Common Causes for Infertility

At Idaho Fertility Center, we understand that infertility can be one of the most difficult experiences in a person’s life. The thought of losing one’s ability to have a baby can bring hopelessness and frustration to the strongest of people. Fortunately, practically all forms of infertility can be overcome. By learning the causes, our Reproductive Endocrinologists can identify the barrier and customize the treatment to achieve a successful pregnancy.

Female Factors
Accounting for about 40% of infertility, the main causes affecting a woman can be described best by her anatomy:

Egg factors, such as ovulation disorders and barriers related to age or the “biological clock.”

Pelvic factors, such as endometriosis and adhesions.

Tubal factors, such as blocked or obstructed fallopian tubes, and damaged tubes, like with hydrosalpinges.

Uterine factors like uterine malformations, fibroids, polyps, or scarring.

Cervical factors that hinder the passage of sperm.

Vaginal factors, including bacterial or recurrent yeast infections.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common cause of infertility in women, and yet it is one of the most treatable. In fact, for every cause of infertility, there is a highly effective treatment designed to overcome it.

Male Factors
Another 40% of infertility cases can be attributed to male factors. The barriers that limit a man’s ability to procreate usually involve factors affecting his sperm count. These are discussed under “male infertility.” Click here to learn more about Male Factor Infertility.

Unexplained Infertility
Accounting for 20% of infertility cases, this is defined as the inability to determine the cause of infertility through standard diagnostic tests, such as a semen analysis, hormone testing, and hysterosalpingogram (HSG). There is still a reason, however. It is just not as obvious. An example is when all the tests are normal, including the HSG, but the tubes do not function properly. A common underlying reason for tubal dysfunction is endometriosis. Unexplained infertility can be frustrating because there is no direct reason, but there is a proper algorithm or treatment plan that will overcome or determine the reason with time.

Recurrent pregnancy loss or miscarriages can be a heartbreaking cause of infertility. Thankfully, there is a diagnostic and treatment plan that effectively addresses the reasons leading to miscarriages. It is especially important to see a knowledgeable physician who is skilled at treating these losses in order to find success. Some of the greatest and most recent advances in our field deal with overcoming genetic causes for repeated miscarriages.

If you would like more information on common causes of infertility, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our Reproductive Endocrinologists in Idaho Falls, Idaho, please give us a call at 208-529-2019. We look forward to helping you on your journey to parenthood!