7 Common Infertility-Related Risk Factors

According to the reports of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technology (ICMART), “infertility” is a couple’s failure in pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse and pregnancy attempts.

Infertility affects millions of people worldwide, and its underlying causes and implications can vary considerably depending on various factors such as geography and socioeconomic status. According to statistics, between 60 and 80 million couples worldwide are affected by infertility.

The number of couples impacted by infertility increased from 42 million in 1990 to 48 million in 2010. Ten to 13% of couples worldwide suffer from infertility, half of which the man is infertile. Statistics show that in 35%-40% of cases, the man is sterile, and the woman is barren in 20%-30% of cases.

There are many causes of infertility, including problems with ovulation, damage to the fallopian tubes or uterus, endometriosis, or male factor infertility. The following are seven common infertility-related risk factors;

1. Age

Age is a significant risk factor for infertility. A woman’s chances of conceiving after age 35 are half those of a woman in her 20s, and by age 40, chances of conceiving drop to 5%. The decline in fertility results from a decrease in the number and quality of eggs as a woman ages. The rate of egg cell division decreases, and the chromosomes become more fragmented. As a result, older women are more likely to miscarry or have a baby with genetic abnormalities. In addition, pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia increase with age.

2. Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases can have a significant impact on fertility. For example, a multiple automatic system called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects fertility in women and men. In addition, the genital tract in men and women may be affected by cytotoxic treatment due to the disease’s activity. Fertility disorder can result from complications that prevent successful fertilization and hence lead to infertility, cause problems in maintaining pregnancy after implantation, avoid the effective implantation in the uterine wall, and complications during childbirth.

In addition, the testicular function can be affected by varicocele, a pathological enlargement of the pampiniform venous plexus in the scrotum, leading to infertility. However, the pathophysiological procedure that causes varicocele infertility still needs to be fully understood.

3. Environmental Factors

Studies have shown that exposure to certain environmental toxins can increase the risk of infertility. For example, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) are common industrial chemicals linked to reduced fertility in men and women. PCBs can be found in various products, from electrical equipment to paint, while DBPs are used as a plasticizer in many everyday household items. Other environmental risk factors for infertility include exposure to lead, mercury, and pesticides. While it may not be possible to eliminate exposure to these toxins, reducing exposure by using more natural products and eating organic foods can help to reduce the risk of infertility.

4. Endocrine System Disorders

The endocrine system regulates many of the body’s critical functions, including the production of hormones. Hormones are responsible for regulating things like metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Endocrine system disorders can occur when there is an imbalance of hormones in the body. This can lead to a wide range of problems, including infertility. Endocrine disorders are a common cause of infertility, accounting for up to 30% of all cases.

Treatment for endocrine-related infertility usually involves medication or surgery to correct the hormonal imbalance. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and birth control are two common treatments that can impact fertility. HRT involves taking synthetic hormones to replace the body’s natural hormones. Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones that prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. HRT and birth control treatments are adopted by many couples to treat infertility.

5. Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant cause of infertility worldwide. While many STIs can be cured with antibiotics, some – such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis – can cause permanent damage to the reproductive system.

In women, STIs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. This condition causes scarring of the fallopian tubes and makes it difficult for eggs to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. In men, STIs can cause scarring of the sperm ducts, resulting in a low sperm count or poor motility.

6. Genetic

According to Dr. Mary Ellen Picard, a reproductive endocrinologist at Emory University, genetic defects are responsible for about 30% of all infertility cases. Certain genetic conditions can make it difficult to conceive, carry a pregnancy to term, or both. For example, individuals with Turner syndrome are usually infertile because they lack vital reproductive organs. Individuals with fragile X syndrome may also have fertility issues due to problems with hormone production. While most people with Down syndrome can conceive, they often have difficulty carrying a pregnancy to term.

Sometimes, these defects are passed down from one generation to the next. However, they can also occur spontaneously, without any family history. Risk factors for genetic infertility include:

• Advanced age.
• Exposure to certain chemicals or radiation.
• Having a history of miscarriage or premature birth.

7. Prescription Medicine

Certain fertility medications can increase the risk of infertility. For example, clomiphene citrate (Clomid) is a common fertility drug that helps to stimulate ovulation. However, it can also cause damaged eggs and abnormal uterine lining, making it more difficult to conceive. Furthermore, gonadotropins are another medication that may be used to treat infertility. These drugs work by stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. However, they can also increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a condition that can lead to serious health complications and even death.

How is infertility diagnosed

A doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and physical examination to diagnose infertility. They may also order various tests, such as blood tests or ultrasounds. More invasive procedures, such as laparoscopy, may be necessary in some cases. Infertility treatment can vary depending on the cause but may include medication or surgery. Some couples also opt for assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization. Ultimately, there are many options available to couples struggling with infertility, and a doctor can help create a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

Conclusion

Female infertility may occur in the form of uterine abnormalities, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, or lack of ovulation. Reducing the production of motile and normal sperm is used to determine the male infertility factor morphologically. Genetic abnormalities, congenital genital abnormalities and infections, and hormonal imbalances are common reasons for infertility in men and women. Exposure to environmental chemicals has been studied as an infertility modifier.

In general, women should have enough knowledge of safe exercise and properly train during pregnancy and childbirth. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular checkups, and average weight should avoid infertility problems. Are you a couple struggling with infertility complications? Fill the form below to schedule a consultation and have your needs addressed.