9 Causes of Infertility and Unrecognized Risk Factors, Here Are the Signs

Kapanlagi.com - Infertility can occur in both men and women with different signs or symptoms. Infertility causes can be marked by a number of symptoms that need to be recognized as early as possible. Because infertility is certainly a nightmare for every couple who is trying to have children.

For every married couple, having children is certainly their hope to complete the happiness of their household. However, some couples have problems having children with various causes, one of which is infertility.

Infertility occurs when a married couple actively engages in unprotected intercourse but cannot cause pregnancy. This is related to fertility problems in the reproductive organs that are often not realized.

Infertility in women usually occurs due to ovulation problems in eggs that cannot be fertilized by sperm. Meanwhile, in men, infertility occurs due to poor sperm quality or even the inability to produce sperm that can fertilize eggs.

The causes of infertility and its risks can occur due to various triggering factors, including underlying medical conditions. However, some risk factors for infertility often come from a lifestyle that triggers disorders in the reproductive organs. Therefore, knowing the causes of infertility and its risks needs to be recognized as early as possible.

The causes of infertility and its risks are explained below. The causes of infertility and its risks have been summarized by kapanlagi.com from various sources.

1. Age Factor

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The first cause of infertility is more risky for adults in older age range. As it is known, with increasing age, a person experiences a decline in bodily functions, including those related to reproductive organs. In women, fertility of the female reproductive organs decreases with age.

According to mayoclinic.org, fertility decline in women generally occurs in their mid-30s and further decreases above the age of 37 or entering menopause. In men, it usually occurs above the age of 40. However, infertility can be triggered by various other factors that require further examination.

2. Beware of Smoking Activities

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It is no secret that the substances in cigarettes derived from tobacco can affect the body's health condition. In this case, smoking is also a risk factor for infertility in both men and women. According to mayoclinic.org, smoking activities can affect the fertility of reproductive organs.

Even if smoking is done by pregnant women, they are vulnerable to miscarriage. In men, smoking can reduce the quality of sperm, making it difficult to fertilize eggs. That is why there are often a number of health warnings, including the negative impact on pregnant women, on every cigarette packaging.

3. Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Just like the negative effects of smoking, excessive alcohol consumption can also be a risk factor for infertility. In women, the impact of alcohol consumption often poses risks to pregnancy problems. The same goes for men, which triggers a decrease in the quantity and quality of sperm.

Therefore, for those of you who are planning to have a baby, it is best to avoid alcohol consumption to prevent fertility problems. However, consultation and examination with an obstetrician should be considered if the conception program does not yield results.

4. Weight

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The risk of infertility is more likely to occur in someone who is overweight or even too skinny. According to mayoclinic.org, excess weight in women can increase the risk of infertility. Meanwhile, in men, it affects the quality of sperm produced.

Similarly, if a woman has below-normal weight or is too skinny, she may also be at risk of fertility problems. You can consult and undergo examinations if you have problems with weight but want to have a baby with your partner.

5. Lack of Exercise

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Engaging in physical activity such as exercise offers many health benefits. For example, it is related to heart health, weight control, and maintaining muscle strength. Similarly, rarely exercising often leads to various negative effects on health, including reproductive fertility disorders. This is because infrequent exercise triggers weight gain, which also affects the risk of infertility.

However, excessive intense exercise also carries the potential risk of infertility. Therefore, balancing physical activity is necessary to avoid affecting health problems, including reproductive organs.

6. Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can also cause infertility in men and women. According to healthline.com, in women, certain types of medication can increase the risk of infertility, including cancer chemotherapy, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or antipsychotic drugs.

Meanwhile, in men, the use of medications such as chemotherapy for cancer, sulfasalazine, tricyclic antidepressants, or anabolic steroids can increase the risk of infertility in reproductive organs.

7. Medical History

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Certain medical histories can also potentially contribute to infertility issues. In women, some medical conditions that may affect reproductive fertility include pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or premature ovarian failure.

In men, medical histories that may cause infertility include hormonal imbalances, swelling of blood vessels in the testicular area, or retrograde ejaculation. Further consultation and examination can be done if experiencing a history of these health disorders.

8. Causes of Male Infertility in Particular

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The above points are common causes of infertility experienced by both men and women. Have you ever wondered what specifically causes male infertility? To find out, here is a discussion related to the causes of male infertility:

- Low sperm count: male infertility can occur due to low sperm count. Low sperm count can be caused by various factors, both genetic and certain health disorders that affect sperm quality production.

- Problems with sperm mobility: sperm mobility problems such as premature ejaculation can also cause infertility. This makes it difficult for sperm to reach the egg for fertilization. As a result, women will have difficulty getting pregnant if their male partner has sperm mobility issues.

- Sperm shape: poor quality or even abnormal sperm can also cause infertility. According to medicalnewstoday.com, sperm may have unusual shapes that make it difficult to reach the egg.

9. Causes of Female Infertility in Particular

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As for the causes of infertility in women specifically, it is important to know. The causes of infertility in women are as follows:

- Ovulation: problems with ovulation in women affect the release of eggs from the ovaries. This makes it difficult for the eggs to be fertilized or develop into a fetus.

- Cervical or uterine abnormalities: cervical abnormalities can also cause infertility in women. This increases the risk of infertility because the fertilized egg does not implant or attach to the uterus.

- Fallopian tube problems: infertility in women can also occur due to problems with the fallopian tubes. This causes reproductive fertility disorders caused by several factors such as sexually transmitted infections or other medical conditions.

10. Signs of Infertility

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As for the signs or characteristics of infertility that can be recognized as early as possible, it is necessary to know in order to obtain immediate treatment. Especially if you and your partner are planning a pregnancy program, of course, you need to know whether there is a risk of reproductive organ disorders. Here are the signs or characteristics of infertility that can be recognized:

- Age over 35 years in women and 40 years in men.

- Irregular menstrual cycle.

- History of miscarriage.

- Undergoing cancer treatment or chemotherapy.

- Having certain medical conditions that interfere with fertility.

- Obesity or being too thin.

- Low sperm production.

- Problems with the testicles, prostate, or sexually transmitted infections.

- Family history of fertility problems.

- Testicular pain or swelling.

- Problems with ejaculation.

Those are the 9 causes of infertility and their risks that need to be understood by every woman or man. Consultation and examination with a doctor can be done to overcome infertility that may be experienced.

(kpl/nlw)