At ZIVA Fertility Clinics, we want to empower every patient who comes to visit us, and we are aware of the frustrations and challenges of starting a family, which is why each fertility evaluation and consultation offers individualized consideration. Each infertility case has its challenges and unique treatment requirements.
But with changing times, men also pay attention to their fertility health. Due to fast-paced lifestyles, obesity, smoking, and drinking habits, both men and women have to know about their fertility health. So let us answer this question: “Who has higher chances of infertility, Men or Women?”. The statistics in this regard are pretty fascinating, and these numbers offer insight into the causes of infertility.
Is infertility a common problem?
Fertility issues are becoming more common than one might hope. As per the statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one in every eight couples experiences some issue with natural conception. But that does not mean they are infertile but instead that the couple is unable to become pregnant for various reasons and might need small to big medical help.
What do statistics say about male and female infertility?
The most surprising fact about infertility numbers in both genders is that they are fairly equal.
- One-third of cases are male-factor infertility
- One-third of the cases are female-factor infertility
- The last third is a combination of male and female infertility.
In the United States alone, as per CDC estimates, roughly 6 per cent of men and women are infertile. Most women face infertility due to improper ovulation. For most men, the infertility issue is primarily due to the lack of sperm or poor sperm quality.
Infertility in men and women
The causes of fertility issues vary in men and women, and here we are highlighting the main ones such as:
Women’s infertility issues:
- Ovulation issues
- Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes
- Advanced maternal age
- Endometriosis, prior infections, or prior surgeries
- Uterine anomalies
Men’s infertility issues:
- Varicocele, which is an abnormal dilation of veins within the scrotum
- Obstruction in the pathway of sperm travel
- Medications used for testosterone enhancement
- Hormonal abnormalities
- Ejaculation problems
- Structural defects
- Volume of semen
- Sperm related factors
How does age affect fertility in men and women?
As one gets older, there are new challenges when it comes to fertility and starting a family. The statistics released by the National Women’s Health Resource Center reveal that couples between the ages of 29 and 33 have high fertility, and their chances of getting pregnant are 20 per cent to 25 per cent. The same couple will have to struggle as they get older and their chances of pregnancy diminish.
Age affects natural conception and the success rates of any ART that the couple might undergo. For females below the age of 35, fertility treatments are 40 per cent successful. For the same group of women, if the age is above 35, fertility treatment success can drop to as low as 21 per cent. The same is true for men, too. As the men age, the sperm quality reduces. Additionally, as age increases, men may be prone to lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes, and their subsequent medication also affects a man’s ability to father a child. If the male partner has been used to smoking and drinking, then age will impact more on the sperm quality.
Effect of obesity on fertility in men and women
Body fat and body mass have a major impact on hormone levels, which will directly lead to problems with fertility. Excess or too little body mass can lead to hormonal imbalances. So, maintain a healthy/normal weight range according to your height. The effects of obesity in women is that it is one of the leading causes of PCOS. PCOS is a hormonal imbalance condition which is one of the prominent causes of infertility in women.
Impact of smoking and drinking on fertility in men and women
Yes, it is a general statement that smoking is bad, and it can also have a negative effect on fertility. Both men and women with smoking habits are twice as likely to experience infertility or problems with fertility than non-smokers- as per the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). So fertility is one of the best reasons to quit smoking for good. The same goes for excess alcohol and substance abuse.
In summary – Who has a higher chance of infertility, Men or Women?
Traditionally, fertility was considered a woman’s issue, but in reality, both male and female factors can contribute to not being able to conceive or carry a pregnancy. So, if you are having trouble getting pregnant, both partners may benefit from a visit to the fertility specialist.
Root cause analysis is done to evaluate both your health and medical histories. The male’s semen is sent for testing to check for the number, shape, and movement of the sperm. In women, blood tests, ultrasounds, and genetic screening may help identify why conception may take longer than you had hoped.
Based on the test results, your specialist may recommend various treatments. Treatment need not always be a medical one. They could suggest options ranging from lifestyle modification, ovulation induction, and intrauterine insemination to in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Please consider aspects like cost, side effects, and success rates, to name a few, before starting a fertility treatment.
We at ZIVA Fertility Clinics have always put our patients first. Even if you have the slightest doubt, visit us; our specialist experts will help clarify your doubts. For more information, please visit our website https://zivafertility.com/ or at +91-9100002737 or +91-9392834024.
