For couples who have only been trying to conceive for a few months, there really is no cause for alarm.
Research shows that 95% of couples will conceive within 13 months of having unprotected sexual intercourse. So, there is no reason to push the panic button if you have only recently started trying to start a family.
However, about 10% of women every year in the United States have problems getting pregnant.
If you fall into this percentile, you are probably wondering about what causes infertility.
The first thing you should know is that the cause for infertility is evenly divided between the genders. 35% of infertility problems are caused by a female issue, and approximately 35% of infertility problems are a result of a male issue.
Here are some of the factors that can affect reproductive performance in men and women alike:
- Multiple sexual partners can increase risk of sexually transmitted diseases that affect fertility as well as pelvic inflammatory disease in women, and other sexually transmitted conditions that can damage the reproductive structures. Another risk is that having multiple sexual partners is believed to be a key factor in women who develop antibodies to sperm.
- Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are the leading cause of infertility. For example, Chlamydia and gonorrhea cause infertility in both men and women. HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, can damage the cervix and interfere with fertility. There are other STDs that can cause infertility, also.
- Previous pregnancies can affect fertility. If there were problems with delivery, or abortion, fertility may be compromised due to infection. Hemorrhaging, laceration, or uterine injury that requires hysterectomy can all cause infertility.
- Toxins have been proven to affect fertility in men and women alike. Lead, toxic fumes and substances, insecticides and pesticides have all been shown to contribute to infertility.
- Smoking and alcohol have both been proven to affect the sperm quantity and quality in men, and to cause lower conception rates in women.
- Many medications may affect fertility in both sexes. Antidepressants, tranquilizers and narcotics may be culprits in infertility, as well as many cancer treatments and medications.
As you can see, there are a lot of possibilities when it comes to looking for answers about what causes infertility. However, knowledge is power, and the more well informed you are about these things, the better off you will be!
Factors That May Affect Reproductive Performance Part 2
Factors That May Affect Reproductive Performance Part 1
Simple Ways to Prevent Infertility
Infertility Prevention for Women