Possible Causes of Infertility and Treatments at Our North Houston IVF Clinic
Infertility, though most commonly associated with women, can also occur in men. In fact, it is estimated that 30-50% of couples experiencing infertility are doing so because of male infertility. However, this does not mean that either partner is to blame. In fact, when experiencing infertility, being united as a couple is crucial and the best way to surpass it. Here are some possible causes of infertility in couples.
Causes of Infertility in Men
Men may experience a low sperm count, which is considered less than 15 million. Poor sperm mobility is another cause of infertility, which means the sperm have a hard time getting to the egg. A third cause is abnormal sperm shape, as incorrectly shaped sperm also struggles to reach the egg. Abnormal semen, which is the fluid that helps transport the sperm to the egg, would also result in his sperm ineffectively reaching the egg.
Now, what causes abnormal sperm and semen? There are many possibilities, such as a medical condition, hormonal imbalance, disorders, and even genetic factors. For example, men should have an X chromosome and a Y chromosome, but in the case of Klinefelter’s Syndrome, which occurs in men with two X chromosomes and a Y chromosome, he will have low testosterone count and sperm count. In some cases, they may produce no sperm. Radiation therapy, anemia, diabetes, excessive consumption of alcohol, mental stress, and Cushing’s Syndrome may also cause male infertility.
Causes of Infertility in Women
Infertility in women is often caused by issues with ovulation, fallopian tubes, the uterus, or the cervix. If the uterus or fallopian tubes are facing some type of damage, then the egg will have a hard time traveling from the ovary to the uterus.
What can cause these problems, though? Much like with male infertility, there are plenty of possibilities. Some causes include premature ovarian failure and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which may cause ovulation to not occur at all. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, anemia, thyroid problems, eating disorders, and mental stress may also cause female infertility. Yet another common cause of infertility is endometriosis, a condition in which cells that are supposed to be in the lining of the uterus grow somewhere else.
Treatments for Infertility at our North Houston Fertility Clinic
The many different causes of infertility may seem worrisome, but the good news is that there are plenty of treatments and alternatives for both men and women. At HART Fertility in The Woodlands and Kingwood, we offer IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization), but our fertility specialists also offer IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), and more to help couples conceive and give birth to a healthy baby. If you would like to learn more about fertility treatments, then please request an appointment with our fertility doctors at our Kingwood fertility clinic or our fertility clinic in The Woodlands. First, we will have you undergo fertility testing so that our doctors get a better understanding of what’s causing your infertility. This also helps us determine if you would best benefit from IVF or other treatments.
