Infertility

Infertility is the word used to designate any disease or disorder which disrupts the body's basic ability to reproduce. Infertility may be related to the ability to produce sperm, eggs, the health of the fallopian tubes, the health of the sperm, the health of the egg or the ability of the egg to become implanted in the uterus.

Causes in Women

There are many different factors which may contribute to a woman's infertility. The following are some common disorders which may affect a woman's reproductive health.

Anatomical problems can prevent the meeting of the sperm and the egg. Examples of anatomical problems include a blockage of the fallopian tubes or the presence of scar tissue in the pelvic regions, usually a result of surgery or injury.

Ovulatory dysfunctions are problems with the release of hormones which make possible the development, maturation and release of normal, healthy eggs.

Endometriosis is a disorder in which the uterine tissue develops outside, rather than inside, the uterus. In the case of endometriosis, the tissue grows inside the pelvis or on other reproductive organs. During each menstrual cycle the tissue responds normally but, due to its misplacement, the bleeding can lead to the formation of scar tissue which can block reproductive processes. If impregnated, the development of the fetus outside of the uterus can be dangerous to both mother and child.

Treatment

Treatment is possible for many of the potential causes of infertility. Fertility specialists may be able to treat your specific infertility case with hormones, surgery or a combination of treatments. Radical solutions such as in-vitro fertilization are expensive, but possible. Often, infertility is temporary and can be overcome with time.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) involves adhesions and scar tissue development on and between the internal organ. This disease is caused by bacteria like gonorrhea and chlamydia. PID can affect the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. PID can be very painful and can lead to an ectopic pregnancy in which the fertilized egg becomes implanted outside of the uterus.

Immune system problems can also lead to infertility. An abnormal response by the woman's antibodies or immune system can lead to a rejection of the pregnancy. There is also the possibility of the development of antisperm antibodies which attack and destroy sperm within the woman's body.

Causes in Men

A generally low production of sperm or the absence of sperm production in a man means a lowered chance of fertilization.
Abnormal sperm function, or unhealthy sperm which lack the ability to move properly or to penetrate the egg, can also decrease the chances of fertilization. Sperm quality and function can be negatively affected by the use of drugs, alcohol and by the conditions present in the testicle area. Extreme heat or constriction around the testicles can lower sperm production.

Vericocele is a disorder in which varicose veins develop around the testes thus affecting the production of sperm. This disorder is reversible with medical treatment.

Hormonal disorders in which the improper amounts and/or types of hormones are released into the system can affect the healthy production of sperm. Immunological disorders can lead to the production antisperm antibodies which attack and destroy sperm.

Treatment

Infertility is often temporary, and can be cured by a simple change in lifestyle. Often, the body resists pregnancy during ill health. A healthy diet, regular exercise and abstention from drugs and alcohol can increase fertility. Other types of infertility can be treated by specialists with hormones, surgery or a combination of treatments. Drastic solutions such as in-vitro fertilization are costly, but possible. There are a number of options for the infertile couple and more possibilities exist with each passing day.