Learning about infertility causes is the first step on the path to parenthood
Struggling to conceive can be frustrating and discouraging, but there is hope. Andrew Levi MD has extensive experience diagnosing infertility causes and developing effective treatment plans. Our Connecticut fertility doctor believes it’s important for you to understand the different roadblocks to conception. As a result, he has created an overview of the causes of male and female infertility.
Reviewing the causes of female infertility
Dr. Levi believes each patient is unique, so he honors your family-building goals and your fertility journey as he helps you welcome a baby. As part of this process, he performs comprehensive testing to diagnose infertility causes in women. The following list displays some of the most common causes.
Age-related infertility occurs because the quality and quantity of a woman’s eggs decline over time. As such, it becomes more difficult for a woman to conceive as she reaches her mid-30s and 40s. Trying to conceive later in life can also increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
Ovulatory disorders cause infertility in about 25% of couples who are struggling to welcome a baby. These common disorders include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian failure.
Endometriosis is a condition that causes uterine tissue to implant and grow outside the uterus. This can result in scarring and affect the uterine lining, making it more difficult for an embryo to implant.
Tubal infertility occurs when a woman’s fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked due to illness or past surgeries. This situation can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or keep the fertilized egg from making its way to the uterus.
Uterine abnormalities, including polyps and birth defects, affect the shape of the uterus. As a result, a woman can face implantation failure or miscarriage.
In some cases, testing doesn’t reveal a cause of infertility. Thankfully, most patients with unexplained infertility can still conceive with help from treatment.
Exploring the causes of male infertility
Many people don’t realize that male infertility is just as common as female fertility issues. However, one-third of infertility cases are male factor, and another third are a combination of male and female issues.
Our Connecticut fertility doctor, often with help from a local urologist, can help treat the following infertility causes in men.
Sperm disorders are among the most common male causes. These issues can include infections, undescended testicles and inherited genetic conditions.
Anatomical issues can include an obstruction that prevents sperm from moving from the testicles to the penis and erectile dysfunction. Varicoceles are another common anatomical problem that can affect sperm quality and testicular temperature.
Hormonal imbalances can affect sperm production and sexual urges. One of the most common causes is low testosterone, which is also known as Low T.
Lifestyle choices can also lead to male infertility. Everything from cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol use, to unmanaged stress and spending too much time in a hot tub, can cause conception issues.
Additionally, men can also experience age-related changes in fertility. While it is often not as pronounced as it is in women, men can see a decline in fertility. This can include decreased sperm quality and semen volume.
The next step after identifying infertility causes
After our Connecticut fertility doctor gives you a diagnosis, he will work to design a customized treatment plan. Your plan will vary depending on your diagnosis. For example, you may only need fertility medications if you have an ovulatory disorder, while patients with age-related infertility may require in vitro fertilization (IVF) and/or donor eggs.
Before moving forward with any course of treatment, Dr. Levi will discuss your options with you so that you can make an informed choice about your care. His goal is for you to feel empowered on your family-building journey.
Contact us if you have more questions about infertility causes and how we can help you overcome them to welcome a baby.