Causes of infertility

The causes of infertility may originate in the man (30%), in the woman (30%) or in both. In some cases, it may not be possible to explain the cause.

80% of female sterility cases are due mainly to these causes:

• Advanced age: from the age of 35 onwards reproductive potential drops, and after 40 years of age the possibility of pregnancy is less than 10%.
• Tubo-peritoneal Factor: when the Fallopian Tubes have any kind of lesion.
• Endometriosis: when uterine tissue is found outside the uterus.
• Other risk factors: myomas; sexually transmitted diseases; chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, thyroid disease, asthma or depression; taking medication such as antidepressants.

In terms of men, the main causes of male infertility are:

• Genital tract disorders which prevent semen from being deposited at the back of the vagina during coitus.
• Erection problems.
• Alterations in semen production (a decrease in the quantity and quality of semen).
• Abnormal location of the urinary meatus; very pronounced curvatures of the penis or a significant decrease in its size.
• Extreme obesity.