What are the causes of infertility

Home > Diseases & Conditions > Pregnancy > What are the causes of infertility
It is estimated that one in six couples face difficulties in conceiving. If you've had unprotected sex for more than 12 months (or, if you're over 35, six months) and are still not pregnant, you may begin to wonder if you are infertile.If you decide to seek medical help, the best thing to do is see your GP. Many infertility problems can be pinpointed and the vast majority treated.
Infertility is a couple's problem, and is commonly due to some contribution from both the male and female partners. Approximately 40% of the time, the male contributes a significant part of the fertility problem. At the Advanced Fertility Institute we investigate both male and female causes of infertility in a comprehensive manner.The chart below outlines the most common causes, typical treatments and the percentages of couples who go on to become pregnant. Percentages are variable since multiple problems can exist in a couple. Read more about infertility treatments in our treatment chart.
Most infertility results from physical problems in a man or woman's reproductive system.

About 35 percent of all cases of infertility arise from problems in the man's system.
About 35 percent arise from abnormalities in the woman's system.
About 20 percent of the time, the man and woman both have fertility problems.
In 10 percent of cases, no cause can be found.
Age often increases the risk of infertility.


Infertility can be caused by poor sexual or lifestyle habits that are easily remedied. For example, the couple may be using a sexual lubricant that interferes with the survival of the man's sperm. Or, they may not be having sex often enough. Other easily treated illnesses or lifestyle habits that may contribute to infertility are:
Heavy use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
Starvation diets or anorexia in the woman.
Tight underwear or pants in the man, which raises the crotch temperature and reduces sperm count.
Stress. In a woman, this may cause her periods to be irregular. In a man, stress may reduce his sperm count.


Most of these problems can be resolved with medical treatment or lifestyle changes, such as wearing boxer shorts, avoiding a sexual lubricant, or trying some simple stress reduction methods such as physical exercise or relaxation techniques.
Changing the timing of sex and the couple's sexual techniques may also increase the chance of pregnancy. Sometimes the semen from the man fails to reach the woman's cervix. Placing a pillow under the woman's hips after intercourse may help prevent spillage of semen. Pregnancy Test Accuracy:When Can I Take a Pregnancy Test?

What is the best (most sensitive) pregnancy test

What is the Best Pregnancy Test?

What are the reasons male infertility

What are the reasons female infertility

What are the Reasons for Infertility?

female reproductive diagram,female reproductive pictures