Infertility can be a difficult and often devastating experience for many couples. Unfortunately, it is a common issue that affects both men and women. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the five most common causes of infertility in women and men and what steps can be taken to improve fertility. From lifestyle changes to advanced medical treatments, we’ll look at the available options for resolving infertility. Keep reading to learn more about how you can take control of your reproductive health and give yourself the best chance of having a successful pregnancy.

1) Cause #1: PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility in women. It is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, acne, and weight gain. In PCOS, small follicles form in the ovaries, and they are not able to release mature eggs. As a result, ovulation does not occur and conception is impossible.
PCOS is caused by an imbalance of hormones, specifically too much luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone. This hormone imbalance can be caused by genetics, insulin resistance, or even lifestyle factors such as diet and stress.
Fortunately, there are many ways to treat PCOS and increase fertility. One of the most effective treatments is Metformin, a diabetes medication that helps balance hormone levels. Other medications such as Clomid or Femara can also help with ovulation. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management can help manage the symptoms of PCOS and improve fertility.

2) Cause #2: Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common cause of female infertility that affects up to 10 percent of women. It occurs when the tissue that typically lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus in places like the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other areas within the abdominal cavity. This tissue can form patches of endometrial-like tissue called lesions, which can interfere with the reproductive process.
Symptoms of endometriosis include severe menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and infertility. Diagnosis of endometriosis is done through physical exams and medical imaging like ultrasounds or MRIs.
Treatment for endometriosis usually involves medication to reduce the symptoms. Some common medications used are hormonal therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and GnRH agonists. For those who are trying to conceive, surgery may be necessary to remove the endometrial lesions and improve fertility. In some cases, in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be recommended if other treatments fail.
The key to managing endometriosis and improving fertility is early diagnosis. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

3) Cause #3: Fibroids

Fibroids are benign (noncancerous) growths in the uterus that can lead to infertility. Fibroids can affect a woman’s fertility in several ways, including disrupting implantation of the fertilized egg and blocking the passage of sperm. Additionally, fibroids may cause changes in the lining of the uterus which can reduce the chances of successful implantation.
There are several types of fibroids, and they can range in size from very small to very large. Depending on their location within the uterus, they can cause pain, heavy menstrual periods, or other menstrual problems. It’s important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor, as well as any family history of fibroids.
Treatment for fibroids is highly individualized and depends on the type and severity of fibroids. Some women may not require any treatment at all, while others may need medication, minimally-invasive surgical procedures, or more extensive surgery. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with fibroids, it’s important to talk to your doctor about treatment options to determine the best approach for you.
In some cases, fibroids can be corrected surgically, allowing for a more successful pregnancy. This is especially true for women with submucosal fibroids (fibroids that are located within the lining of the uterus). While not all women with fibroids need surgery, it is something that should be discussed with your doctor if you are trying to conceive and have been diagnosed with fibroids.

4) Cause #4: Poor Egg Quality

Poor egg quality is a common cause of infertility in women, particularly those over the age of 35. Egg quality is determined by both the number and quality of eggs that a woman has remaining in her ovaries. As a woman ages, the quantity and quality of her eggs decline significantly, making it more difficult for her to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.
There are a few factors that can lead to poor egg quality, including endocrine disorders, ovarian dysfunction, and genetic defects. Endocrine disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to a decrease in egg quality due to hormonal imbalances. Ovarian dysfunction, which is caused by aging, disease, or medications, can also affect the quality of a woman’s eggs. Lastly, certain genetic defects can cause poor egg quality due to mutations in the DNA structure of the egg cells.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for poor egg quality. However, there are treatments available that may help increase a woman’s chances of conception. Assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can help bypass some of the issues associated with poor egg quality. 
It is important for women experiencing infertility to talk to their doctor about possible causes of their infertility, including poor egg quality. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, women may be able to increase their chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby.

5) Cause #5: Male Factor Infertility

Male factor infertility is when a man’s reproductive system is unable to produce enough healthy sperm to fertilize a woman’s egg. Male infertility can be caused by various factors, such as hormonal imbalance, genetic problems, health issues, and lifestyle choices. Some of the most common causes of male infertility include low sperm count, poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm shape or size, varicocele (enlarged veins around the testicles), and undescended testicles.
Fortunately, there are several ways to improve male factor infertility. Medications such as clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins can be prescribed to help stimulate sperm production and improve sperm quality. Other treatments for male infertility include lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol, reducing stress, and eating a balanced diet. In addition, surgery may be an option if the cause of the infertility is related to a physical abnormality.
For men who are unable to produce enough sperm to cause pregnancy, assisted reproductive technologies such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be recommended. IUI involves the use of the couple’s own sperm to directly inject into the woman’s uterus. IVF involves the use the couple’s own sperm combined with the woman’s eggs in a laboratory setting to create embryos.
In summary, male factor infertility is a common cause of infertility that can have a variety of causes and treatments. If you are experiencing difficulty conceiving, it is important to speak with your doctor about possible causes of your infertility and potential solutions. With the right combination of treatments, you may be able to increase your chances of becoming a parent.