• BLOG | Sexual Health

Infertility: Causes, Diagnosis, Risks and Treatment

• 29 Jan 2025 / BY DOCONLINE

Infertility is defined as a medical condition when a male or female is unable to conceive after one year due to problems with the reproductive system of either partner. Infertility is categorized as primary or secondary. Primary infertility occurs when an individual is not able to conceive at all while secondary infertility is when someone has conceived previously but is unable to presently.

Keep on reading to learn about infertility causes, risk factors, and its diagnosis as well as infertility treatment. 

Infertility Causes & Risks Factors

Infertility causes in men include: 

• ??Hormonal: e.g. Hypothyroidism, diabetes, low testosterone,

• Varicocele or Enlarged Veins in the Scrotum

• Chromosomal disorders like Klinefelter's syndrome

• Trauma to scrotum or testis

• Accessory gland disorders: Prostatitis, vesiculitis

• Sperm disorders

• Sexual dysfunction like premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction etc.

• Psychological and environmental factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, some medicines, misuse of steroids

• Surgical Sterilization (Vasectomy)

Infertility causes in women can include:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

• Pelvic Inflammatory disease

• Fallopian tube blockage due to infection.

• Uterine fibroids

• Endometriosis

• Hormonal: Hyperprolactinemia, Hypothyroidism etc.

• Infection in genital tract

• Structural abnormalities in Vagina, Cervix, Uterus and Fallopian tube

• Painful and difficult intercourse.

• Chronic ill health

• Smoking

Apart from the above-mentioned infertility causes, certain risk factors can affect a person’s fertility and reproductive ability. These are:

• Age, specifically for women, being in their late 30s or 40s and men in their 50s can affect their fertility

• Consumption of drugs can lower sperm count

• Excessive consumption of alcohol can also lower the sperm count

• Stress or anxiety, specifically if it leads to lower sexual activity

• Being obese or being underweight

• Exposure to certain chemicals like lead and pesticides

Infertility Diagnosis & Treatment

The following infertility diagnosis tests can help determine the problem so that the right treatment route can be decided:

For females:

• Blood Test: Helps in detecting hormonal imbalances

• Pelvic Examination: To check for structural problems or diseases

• Saline Infusion Sonohysterogram (SIS) : The uterus is filled with saline water to conduct a transvaginal ultrasound

• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): To check for tubal blockages

• Sonohysterosalpingogram

• Transvaginal Ultrasound

• Laparoscopy: To identify problems like endometriosis, uterine fibroids and scar tissue

• Blood Test: To check for thyroid or abnormal hormone issues

• Semen Analysis: To check for low sperm count or poor semen mobility

• Scrotal Ultrasound: To identify varicoceles or other testicular problems

Once a proper diagnosis is made, doctors usually decide on a treatment plan. Infertility treatment plans depend on factors like the period of infertility, personal preferences, and the state of health. 

For males’ infertility treatment plans may include medications for erectile dysfunction or surgery to remove things like a blocked epididymis. For females’ infertility treatment may consist of fertility drugs to reduce or regulate ovulation.  Surgical procedures may be advised to repair blocked fallopian tubes. Laparoscopic surgery may also treat endometriosis. 

Conclusion

Infertility affects people differently both physically and emotionally. If you are dealing with it, remember you are not alone and help is available. You can even go for assisted conception techniques like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and sperm or egg donation. 

FAQs

Q.1 Why has infertility increased?

Ans. Factors like obesity, strenuous physical labor, substance abuse, heavy drinking, and lifestyle diseases contribute to the increasing infertility rate.

Q.2 When should I seek help for infertility?

Ans. Couples are usually advised to seek medical help if they are unable to conceive after a year of unprotected sex.