Causes of Infertility: Both Men and Women Are Affected

For further information or Booking..

The causes of infertility can be broadly classified into three main categories:

• Male factors account for approximately 30–40% of all infertility cases.

• Female factors account for approximately 30–40% of all infertility cases.

• Unexplained infertility accounts for about 10% of cases, in which no identifiable cause can be determined.

These figures indicate that infertility affects men and women almost equally. In addition, there is a proportion of couples in whom contributing factors are found in both partners simultaneously. Therefore, when investigating infertility, it is essential to evaluate both the male and female partners.

A comprehensive assessment of both individuals allows for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning, which significantly increases the likelihood of successful conception compared to treatment without identifying the underlying causes. For this reason, couples experiencing difficulty conceiving are encouraged to consult a physician together. In addition to ensuring thorough medical evaluation, joint consultation also provides emotional support, which is beneficial throughout the treatment process.

Anovulation: A Major Cause of Female Infertility

One of the most common causes of female infertility is anovulation. It is important to understand that having regular menstrual bleeding does not necessarily mean that ovulation is occurring regularly. Many people mistakenly believe that menstruation and ovulation are the same process.

In women who ovulate normally, menstrual cycles typically occur at regular intervals, often around every 28 days. However, some women may experience menstrual bleeding that appears regular while the cycle length varies or bleeding patterns are irregular. This situation often indicates menstrual cycles without ovulation.

In simple terms, women with both regular and irregular menstrual cycles may or may not ovulate. However, women with irregular menstrual cycles are more likely to experience cycles without ovulation.

The term “anovulation” refers to a condition in which the egg fails to mature properly during the mid-cycle phase. As a result, ovulation does not occur, and the egg is not released from the ovarian follicle to travel through the fallopian tube to meet the sperm.

Under normal circumstances, a fully mature follicle reaches a diameter of approximately 2 centimeters and produces estradiol, a key female sex hormone. Estradiol stimulates the hypothalamus to trigger the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), which induces ovulation. When the egg does not mature adequately, estradiol production is insufficient, the LH surge does not occur, and ovulation fails to take place.

Blocked Fallopian Tubes: The Second Leading Cause of Female Infertility

The second leading cause of infertility in women is blocked fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are structures that connect the ovaries to the uterus and serve as the site where the egg and sperm meet. Each woman has two fallopian tubes, and fertilization normally occurs within the tube before the fertilized egg travels to the uterus for implantation and development into a fetus.

When one or both fallopian tubes are blocked—regardless of the location of the blockage—the movement of the egg and sperm is obstructed. As a result, the egg and sperm cannot meet, and natural fertilization cannot occur.

The most common cause of fallopian tube blockage is a previous pelvic infection, which may be asymptomatic in some individuals. After the inflammation resolves, scar tissue may form within the fallopian tubes, leading to obstruction. In many cases, this scar tissue extends beyond the fallopian tubes and involves surrounding structures such as the uterus, ovaries, and adjacent pelvic tissues.

Another contributing factor is the presence of pelvic adhesions. Pelvic adhesions can be compared to internal scars composed of thin bands of tissue. These adhesions may bind pelvic organs together, including the ovaries, ovarian follicles, and fallopian tubes, thereby interfering with egg release and transport.

Pelvic adhesions can result from tissue damage caused by surgery, infection, inflammation, or conditions such as endometriosis. The underlying issue is the body’s healing response, which can lead to adhesion formation and subsequent impairment of reproductive function.

For further information or Booking..