What Causes Infertility?
Are you experiencing some challenges in trying to conceive? Infertility can be a frustrating conundrum for would-be couples, especially since you often have no idea what is causing it. There is a lot of conventional wisdom bouncing around about the causes of infertility, and not all of it is true or useful. This can make finding a straight answer frustrating and can lead you to second-guess yourself a lot. This is something we hope to help you with.
So what causes infertility? Is it more common in women or in men? What can you do to deal with infertility? If you’re looking for answers, we’re happy to clear up a few misconceptions and share a few tips that will help you along your journey.
What Are Some Myths About Infertility?
Before we get into the causes of infertility, it may be helpful to dispel some widespread myths about the subject. The first and most damaging myth is that infertility is an exclusively female issue, which is simply untrue. Infertility is just as common in men as it is in women, and is caused by a complicated series of factors. If you’re experiencing trouble getting pregnant, both you and your partner should seek a fertility specialist.
Other notable myths includes:
- A woman cannot become pregnant after the age of 35: While age is certainly a factor in infertility, and women typically experience a notable decrease in fertility between the ages of 32 and 37, it is still possible for a woman to become pregnant after this point.
- Certain positions improve the chance of pregnancy: The most common form of this misconception is that a woman must spend some time lying prone after sex, plus other infertility myths. There is no difference in pregnancy rates between women who spend 15 minutes lying flat and women who do not. Take whatever position you’re comfortable with!
- Stress causes infertility: This one’s partially true, but not in the way that you might be thinking. Stress may impede your desire to get into bed, but there’s no causal link between stress and infertility itself. If you’re anxious about getting pregnant, don’t worry, this is normal and does not impede your chances.
- Birth control causes long-term sterility: If you used birth control when you were younger, you can rest assured that it hasn’t hurt your chances of pregnancy once you’ve stopped taking it.
These aren’t the only misconceptions about pregnancy floating around these days, just some of the most common. If you have concerns about infertility, don’t hesitate to talk to a doctor or other practitioner.
What Are the Causes of Infertility?
Having covered the myths of infertility, we can now move on to the root causes of infertility. There are many reasons why your body may be having fertility troubles, ranging from quirks in the body’s make-up and lifestyle choices to environmental factors. We’ll be taking both male and female health into account, as both are necessary in order to produce a pregnancy.
Before we get into causes unique to each gender, it’s worth noting that infertility has a lot of risk factors associated with both genders. These include:
- Tobacco or marijuana consumption
- Alcohol consumption
- Being over/underweight
- Age (yes, this applies to men as well)
- Lack of exercise
Other health issues, such as sexually-transmitted diseases and pre-existing conditions, can also contribute to infertility. In particular, certain treatments such as chemotherapy have a pronounced effect on fertility and, of course, some things are unique to men and to women.
What Causes Infertility in Females?
So, what are the factors that cause infertility in women, if not age, weight, or substance abuse? Well, many of the problems of female fertility have their roots in the delicate systems of the womb. Problems in the uterus, in the ovaries or the fallopian tubes connecting them, or even in the broader area of the pelvis can have a significant effect on your fertility.
For example, one thing that can have a negative effect on your chances of pregnancy is an imbalance in your hormones. Medical conditions affecting the various glands of your body, particularly the thyroid and adrenal glands, can muddle your chances of pregnancy much more than you’d expect.
What Causes Infertility in Males?
As with women, male infertility is frequently the result of a problem in the genitals and associated organs. The testicles, the source of sperm, are vulnerable and sensitive, and the penis itself is no less prone to complications. Infections, injuries and common wear-and-tear can all lead to male infertility, the external nature of the testicles making them open to damage in a way that female ovaries are not.
The most common barrier to fertility is simple; erectile dysfunction, or the inability to become sexually aroused. Erectile dysfunction is defined as a failure to achieve an erection up to 50% of the time. Suffering from erectile dysfunction is nothing to be ashamed of as there are many things that cause erectile dysfunction, ranging from side effects of certain medicines and diseases to simple stress.
If you’re unsure of what’s causing your infertility problems, ask your doctor or practitioner. It always helps to be aware of what’s going on in your body.
No Matter the Problem, Simple Cures is Here to Help!
If you’ve been frustrated by your infertility for a long time, it may be tempting to simply give up. It doesn’t have to be this way. Infertility can be demystified, made understandable, and it can be treated. As long as the needs of your body are being addressed, there’s always hope.
If you’re looking for natural remedies that work with your body, consider stopping by Simple Cures and booking a consultation! We take great pride in our experienced practitioners, who specialize in helping would-be mothers and fathers overcome their difficulties when it comes to infertility. We believe that the body is an integrated whole, one that needs to be properly balanced.
Don’t let your infertility angst get in the way of starting a family. Come to Simple Cures, and begin your journey towards parenthood. We wish you luck, and we hope to see you soon!