Causes of infertility and possible solutions

INFERTILITY AFFECTS BOTH GENDERS

• In about 1/3 of cases, the cause of infertility involves only the male.
  • In about 1/3 of cases, the cause of infertility involves only the female.
  • In the remaining 1/4 of cases, the cause of infertility involves both the male and female, or no cause can be identified.

INFERTILITY IN WOMEN

Common causes of female infertility and possible treatment options include:

TUBAL CONDITIONS

DEFINITION: Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent sperm from getting to the egg and fertilized eggs getting to the uterus.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Laparoscopic surgery to open tubes, In vitro fertilization (IVF).

OVULATION DISORDERS

DEFINITION: Any condition (usually hormonal) which hinders or prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Medical therapy (plus IVF in some cases).

POOR EGG QUALITY

DEFINITION: Eggs that are damaged or have chromosomal abnormalities. This problem is usually age related – egg quality declines significantly in the late 30s and early 40s.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION:  IVF with Own egg +/- Genetic abnormality screening (PGS) on Embryos , IVF with Donor egg

ENDOMETRIOSIS

DEFINITION: A condition where normal uterine tissue grows outside the uterus.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Laparoscopy , IVF.

CERVICAL ABNORMALITIES

DEFINITION: Abnormalities of the cervix.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Intrauterine insemination, IVF.

UTERINE ABNORMALITIES

DEFINITION: Abnormality to the shape or cavity of the uterus.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Hysteroscopy or laparoscopy , Surrogacy.

INFERTILITY IN MEN

MALE TUBAL BLOCKAGE

DEFINITION: Obstructions in the vas deferens or epididymis (the tubes that transport fertile sperm),
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Surgery to correct epididymal tube blockages,Sperm aspiration technique e.g TESA.

SPERM PROBLEMS 

DEFINITION: Low or no sperm counts, poor sperm motility (the ability to move), and abnormally- shaped sperm
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: ICSI, IMSI,PICSI ,Donor sperm.

WHEN TO SEEK FOR FERTILITY HELP

If you have been unable to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex ( 6 months if you are older than 35), we advise you visit your doctor to diagnose the cause (s).

On our website – nordicalagos.org/book-appointment you can book appointment to see a fertility expert. It is free and non-obligatory