Understanding the Common Causes of Infertility

November 25th, 2023 | Pregnancy

How to Battle Infertility

One challenging and emotionally exhausting journey for many individuals and couples is infertility. But trust us, there is hope, especially when knowing you are not fighting this battle alone! The first step toward seeking assistance, finding answers, and creating the family you want is understanding the typical reasons for infertility. So, in today’s post, we will answer what causes infertility so you know what actions you can take to prevent it.

Infertility symptoms

Symptoms of infertility can be subtle and may vary between individuals. However, having any of the following universal infertility symptoms could be leading you to consult a doctor.

• Alteration in Menstrual Cycle – Menstrual cycles that are irregular or nonexistent regularly may indicate hormonal imbalances or other problems that lower fertility.
• Painful Periods – Severe menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) can be linked to conditions like endometriosis, which is one possible answer to what causes infertility.
• Abnormal Bleeding – Unusual bleeding between periods or during intercourse could signal an underlying problem that needs investigation.
• Changes in Libido – A significant decrease in sexual desire or function may be related to infertility issues.
• Obesity or Underweight – Irregularities in weight can contribute to infertility, so losing or gaining weight might help.
  
• Pelvic discomfort – Pelvic inflammatory disease symptoms and indications might be modest or inconspicuous. Some women have no symptoms or indicators at all.

Types of Infertility

There are two primary categories of infertility:

• Primary infertility: is the term used to describe couples who have tried for at least a year to get pregnant, but have never been successful.
• Secondary Infertility: Couples who have successfully conceived and had a child in the past but are now struggling to conceive another child.

What Causes Infertility?

• Ovulatory Disorders – Irregular or absent ovulation can result from conditions like PCOS, thyroid disorders, or excessive stress.
• Male Factors – Problems with sperm production, function, or delivery.
• Tubal Factors –Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can prevent the egg and sperm from meeting.
• Uterine Factors – Abnormalities in the uterus, such as fibroids or polyps.
• Age – As women age, their fertility naturally declines. Advanced maternal age is often associated with reduced egg quality and quantity.
• Lifestyle Factors – Smoking, heavy alcohol usage, drug use, weight issues, and poor diet can all have a detrimental effect on fertility.
• Exposure to Environmental Toxins – Exposure to certain chemicals and toxins, such as those found in some pesticides and industrial settings.

How Can I Prevent Infertility?

• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle and Manage Your Stress – The first step to take in your journey to prevent infertility is to eat balanced meals. In addition, try to do exercises regularly, and do your best to avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs. On the other hand, high-stress levels can also disrupt hormonal balance and affect fertility. Do stress-reduction sports or activities like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness.

• Regular Check-ups and Protection Against STDs – You should visit your healthcare provider for regular check-ups and address any underlying health conditions. Moreover, be sure always to use protection during sexual activities.

• Prenatal Vitamins and Proper Hydration – Consider taking folic acid-containing prenatal vitamins, which are crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Also, drinking plenty of water is important for all aspects of health, including reproductive health.

Conclusion

Although there are numerous probable answers to what causes infertility, it’s crucial to keep in mind that many couples who struggle with infertility eventually succeed with medical care and help.

If you want to read more or are interested in products that may aid your journey, be sure to visit our page!