What Is Infertility And What Causes It In Men And Women?

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What is Infertility and What Causes It in Men and Women?

At Lakshmi Fertility Centre, we know how confusing and frustrating infertility can be. If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for over a year without success, you might be dealing with infertility. But don’t worry—you're not alone. In this article, we’ll explain what infertility is and some of the most common reasons why it happens, for both men and women.

What is Infertility?
Infertility means being unable to get pregnant even though you’ve been trying for at least a year. It can affect both men and women, and there are many reasons for it. The good news is that there are treatments available, and knowing the cause can help you find the right one.

Causes of Infertility in Women
Infertility in women is often linked to problems with ovulation (releasing eggs) or issues with the reproductive system. Let’s break down the most common causes.
1. Problems with Ovulation
If a woman isn’t ovulating, it means she’s not releasing eggs regularly, and no egg means no chance of pregnancy. Ovulation ...
... problems are one of the top reasons women have trouble getting pregnant.
Some common causes of ovulation problems are:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This is a common condition where hormone levels get out of balance, which affects how often you ovulate.
- Stress or Weight Changes: Extreme stress, rapid weight loss, or excessive exercise can mess with your body’s ability to release eggs.
- Early Menopause: Some women experience menopause much earlier than expected, making it hard to conceive.
2. Endometriosis
Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it. This can cause pain and sometimes block your fallopian tubes, making it hard for the egg and sperm to meet.
3. Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Fallopian tubes are like highways that the egg travels on to get from the ovary to the uterus. If these tubes are blocked, it can stop the sperm from reaching the egg or keep the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. These blockages can happen due to infections or previous surgeries.
4. Issues with the Uterus or Cervix
Sometimes, problems with the uterus or cervix can stop a pregnancy from happening. Fibroids (non-cancerous growths) or abnormalities in the uterus can make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant and grow.

Causes of Infertility in Men
Men can also have fertility problems, and the most common issues relate to sperm—whether it's not enough sperm, sperm that doesn’t move well, or no sperm at all. Let’s go over the main causes.
1. Low Sperm Count
A low sperm count means there aren’t enough sperm in the semen, making it harder for one of them to reach and fertilize the egg. This is one of the most common reasons for male infertility.
2. Poor Sperm Movement or Shape
Even if a man has enough sperm, they might not swim properly or might have an unusual shape, which makes it harder for them to reach and fertilize the egg.
3. Blockages
Just like women can have blocked fallopian tubes, men can have blockages in their reproductive system that prevent sperm from being released. This can happen because of infections, injuries, or surgeries.
4. Testicular Varicocele
A varicocele is when veins inside the scrotum get larger, which can reduce sperm production. This condition is treatable and is one of the more common, fixable causes of male infertility.
Unexplained Infertility
Sometimes, doctors can’t find any clear reason why a couple is having trouble getting pregnant. This is called unexplained infertility, and it affects about 1 in 5 couples. Even if the exact cause isn’t known, there are still treatments that can help.
Age and Fertility
Age plays a huge role in fertility for both men and women. Women’s fertility starts to decline around age 35, and men’s sperm quality also starts to drop after age 40. So, the older you are, the harder it can be to get pregnant.
Lifestyle and Fertility
Certain lifestyle choices can affect fertility for both men and women. Here are a few things that can make it harder to conceive:
- Being Overweight or Underweight: Weight can affect hormone levels and ovulation in women and sperm production in men.
- Smoking: Smoking is bad for fertility. It damages eggs and lowers sperm count.
- Excessive Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can also reduce fertility in both men and women.
- Stress: High stress levels can mess with your body’s natural fertility cycle.

Conclusion: We’re Here to Help at Lakshmi Fertility Centre
If you’re struggling with infertility, don’t lose hope. There are many reasons why you might be having trouble getting pregnant, and there are many solutions. At Lakshmi Fertility Centre, our team of experts is ready to help you figure out what’s going on and guide you through the next steps on your journey to becoming parents.