Causes of Infertility
What diseases can lead to infertility? Which conditions in women might cause infertility? What about men? These questions are common for couples trying to conceive. Generally, issues with the reproductive system can cause infertility. According to available data, about one in six people may experience infertility at some point in their lives. If a couple can’t conceive after a year of trying, they should look into the reasons for their infertility. This article breaks down the diseases that can cause infertility in both men and women.
What diseases cause infertility in women?
Here are some of the conditions that can lead to infertility in women:
One of the most common causes is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). During each cycle, a woman’s ovaries produce follicles, and mature follicles release an egg. In women with PCOS, these follicles don’t mature, and small cysts form around the ovaries. This leads to irregular menstrual cycles due to the release of male hormones.
Another issue is hormonal imbalance. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, triggers the pituitary gland to release female hormones, promoting ovulation. As women age, hormonal balance can become disrupted, leading to irregular cycles and infertility.
In some women, blockages or scarring in the fallopian tubes may occur, preventing sperm from reaching the egg and causing infertility.
Uterine fibroids, which are benign tumors in the uterus, can also cause infertility by preventing the fertilized egg from implanting.
Endometriosis is another condition where the lining of the uterus grows outside the reproductive organs, often affecting the ovaries or fallopian tubes. This can damage these organs and hinder fertilization.
Uterine polyps, which are caused by an overgrowth of the uterine lining, can disrupt implantation and lead to infertility.
What diseases cause infertility in men?
Now let’s look at the conditions that can lead to infertility in men.
One common condition is varicocele, where the veins draining the testicles become swollen, affecting both the quality and quantity of sperm.
Testicular infections, like gonorrhea, can cause scarring along the sperm pathway, leading to infertility.
Conditions like diabetes and enlarged prostate can interfere with ejaculation and cause infertility.
In some men, undescended testicles (where the testicles don’t descend into the scrotum during fetal development) can result in infertility.
If there are defects in the tubes that carry sperm, men may also experience fertility issues.
Finally, psychological disorders can impact a man’s fertility, causing problems with erection and ejaculation, including premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction, both of which can lead to fertility struggles.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we covered the various diseases that can cause infertility in both men and women. Understanding these conditions can help individuals take the right steps toward treatment. The good news is that with modern medical advances, many of these conditions are treatable—especially if addressed early.