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Information about Infertility

How is infertility defined?

Strictly speaking, infertility is the inability of a couple to become pregnant after two years of regular unprotected intercourse. In the UK, infertility affects about one in six couples, which is approximately 3.5 million people.

What causes infertility?

• Male factor - 29.7%
• Female factor - 28.5%
• Multiple male and female factors - 10.3%
• Unexplained - 23.9%
• Other factors - 4.7%

1. Abnormal semen such as low sperm count, reduced sperm motility or sperm that are abnormally shaped.
2. Testicular damage due to testicular: infection; cancer; surgery; undescended testicles or other testicle birth defects; injury; or a lump in the testicles.
3. Absence of sperm in the semen.
4. Ejaculation problems.
5. Abnormally low levels of testosterone (hypogonadism). Testosterone is the male sex hormone responsible for producing sperm.
6. Pharmaceutical drugs such as Viagra, sulfasalazine (anti-inflammatory), chemotherapy, and anabolic steroids.

1. Ovulation disorders due to: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); premature ovary failure; thyroid disorders; cancer; and AIDS.
2. Damage to or problems with the uterus or fallopian tubes as a result of: pelvic and cervical surgery; cervical mucus defect; non-cancerous tumours (sub-mucosal fibroids); endometriosis; and pelvic inflammatory disease.
3. Pharmaceutical drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), chemotherapy, and antipsychotic drugs.
4. After the age of about 35, a woman's fertility decreases significantly.

1. Being significantly overweight or underweight.
2. Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia.
3. Smoking.
4. Exposure to some pollutants such as pesticides, flame retardants and some household chemicals has been linked to lowered fertility.
5. Excess stress.

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