Subfertility Causes

What is Subfertility?

Subfertility refers to a condition in which a couple does not achieve pregnancy naturally despite having regular and unprotected intercourse. Normally, pregnancy occurs within 6-12 months of trying in healthy couples. If there is a delay beyond this timeframe, it may indicate subfertility.

What are the Causes of Subfertility in Women?

• Ovulatory Disorders: A woman's ability to conceive depends on ovulation, or the release of a mature egg from the ovary, and therefore, if ovulation is absent or irregular in a woman, this reduces her chance for conception, which is why ovulation disorders account for the majority of the causes of subfertility in women.
• Age: A woman's fertility naturally declines with age, and by 35, it declines further.
• Blocked Fallopian Tubes: The fallopian tubes are the site where fertilisation occurs and from where the fertilised egg moves toward the uterus. If the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, fertilisation will not happen efficiently.
• Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. This can affect many aspects of reproduction, including ovulation, fertilisation, and implantation.
• Uterine Abnormalities: Structural abnormalities of the uterus can hinder implantation or embryo growth. Uterine abnormalities can affect the shape and lining of the uterus, which can negatively impact implantation and pregnancy viability.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones are essential to all aspects of the reproductive cycle, regulating menstruation and ovulation. Irregularities in hormone levels will affect the reproductive function. Irregular hormone levels can mean irregular cycles and difficulty with ovulation, ultimately resulting in subfertility.

What Lifestyle Factors Affect Fertility in Both Men and Women?

The reproductive function of both males and females is affected by lifestyle choices.

• An unbalanced diet can affect hormone production and the quality of eggs and sperm.
• Being underweight or overweight can negatively impact hormones and the ability to ovulate in women or produce healthy sperm in men.
• Long-term stress can affect hormone levels, leading to irregular cycles for women and lower-quality sperm for men.
• Using tobacco or alcohol can cause damage to reproductive cells and make it more difficult to conceive.
• A sedentary lifestyle can lead to hormonal imbalances as well as metabolic disorders.

Medical Causes for Subfertility

Many medical issues can affect fertility, such as:

• Thyroid problems
• Diabetes
• Immune disorders
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Hereditary conditions

These problems can disrupt reproductive processes or delay the time it takes to become pregnant.

When to Contact Your Physician?

You must contact your physician if you have been attempting to get pregnant for more than 1 year (6 months if 35 or older), and have the following symptoms:

• You have irregular or no periods
• You have a history of reproductive health problems
• You currently have a medical condition that may affect your ability to have children

By evaluating these symptoms early, appropriate treatment can be provided.

Conclusion

Subfertility is a common issue that can occur due to multiple factors in both male and female partners. Even if it takes longer than expected, most cases of subfertility have the potential to be successfully treated with the right method. The chances of achieving a successful pregnancy increase with early detection, a healthy lifestyle, and good medical care.