Most men and women will agree that few things are as rewarding as becoming a parent. There are many reasons why they feel that way. Firstly, parenthood allows them to see the world through fresh eyes. As children experience things for the first time, parents get to share in that experience. Each time this happens, they find a new appreciation for the little things in life. Second, there is bonding that naturally occurs between parents and their children. Studies show that changing a baby’s diaper, cradling them, feeding them, and similar activities creates a strong bond between parents and their baby. Sadly, infertility keeps many men and women from realizing their dreams of becoming parents.
The Reality of Infertility in America
Many American men and women struggle with infertility. That is the conclusion drawn in several studies, including one from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. It revealed that approximately 9% of men and around 11% of women in the U.S. of reproductive age have experienced fertility problems. The study further found that one-third of fertility issues lie with women, and one-third either can’t be identified or are attributable to both men and women.
Common Causes of Infertility in Women
Several things can cause infertility in women, but some are more common than others. One of the most common is ovulation disorders, which can arise from the poor regulation of reproductive hormones by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or ovaries. According to the Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center in Rochester, Minnesota, the following are some of the ovulation disorders that cause infertility in women:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – Also known as PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome is a medical condition that triggers irregular menstruation and interferes with a woman’s ability to release an egg from her ovaries. Data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that between 5% and 10% of women aged 15 to 44 have PCOS.
- Endometriosis – Essentially, endometriosis is a condition that causes the endometrial tissue to grow outside of a woman’s uterus. When a woman develops endometriosis, it can prevent sperm from reaching the egg or a fertilized egg from reaching the uterus. In either case, endometriosis drastically lowers a woman’s chances of conceiving. According to Yale Medicine, around 5% to 10% of women who are of reproductive age have endometriosis.
Aging and Lifestyle: Additional Factors That Can Impact Ovulation
The older women get, the less likely they are to conceive. And this has a lot to do with their follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. As women age, their pituitary gland secretes above-average amounts of FSH, which creates an imbalance. That imbalance reduces the number and quality of their eggs, which, in turn, lowers their chances of becoming pregnant. Along with aging, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and being obese or overweight can also reduce the quality and quantity of a woman’s eggs.
Common Causes of Infertility in Men
Like in women, several things can contribute to infertility in men. But it mostly comes down to the quantity and health of their sperm. According to the Mayo Clinic, if a man produces fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter or less than 39 million sperm in total when they ejaculate, they are considered to have a low sperm count. The less sperm a man produces when he orgasms, the lower his chances are of getting a woman pregnant. When it comes to sperm health, the University of Miami Health System defines sperm with exceedingly short life spans, low motility, or a combination of the two as unhealthy. And this, too, can severely lower a man’s chances of impregnating a woman. Varicocele can adversely affect sperm quantity and sperm health. And it is the primary contributor when it comes to male infertility.
What Is Varicocele?
According to urologists, a varicocele is a condition that causes an abnormal dilation of the varicose veins that drain a man’s testicles. Over time, varicoceles can lead to a decline in not only sperm but also testosterone production. Studies show varicocele is a factor in over 40% of male infertility cases. As of the writing of this article, the exact cause of varicocele is unknown. However, the following can increase a man’s chances of developing the condition:
- Being obese or overweight
- Defective valves in the scrotum
- Genetics
- Lack of physical activity
- Prolonged standing or sitting
Hormonal Imbalances and Infertility:
What Is the Difference Between HCG and HGH? Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and human growth hormone (HGH) both play a critical role in allowing women to conceive. HCG is secreted by the placenta when a woman becomes pregnant. Also known as a pregnancy hormone, HCG thickens the uterine lining that supports a growing embryo. It also signals a woman’s body to stop menstruating once she becomes pregnant. When these processes do not happen, it can cause a decline in HCG levels. That decline increases the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, both of which can close the door to motherhood for a woman.
In men, low HGH can lead to infertility because of the role it plays in sperm production and sperm quality. For reference, HGH is a hormone secreted primarily by the pituitary gland. Normal, healthy HGH levels in men are between 0.4 and 10 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). As men age, HGH levels in their blood naturally start to decline. Available data shows that HGH levels in men decrease by roughly 15% annually after age 30. When HGH levels fall too low, it reduces the amount of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in the testes. That reduction negatively affects the development and maturation of sperm cells. Low HGH and low IGF-1 levels can also reduce the amount of sperm a man produces when he orgasms.
In summary, from hormonal imbalances to poor lifestyle choices, many things can cause men and women to struggle with infertility. Fortunately, there are medical treatments and lifestyle modifications that can help. Medical treatments can include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and treating underlying health conditions that might be interfering with conceiving. Lifestyle modifications can include losing weight, quitting smoking, exercising, and consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet. To determine the root cause of your struggles with infertility, consider scheduling a consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist in your area.
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