Exploring the causes of infertility is the first step of your fertility journeyExploring the causes of infertility is the first step of your fertility journey
Not actual patients.
Understanding the female reproductive system
At birth, a female has about 1 million eggs. Only 300,000 remain by the time she reaches puberty. Ovulation occurs when 1 of those eggs is released. Conception is possible from 6 days before ovulation up to the actual day of ovulation, but women are most fertile 2 days before they ovulate.
The menstrual cycle
The full menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days and has 4 phases: the follicular phase, ovulation, the luteal phase, and, if an egg isn’t fertilized, the menstrual phase. Hormones play an important role in regulating the menstrual cycle.
During the first part of your cycle, also called the follicular phase, your brain releases hormones that signal your ovaries to start growing and maturing eggs.
As the follicle grows, it makes increasing amounts of estrogen. When estrogen rises, it signals the brain to increase another hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). This hormone surge triggers the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation), typically around cycle day 14.
During the second half of your cycle (the luteal phase), the lining of your uterus builds up to prepare for a fertilized egg to implant and grow.
If the egg is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium) breaks down and sheds, resulting in your period (menstruation). The first day of your period marks the start of a new menstrual cycle. The follicular phase restarts at the same time.
Infertility is far from simple. Sometimes, it may take more than 6 months to conceive. You may want to consider a fertility consultation if:
You are younger than 35 years of age anddid not conceive after 1 year of trying
You are 35 years of age or older anddid not conceive after 6 months of trying
Common causes of infertility in women
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)
A condition (formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS) resulting from disruption in ovarian function, in which the ovaries produce higher than normal amounts of male hormones
Uterine fibroids
Noncancerous growths that can form within the uterus itself or in and around the uterine wall, potentially affecting the physical characteristics of the uterus
Endometriosis
Occurs when tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus is found in other places, like the fallopian tubes; can cause scarring and blockages
>10 MILLION WOMEN AFFECTED BY FERTILITY PROBLEMS
According to a CDC survey, 10.4 million women aged 15 to 49 faced fertility problems from 2015 to 2019
#1 CAUSE OF FERTILITY CHALLENGES
10%-13% of women globally areestimated to have PMOS
CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Common causes of infertility in men
- Sperm disorders affecting sperm motility and viability
- Infection, such as gonorrhea or HIV
- Injury from surgery or trauma, which may cause bodily changes or blockages
- Extended exposure to toxins, such as pesticides, herbicides, organic solvents, painting materials, lead, or heavy metals
- Hormone imbalances, such as disorders affecting the testicles themselves or the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, or adrenal glands
HIV, human immunodeficiency virus.
HIV, human immunodeficiency virus.
Regardless of a person’s sex, infertility can also be caused by lifestyle factors, such as:
Drug use
Alcohol use
Tobacco use
Body weight below or above average
Even if you aren’t ready to start a family yet, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Hormone levels change over the years, and those changes may affect fertility.
- Egg counts tend to decrease with age, which contributes to an overall decrease in fertility. Each woman is born with about 1 million eggs, which declines as the years go on. A woman’s overall fertility drops in her early 30s and more rapidly after age 37.
- Egg or embryo freezing may be an option for future family building. Learn more about these procedures here.
