irregular ovulation. Women with these problems do not release an egg regularly, making conception difficult. The most common conditions that cause these problems include:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal disorder affects the ovaries and can cause irregular or absent menstrual cycles. It is one of the most common causes of female infertility.
• Premature ovarian failure: It occurs when the ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40, causing ovulation to stop early.
• Hormonal imbalances: Problems with the hormones responsible for ovulation, such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), can also disrupt the ovulation process.

b. Fallopian tube problems

The Fallopian tube They are essential for the eggs to move from the ovaries to the uterus. When they are blocked or damaged, the egg and sperm cannot meet for fertilization. The main causes of damage or blockage in the fallopian tubes are:

• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): Infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes.
• Endometriosis: Endometriosis occurs when tissue that normally lines the uterus grows in other parts of the body, such as the fallopian tubes, which can cause inflammation, scarring and blockage.
• Previous surgeries: Pelvic or abdominal surgeries can cause adhesions (scar tissue) that block the fallopian tubes.

c. Uterine or cervical problems

Some women experience problems with the uterus or cervix that affect fertility. These may include:

• Uterine fibroids: Benign tumors that grow in the uterus and can interfere with embryo implantation or block the passage of sperm.
• Endometrial polyps: Abnormal growths in the lining of the uterus that can make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant.
• Cervical incompetence: A cervix that does not close properly can lead to recurrent miscarriages and, in some cases, difficulties achieving pregnancy.

d. advanced maternal age

The woman’s age It is a crucial factor in fertility. As women age, the quantity and quality of their eggs decreases, which can make conception more difficult. Women over 35 may face greater difficulty getting pregnant due to aging eggs and higher risk of genetic complications.

2. Male Infertility: Main Causes

Male infertility is also a key factor in difficulties conceiving. The main causes include problems in sperm production, sperm quality, or the ability of sperm to reach the egg.

to. Low sperm production (oligospermia)

One of the most common causes of male infertility is insufficient sperm production. Men with oligospermia have a lower than normal sperm count, which reduces the chance that a sperm will fertilize the egg.

b. Abnormal sperm (teratozoospermia)

Sperm can have problems in its shape or mobility. Deformed sperm or those that do not move properly cannot reach the egg or fertilize it properly. Possible causes of this problem include genetic factors, exposure to toxins, and disease.

c. Varicocele

He varicocele It is an alteration in which the veins within the scrotum enlarge and cause an increase in the temperature of the testicles, which can reduce the production and quality of sperm. This is a common and treatable cause of male infertility.

d. Ejaculation problems and erectile dysfunction

Some men experience ejaculation problemswhich can make it difficult to release sperm into the vagina. Conditions such as retrograde ejaculationwhere semen goes into the bladder instead of out through the penis, or the erectile dysfunction They can interfere with fertility.

and. Hormonal factors

Like women, men can have hormonal imbalances that affect sperm production. Low testosterone or problems in the production of other hormones necessary for spermatogenesis may be contributing factors.

3. Environmental Causes and Lifestyle

Both men and women can be affected by external factors that influence fertility. These include:

to. Smoking and alcohol consumption

He smoking It affects both men and women by damaging eggs, sperm, and the reproductive system in general. He excessive alcohol consumption It can also reduce sperm quality and affect menstrual cycles.

b. Stress and mental health

He chronic stress and poor mental health can alter the hormonal balance necessary for reproduction, affecting ovulation in women and reducing sperm production in men.

c. body weight

He weight It is another key factor in fertility. Both the overweight like him underweight They can cause hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation in women and sperm production in men. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for reproductive health.

d. Exposure to toxins and chemicals

Prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals, pesticides, environmental pollutants, and radiation can damage eggs and sperm, reducing the ability to conceive. Work in industrial or agricultural environments can increase this risk.

4. Diagnosis of Infertility

To diagnose infertility, it is necessary for both the man and the woman to undergo a series of tests. Some of the most common tests include:

• semen analysis: Evaluate the number, shape and mobility of sperm.
• Hormonal tests: Measure hormonal levels in both men and women to detect possible imbalances.
• Pelvic ultrasound: To examine the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
• Hysterosalpingography: A test to check if the fallopian tubes are blocked.

5. Available Treatments for Infertility

Today, there are several treatment options for infertility, depending on the cause. Some of the most common include:

• Fertility medications: To regulate ovulation in women with hormonal problems or to increase sperm production in men.
• Surgery: To correct structural problems in the reproductive system, such as fibroid removal or varicoceles repair.
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART): Includes techniques such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and the in vitro fertilization (IVF)which can help couples conceive when conventional treatments don’t work.