Infertility strikes both men and women.

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Biological Causes of Infertility in Males and Females

Infertility, the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected intercourse, affects both men and women and can stem from various biological factors. Here's a summary of the main biological causes in each gender:

Males:

• Sperm abnormalities: This includes low sperm count (oligospermia), poor sperm motility (reduced ability to swim), abnormal sperm morphology (shape), or complete absence of sperm (azoospermia). Causes can range from varicocele (enlarged veins in the testicles), hormonal imbalances, infections, genetic conditions, and environmental factors like exposure to toxins.

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• Erectile dysfunction: The inability to achieve or maintain an erection, hindering semen deposition during intercourse. This can be caused by psychological factors, nerve damage, vascular problems, or hormonal imbalances.
• Retrograde ejaculation: Semen enters the bladder instead of being ejaculated out, reducing the number of sperm available for fertilization. This can be caused by nerve damage, bladder surgery, or certain medications.
• Undescended testicles: If the testicles remain in the abdomen after birth, sperm production can be impaired.

Females:

• Ovulation disorders: Failure to release an egg (anovulation) or irregular ovulation can hinder conception. This can be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems, stress, or excessive exercise.
• Fallopian tube blockages: Scar tissue, adhesions, or inflammation can block the fallopian tubes, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. This can be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, previous surgeries, or congenital abnormalities.
• Uterine problems: Endometriosis, uterine fibroids, polyps, or abnormal uterine shape can impede implantation of the fertilized egg.
• Cervical issues: Mucus hostility or structural abnormalities in the cervix can hinder sperm from entering the uterus.

Additional factors:

• Age: Fertility naturally declines with age in both men and women.
• Lifestyle: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, obesity, and poor diet can negatively impact fertility in both genders.
• Genetic conditions: Certain genetic disorders can contribute to infertility in either partner.

Remember, this is just a summary, and the specific causes of infertility can vary greatly between individuals. Consulting a healthcare professional for diagnosis and personalized treatment options is crucial if you are experiencing fertility issues.