Top Causes of Infertility

What causes infertility?

The three major causes of infertility account for over 80% of cases diagnosed. They include ovulation problems, sperm problems, and fallopian tube problems, while 15% of couples have unexplained infertility which is defined as infertility without a specific reason.

Reasons for infertility are found after extensive infertility tests in about 85% of couples, about 1/3 in men only, 1/3 in women only, and 1/3 in both men and women or unexplained. Most of these tests can be completed within 4-6 weeks. After infertility testing, about 85% of couples will have one or more reasons for their infertility. When no cause is found, the diagnosis is "unexplained infertility".

Top causes of infertility 

  1. Ovulation problems (anovulation): PCOS, egg quality, and female age issues (about 30% of all infertility). Read more about anovulation......
  2. Tubal infertility: Adhesions, infections, and endometriosis (about 25% of infertility). Continue reading about tubal problems........
  3. Sperm problems: Not enough, decreased motility and morphology (about 25% of infertility). Read more about male infertility.......
  4. Unexplained infertility: When all the tests that were done are normal but you still can't get pregnant (about 15% of infertility). Read more about unexplained infertility......

Less common causes of infertility

  • Infertility associated with immunological problems
  • Uterine problems
  • Previous tubal ligation surgery — tied tubes
  • Previous vasectomy surgery

Treatment of female and male infertility

  • Insemination - IUI
  • In vitro fertilization - IVF
  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection - ICSI
  • Assisted hatching
  • IVF with blastocyst transfer
  • Donor sperm insemination
  • Egg donation - IVF using donor eggs
  • Laparoscopy for infertility
  • Hysteroscopy for infertility
  • Induction of ovulation for infertility
  • Ovarian stimulation
  • Tubal surgery for damaged or blocked fallopian tubes

Read More:
Female Infertility Testing
Fertility Testing for Women and Men
Fertility Specialist Calculator