What causes infertility?

The three major causes of infertility account for over 80% of cases diagnosed. They include ovulation problems, sperm problems, and fallopian tube problems, while 15% of couples have unexplained infertility which is defined as infertility without a specific reason.

Reasons for infertility are found after extensive infertility tests in about 85% of couples, about 1/3 in men only, 1/3 in women only, and 1/3 in both men and women or unexplained. Most of these tests can be completed within 4-6 weeks. After infertility testing, about 85% of couples will have one or more reasons for their infertility. When no cause is found, the diagnosis is "unexplained infertility".

Top causes of infertility 

1. Ovulation problems (anovulation): PCOS, egg quality, and female age issues (about 30% of all infertility). Read more about anovulation......
2. Tubal infertility: Adhesions, infections, and endometriosis (about 25% of infertility). Continue reading about tubal problems........
3. Sperm problems: Not enough, decreased motility and morphology (about 25% of infertility). Read more about male infertility.......
4. Unexplained infertility: When all the tests that were done are normal but you still can't get pregnant (about 15% of infertility). Read more about unexplained infertility......

Less common causes of infertility

• Infertility associated with immunological problems
• Uterine problems
• Previous tubal ligation surgery — tied tubes
• Previous vasectomy surgery

Treatment of female and male infertility

• Insemination - IUI
• In vitro fertilization - IVF
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection - ICSI
• Assisted hatching
• IVF with blastocyst transfer
• Donor sperm insemination
• Egg donation - IVF using donor eggs
• Laparoscopy for infertility
• Hysteroscopy for infertility
• Induction of ovulation for infertility
• Ovarian stimulation
• Tubal surgery for damaged or blocked fallopian tubes