What can cause infertility?

What can cause infertility?

Historically, it has been very common to look to the female when it came to problems with fertility, but we’ve come a long way since then.

Believe it all not, when looking at the statistics, approximately a third of all infertility cases are due to a problem with the male, while about a third can be attributed to the female, and a final third remains unexplained.

The most common causes of male infertility are abnormal sperm production or function, issues relating to the delivery of the sperm, damage from cancer treatment or overexposure to environmental factors such as smoking, pesticides etc. Sometimes genetic factors can come into play such as chromosomal abnormalities and deletions, while some men may have undescended testicles which simply means that the testicle hasn’t moved to its correct position in the scrotum, a factor that will affect sperm quality and quantity.

Female infertility can be due to ovulation disorders, hormone imbalances, thyroid gland problems, damage of the fallopian tubes that will impact fertilisation, physiological issues with the uterus or cervix, endometriosis, fibroids, or lowered egg reserve which can be due to premature menopause or simply age.

Ultimately, when looking at achieving a healthy pregnancy, it all comes down to the quality and not the quantity of what’s produced.

When looking at why you may have trouble conceiving, it’s important to consider the health of both the male and female. It takes both a sperm and an egg to create a healthy baby and both are just as important as the other, which is why Fertility First will always look at both sides.

For more information on how to make an appointment or discuss the first steps, contact our clinic on (02) 9586 3311 or email the clinic to start your fertility journey.

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FAQs about improving natural fertility

Will stress affect my ability to get pregnant?

Yes, chronic stress can impact fertility by disrupting hormonal balance and ovulation patterns. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices may help optimise your chances of conception. Consider speaking with a counsellor if stress feels overwhelming.

How does my partner's health affect our fertility?

Sperm health accounts for about 40% of conception challenges. Your partner can improve sperm health by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive heat exposure (hot tubs, saunas, tight clothing), limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, managing stress, and taking a multivitamin with antioxidants. Sperm takes about 3 months to develop, so lifestyle changes need time to show results.

When during my cycle am I most fertile?

Your fertile window typically spans 5-6 days, ending on ovulation day. For a regular 28-day cycle, this usually falls between days 10-15, with peak fertility 1-2 days before ovulation. Track your cycle using ovulation predictor kits, basal body temperature, or cervical mucus changes to identify your unique pattern. Having intercourse every 1-2 days during this window optimises your chances.