15 common causes of infertility

15 common causes of infertility

Infertility is not caused by only one particular factor. There are several causes and conditions that cause infertility in both men and women. The known causes of infertility include:

• Artificial sweeteners

Studies show that diet drinks, such as Diet Coke or juices that contain artificial sweeteners, may reduce the chances of falling pregnant.

• Smoking

Studies show that smoking impairs fertility in both women and men.

• Alcohol

Alcohol can impair fertility when consumed in large quantities. When trying to get pregnant, it’s best to reduce alcohol consumption as much as possible.

• Coffee

Caffeine adversely affects fertility and even increases the risk of miscarriage.

• Impediment due to viscous cervical mucus

This impediment does not allow the sperm cells to move through the mucus properly.

Cervical mucus testing is performed by doing a microscopic diagnosis of the mucus after intercourse close to ovulation time. The test gives an indication of the quality of the cervical mucus and diagnoses the presence of sperm cells in the cervical mucus. Today, this testing is almost never performed, and there is controversy regarding the effectiveness of the testing.

• Being significantly overweight impairs fertility

Studies clearly show that obesity impairs female fertility. Obesity causes irregular or non-existent menstruation, anovulation, hormonal changes, less chance of fertility treatments being successful, and a greater risk of miscarriage.

• Vitamin D deficiency impairs fertility

Studies show that low levels of vitamin D can adversely affect fertility. Vitamin D has receptors in the various organs of the body that are relevant to a woman’s fertility, the uterus, and the ovaries. It has been shown that a deficiency of receptors for vitamin D creates difficulties for egg maturation and general infertility.

Vitamin D also plays a role in the production of hormones. Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to infertility by interfering with the estrogen system as well as lowering the AMH hormone associated with the growth of ovarian follicles. In addition, a low level of vitamin D contributes to the formation of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.

In a study published in 2013 that examined the effect of the addition of vitamin D supplements among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it was observed that there was a significant increase in endometrial thickness but not a significant increase in pregnancy rates.

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, vitamin D helps IVF treatments by improving the quality of the eggs, the health of the embryos, and the likelihood of embryo implantation into the uterus. The researchers explain the link between the vitamin D level and the success rates of IVF treatments in that vitamin D has a beneficial effect on the endometrium, which affects the chances of implantation of the embryos into the endometrium.

Another study shows that the rate of live births is greater among women who have a sufficient amount of vitamin D in their bodies compared to women with a deficiency or insufficiency of vitamin D.

• Early ovarian failure

This occurs when ovulation or the process of egg maturation ceases in women under the age of 40. They no longer produce eggs and their production of the estrogen hormone decreases.

• Insufficient or excessive physical exercise

Insufficient or excessive physical exercise could reduce the amount of adipose tissue significantly and raise the level of stress hormones, which impairs the production of sex hormones.

• Gum health

Gum disease affects the time it takes to get pregnant and the incidence of miscarriages and premature births. This inflammation makes its way into the amniotic fluid and results in an immune response that increases the risk of miscarriage and premature births.

Such infections can be prevented by flossing regularly, brushing your teeth properly, and visiting the dental hygienist regularly. If you already have an infection, your dentist will be able to resolve the problem.

• Structural problems

These kinds of problems are congenital or are caused by disease or by abdominal surgery (caesarean section, D&C, etc.) or pelvic surgery, which could cause an infection in the area.

• Clogged fallopian tubes

The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus and the sperm and the egg meet here. Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube where the embryo spends its first days on its way to the uterus in order to implant in it. Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or block the way for the fertilized egg to reach the uterus.

What causes obstructed fallopian tubes?

An inflammatory disease of the pelvis that has developed for whatever reason can cause the opening to the fallopian tube adjacent to the pelvis to become blocked. The inflammation can be caused by an infection as a result of sexual intercourse or from an intrauterine device.

• Irregularity or absence of menstruation

If menstruation is irregular or absent, it usually indicates the lack of ovulation.

First, an assessment should be made for conditions that can interfere with ovulation, such as thyroid or adrenal conditions, or pituitary gland disorders.

Only after other medical problems have been ruled out, a fertility specialist should be consulted and they can recommend fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation.

• Hypothyroidism

One of the main causes of infertility in women and men is a disruption in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.

Studies show that measurements of thyroid hormone levels (TSH and PRL) should be taken early on in fertility testing and not have the patient immediately undergo expensive and invasive tests. Simply treating hypothyroidism for 3 months to a year can be very beneficial for these women to conceive.

• Celiac disease as a cause of infertility

Celiac disease is a chronic intestinal disease caused by sensitivity to gluten present in wheat and other grains (barley, rye, oats). It is actually a disorder of the immune system in which gluten activates the immune system to go to war against the body, causing inflammation that damages the intestinal lining.

Studies show that undiagnosed celiac disease is a risk factor for infertility.

Celiac adds to the likelihood of infertility and miscarriages by creating an inflammation and interfering with the absorption of folate and other vitamins. A decrease of folate causes an increase in amino acid levels, which impairs egg quality and increases the likelihood of miscarriage.

Avoiding eating gluten allows the intestinal lining to heal and rebuilds the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients that are critical for fertility. Following a gluten-free diet can be the beginning of the process of balancing folate and amino acids.