Infertility in Men and Women

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance within the endocrine system that causes infertility in women. It’s estimated that 1 out of every 10 women experience PCOS.

Irregular Ovulation

Irregular ovulation occurs when a woman ovulates at inconsistent times or doesn’t ovulate at all during a menstrual cycle. For a healthy pregnancy to be achieved, the ovaries must release an egg that can be fertilized by sperm at a specific time.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus starts to grow in other places, like the ovaries, behind the uterus, or in the fallopian tubes causing blockages and preventing sperm and eggs to fertilize.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are sometimes seen as representative of other health concerns, but these growths are noncancerous in nature. On the other hand, the presence of uterine fibroids can influence the odds of getting pregnant or the success of maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Waiting to get pregnant

For many women, simply waiting to get pregnant is a huge contributor to infertility. According to specialists, age is a growing cause of fertility problems and about one-third of couples trying to conceive when the woman is over 35 have difficulties.

Oligospermia (Low Sperm Count)

Commonly referred to as having a low sperm count, oligospermia is the name used to represent a common male fertility issue. It’s estimated that a male should have an average sperm count above 15 million sperm per millilitre.

Varicocele

Within the testicles, there are many arteries and veins that help the reproductive glands function. Over time, a vein may start to develop abnormally, causing it to swell or enlarge. Once the abnormal growth takes place, it can disrupt the quantity, quality, and motility of sperm cells, which leads to infertility.

Change in sexual desire

A man’s fertility is also linked with his hormone health. Changes in virility, often governed by hormones, could indicate issues with fertility.

Pain or swelling in testicles

There are several different conditions that could lead to pain or swelling in the testicles, many of which could contribute to infertility.

Problems maintaining erection or issues with ejaculation

A man’s ability to maintain an erection is often linked to his hormone levels. Reduced hormones could potentially translate into trouble conceiving and similarly, an inability to ejaculate is a sign that it might be time to visit a doctor.

Small, firm testicles

The testes house a man’s sperm, so testicle health is paramount to male fertility. Small or firm testicles could indicate potential issues that should be explored by a medical practitioner.