The Complex Causes of Infertility
Experiencing infertility can evoke sadness and shame, but it’s not the result of any person’s shortcomings. It is a medical condition with multiple underlying causes, and in many cases solutions are available. One in seven couples in the US experiences infertility. This is defined by the inability to get pregnant after at least a year of frequent, unprotected sex. The last week of April is National Infertility Awareness Week, and it’s an opportune time to confront the misconceptions around infertility.
The causes of infertility are equally prevalent across males, females, and both partners. Each scenario contributes to one-third of the causes for infertility.
Amongst males, low sperm count, blockages that prevent proper sperm delivery, and abnormal sperm function are common causes of infertility. Genetic disorders and chronic disease also have an adverse impact on males’ fertility.
Although infertility is as common for men as it is for women, outdated views around masculinity and sexual performance often prohibit men from talking about their experience. Comedian Hasan Minhaj has opened up about his fertility challenges, the shame that came with it, and how he sought help. While he tells his story with humor, for many men male infertility is a tough condition to accept.
In previous interviews, we’ve touched on the common causes of female infertility. In our conversation with Adrianna Hopkins, we talked about fibroids and how they can impede a woman’s ability to conceive and/or carry a pregnancy to term. Molly Downing shared her health journey with blood sugar regulation and how it helped her uncover her diagnosis with PCOS, one of the top causes of female infertility. Other possible causes of female infertility include: endometriosis, thyroid malfunction, uterine structural issues, primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), and untreated STIs.
In some cases, infertility is caused by both partners (roughly one-third of the time) or there is no identifiable cause, which can be frustrating. If you and your partner are experiencing difficulty conceiving or infertility, it’s important that you consult the right medical professionals to help you determine your options for growing your family.
