Infertility affects many couples worldwide and can result from a variety of factors involving both men and women. Several lifestyle and health-related habits also play a significant role in influencing fertility.
Below is an overview of the most common causes of infertility:
Key Causes of Infertility:
- Age:
Fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 35 in women due to decreasing egg quality and quantity. Male fertility also gradually decreases after 40 years of age. - Smoking:
Smoking negatively affects both male and female fertility by reducing sperm quality, egg health, and increasing the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications. - Stress:
Chronic stress can affect hormone balance and ovulation in women, reduce sperm production in men, and also decrease frequency of sexual intercourse, impacting fertility. - Weight Problems:
Being underweight or overweight interferes with ovulation in women and lowers sperm quality in men. Hormonal imbalances caused by obesity or malnutrition can significantly reduce chances of conception. - Alcohol:
Excessive alcohol intake disrupts ovulation and menstrual cycles in women and lowers sperm count and motility in men. It can also reduce the success of fertility treatments. - Eating Disorders:
Conditions like anorexia or bulimia lead to hormonal disturbances and improper ovulation, contributing to infertility in women.
Other Important Medical Causes:
- Ovulation Disorders: PCOS, thyroid problems, hormonal imbalances
- Fallopian Tube Damage: Due to infections (like PID), surgeries, or endometriosis
- Uterine Problems: Fibroids, polyps, adhesions, congenital anomalies
- Male Factor Infertility: Low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal sperm shape
- Environmental Exposures: Toxins, radiation, pesticides
Conclusion
Infertility is often a multifactorial problem influenced by age, lifestyle choices like smoking and alcohol, stress, body weight, and medical conditions. Addressing modifiable risks and seeking early evaluation by fertility specialists improves the chance of conception and successful pregnancy outcomes.