Vistahermosa Reproduction Unit informs you about the possible causes
The problems of conceiving a pregnancy are more common than you think. Although the difficulties increase over the years, there are different causes
that can have a negative impact. Whatever the reason, infertility can cause great sadness and even depression in the couple. However, there are several points to consider in order to avoid falling into despair.
The Medical director of Vistahermosa Reproduction Unit, José López Gálvez, explains that “although 30% of infertility can be of male origin due, fundamentally, to the low level of sperm production, there are different factors that prevent women from achieving pregnant”. The specialist explains the different causes below:
- Age influences men, but in women it is vital, since it reduces the quantity and quality of their ovules as they get older. The difficulties become more noticeable after 35 years. In this sense, Dr. López Gálvez advises women who will delay their motherhood for various reasons, both work and social or medical, to make a study of their ovarian reserve. Vistahermosa Reproduction Unit performs this study for free and advises you, so you can schedule your motherhood.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder defined as an ovulatory dysfunction caused by an excess of male hormones, and it affects approximately 10% of women, closely related to female infertility. Menstrual irregularity or the absence of ovulation make more complicated the fact of planning a pregnancy. The most important thing is to diagnose it to receive the most appropriate treatment.
- Endometriosis affects about 10% of young women and it is one of the main causes of infertility. Women who suffer from it can suffer from obstruction of the fallopian tubes, they can have a reduced reserve of oocytes, either in quantity or quality, even presenting alterations in the endometrium, the part where the embryos have to implant and grow. Assisted reproduction treatments are very effective in these cases.
- Hyperprolactinemia is another major cause of ovulation disorders in women and erectile dysfunction in men. High levels of the hormone prolactin in the blood can be the cause of infertility in a woman who is apparently healthy or even the cause of repeated miscarriages before week 12th. After diagnosis, it must be treated with the appropriate drugs.
- Stress and anxiety cause high levels of cortisol that affect the body, they produce an alteration in menstrual cycles that reduces the possibility of becoming pregnant.
- Weight is another cause to consider. A woman who is below the ideal weight can see her altered menstrual cycle and also her chances of conceiving. In the male the overweight can influence the quality of the sperm.
- Alcohol consumption is related to the decrease in fertility in both sexes, but in women the effect is more harmful because they have a faster gastrointestinal absorption and a slower metabolism.
- The habit of smoking can be the cause of an early menopause or irregular menstrual periods. Among smoker women, the chances of conceiving are reduced by 10 to 40% per cycle.
- The consumption of drugs has a negative impact on sexual and reproductive health causing the reduction of fertility in both sexes. In the male it affects the quality, counting and motility of the sperm; whereas in women it produces menstrual disorders, cycles without ovulation and spontaneous abortions.
- Unexplained infertility is diagnosed when all tests are normal, but a pregnancy has not been achieved in the first 12 months of starting to look for it. This type of infertility is caused by very subtle differences in the way the reproductive system works. Fortunately, there are many alternatives and the most notable is artificial insemination.
