Top Causes of Infertility in Men and Women

There are many different reasons why couples can struggle to conceive. Here are some of the most common:

 

Ovulation

Ovulation disorders are thought to be responsible for up to 25% of all cases of infertility. There are many reasons why some women suffer from irregular or absent ovulation. These include:

• Hormone imbalance or endocrine disorders
• Stress
• Poor egg health
• Poor nutrition
• Being over or underweight
• Lifestyle

 

Sperm Health

Approximately 30% of cases of infertility are thought to be due to a male factor. Male fertility depends on healthy sperm, and male infertility can be a result of several issues including:

• Low sperm count
• Poor sperm motility or morphology

Many problems with sperm health are unexplained, but it is commonly believed that wearing tight-fitting underwear and excessive heat are contributing factors.

 

Poor Egg Heath

Female fertility depends on healthy eggs. One of the best ways to improve egg health is by eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, and healthy fats. However, there are many other factors which can affect egg health, including:

• Hormone imbalance
• Age
• Stress
• Lifestyle

 

Low AMH/High FSH

AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) are two hormones which can indicate egg health and ovarian reserve. Low AMH and high FSH are associated with a low ovarian reserve and reduced fertility.

It is still possible to get pregnant naturally, even if you have low AMH levels. Read our Low AMH Success Story to find out how.

 

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which uterine tissue begins to grow outside of the womb. This can lead to a number of symptoms including infertility. It is thought that endometriosis causes infertility by damaging the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Approximately 40% of endometriosis patients will experience some sort of fertility problems.

To learn more about endometriosis and fertility, check out our article Treating Endometriosis with Traditional Chinese Medicine

 

Blocked Fallopian Tubes

The fallopian tubes allow a fertilized egg to travel from the ovaries to the womb. If these tubes become blocked, this cannot happen, resulting in infertility. Some common causes of blocked fallopian tubes include:

• Scarring due to surgery or trauma
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Fibroids

Although it may be more difficult to get pregnant with blocked fallopian tubes, it is possible. Read our article How to Get Pregnant with Blocked Fallopian Tubes Naturally to learn more.

 

PCOS

PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is a common endocrine disorder. It is closely related to body weight, insulin resistance, and diabetes which can cause hormonal imbalances and infertility due to irregular ovulation.

To learn more, read our articles on PCOS and Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Remedy for PCOS.

 

Unexplained Infertility

For some couples, no biological reason for their infertility can be identified and they are given a diagnosis of ‘unexplained infertility.’ In many cases, unexplained infertility is linked with high stress or other lifestyle factors.

Unexplained fertility can be an extremely frustrating diagnosis and may affect as many as 1 in 5 couples. Here is how Chinese medicine can help.

 

Combined

In a few cases, a combination of male and female factors is involved in infertility. For these couples, both partners may require treatment in order to successfully conceive. Chinese medicine and acupuncture offer a natural solution to many male and female fertility issues.