Infertility can be overwhelming and stressful for couples trying to conceive. There are many causes of infertility, and the issue may stem from the man, woman, or both. Here’s a list of a few common causes and how it affects your ability to get pregnant.

Common Causes of Infertility in Men & Women

1. Hormonal Imbalance

Men may exhibit a hormonal balance by producing lower quality sperm or decreased sperm counts. For women, hormones can disrupt the menstrual cycle, complicating the release of an egg or making it difficult for the egg to adhere to the uterine wall after fertilization.

2. Structural Complications

In women, structural complications can manifest as cysts and polyps or scarring. For men, this may mean blockage to the testicle or a narrow urethra which restricts ejaculation. In both sexes, illness due to sexually transmitted infections can adversely affect the structural integrity of the reproductive system, causing infertility.

3. Lifestyle & Health

Lifestyle choices, such as smoking, drinking, and over-exercising, have been shown to decrease fertility in men and women. Other factors to your physical and mental health, like stress, depression, and being over or underweight, can diminish sperm and egg quality.

4. Medications & Treatments

It may be difficult to conceive if someone is going through medical treatments or received radiation for cancer. Radiation reduces sperm count and quality of sperm and eggs. Additionally, certain medications can cause temporary infertility.

If you or your partner are experiencing infertility, contact the compassionate team at IVF Hawaii in Honolulu. These professionals understand how frustrating infertility can be and will work closely with you to create a custom treatment plan. They offer in-vitro fertilization and IUI treatments to couples who are trying to conceive, and they have the highest success rate in the state. Call (808) 538-6655 to schedule an appointment, or read patient testimonials online.