One in eight couples in the United States experiences infertility- that’s 12% of people trying to conceive! And yet, it’s still not something that is talked about openly very often. Why is that? Perhaps because it can be such an emotionally charged and difficult topic to deal with. Or, maybe because people are just not sure where to turn for help.
If you are one of the 12% of couples struggling with infertility, you may be feeling a range of emotions from sadness to anger to frustration. You might also feel like you are all alone in this battle. But the good news is that you are not alone and there is help available.
There are many different factors that can contribute to infertility, and it can be difficult to determine the cause or causes. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common causes of infertility. We will also provide information about how to get help if you are struggling with infertility.
The most common cause of infertility is ovulation disorders. Ovulation disorders account for about 25% of all cases of infertility. Ovulation disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, weight gain or loss, and certain medications. If you are experiencing ovulation disorders, your doctor may recommend treatment with fertility drugs or surgery to correct the problem.
Another common cause of infertility is problems with the uterus or fallopian tubes. These problems can be caused by endometriosis, fibroids, scar tissue from previous surgeries, or blockages in the fallopian tubes. Treatment for these conditions may involve surgery, medication, or assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
These risk factors may also increase the risk of infertility:
- Age: Women over the age of 35 may have a more difficult time conceiving.
- Lifestyle choices: Smoking, drinking, and using drugs can all impact fertility.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can cause infertility.
- Radiation therapy or cancer treatments: These treatments can damage the reproductive organs and impact fertility.
- Eating disorders: Eating disorders can cause hormonal imbalances that can impact fertility.
- Stress: Stress can interfere with the hormones needed for ovulation
- Weight issues: Being overweight or underweight can impact fertility.
Finally, male factor infertility is a cause of infertility in about one-third of couples. Male factor infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or blockages in the reproductive tract. Treatment for male factor infertility may involve fertility drugs, surgery, or ART.
If you are struggling with infertility, it is important to seek help from a fertility specialist. A fertility specialist can help you determine the cause of your infertility and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Make an appointment at WomanCare to discuss infertility options. We have offices in Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Kildeer and Buffalo Grove.
